Forms of appeal

Susan Hughes’ article “My seven-year-old son the boxer” is dominated by ethos (appeal to trust and authority) and logos (appeal to logic). However, we also find some examples of pathos (appeal to emotions).

Logos and ethos

Logos and ethos are connected throughout the article. Susan Hughes uses logos whenever she makes logical connections between ideas or when she mentions facts that support them. For example, she explains that she initially expected Oisín’s interest in boxing to quickly fade because sudden, short-term passion for various things is common to six-year-olds (ll. 19-23).

Hughes becomes worried because she realises that Oisín could get hurt boxing (ll. 58-61). At the same time, she feared she was a hypocrite. To explain her feelings, she states: “For like Oisín, boxing once ruled my world” (ll. 65-66), and continues to describe her vast experience as a reporter at boxing events. Here, the writer creates both logos and ethos. Her experience in the boxing world establishes her authority on the topic. Moreover, it gives readers the sense that it is logical to be worried as she has witnessed enough fights to know that injuries are a part of boxing.

Hughes also creates ethos by showing that others share her c...