Which rhetorical device is described as an appeal to emotion that may distract from weakness of argument?

• A. Ethos
• B. Pathos
• C. Logos
• D. Kairos

Answer: (B)

Pathos is the rhetorical device that appeals to the audience’s emotions—pity, fear, anger, joy—to persuade. This approach can work, but it may distract from weaknesses in the argument because strong feelings can override careful evaluation of evidence and reasoning. For example, a speaker might show heart-wrenching images to make you donate or agree with a position, even if the argument lacks solid data or logical support. Ethos focuses on credibility, logos on logic and evidence, and kairos on timing or the right moment to speak, but none of those lean on emotion in the same way. So the described device is pathos.