Kobe Daniel

AP Lang

3/20/2024

Brackett

Understanding Appeals

Activity One: Determining Context for Evaluating an Argument

Questions Answer Evidence from the text
What is the writer's/speaker's To have the audience "Don't think of the animal
purpose? What does he/she consider adopting a rescued shelter as a thrift store for
hopes to accomplish? pet rather than buying a dogs, think of it as a meeting
purebred dog. place where quality dogs are
waiting to find quality owners
so dog and human can both
live happily ever after!"
Who is the audience? Dog lovers, potential dog Various mentions of "fellow
owners, people considering dog lovers" and appealing to
getting a dog. those interested in pet
ownership.
What assumptions about the The audience values the Assumptions are made that
audience does the companionship and love of the audience cares about dogs
writer/speaker make? dogs. They are open to and their welfare, and that
considering adoption rather they are open to the idea of
than buying from a breeder. adoption.
What authority does the The writer presents personal The writer presents stories of
writer/speaker have that anecdotes, appeals to rescued dogs saving lives and
makes him/her credible? emotion, and refers to references statistics from the
statistics from reputable ASPCA to support their
organizations like the claims.
ASPCA.
What claims does the Adopting a rescue dog saves Claims include the benefits of
writer/speaker make? lives, reduces the opportunityadopting rescue dogs, the
for puppy farms to operate, negative consequences of
and provides loving homes puppy farms, and the
for dogs in need. satisfaction of providing a
loving home for a dog in
need.
What issues are addressed or Addressed: The importance The ad focuses on promoting
ignored? of adoption, the consequences adoption and discouraging
of buying from breeders, the buying from breeders, but it
benefits of adopting older doesn't delve into the
 dogs. Ignored: Specific practical aspects or potential
details about the process of challenges of adopting a
adoption, potential challenges rescue dog.
of adopting a rescue dog.

Activity Two: Answering the "Short Answer" Question

What is the writer's/speaker's purpose? What does he/she hope to accomplish?

Answer: Instead of purchasing a purebred dog, the advertisement's author encourages viewers to
think about adopting a pet from a rescue. He makes this very obvious in his words, "Don't think
of the animal shelter as a thrift store for dogs, think of it as a meeting place where quality dogs
are waiting to find quality owners so dogs and humans can both live happily ever after!"

Activity Three: Classifying and Evaluating the Use of Appeals

Quotation Type of Appeal How does the appeal

strengthen the argument?
"There is nothing in this Emotional (love) Most people who have ever
world that will ever love you had a dog believe that this is
more unconditionally than a true. The desire for
dog." unconditional love exists in
almost everyone.
"Rescuing a dog from a dire Emotional (compassion) Evokes empathy and
situation that all too often compassion by highlighting
leads to death." the dire situations rescue dogs
face, compelling readers to
consider adoption out of a
sense of duty and care.
"Don't pay hundreds of Logical (fact) Appeals to reason by pointing
dollars to a breeder." out the financial advantage of
adopting from a shelter over
buying from a breeder, thus
influencing potential adopters
to consider the economic
aspect of their decision.
"Full grown dogs require less Logical (assertion based on a Presents a practical argument
training time than puppies." logical assumption) based on the assumption that
older dogs are typically
already trained, requiring less
effort and time from the
adopter, thus appealing to the
reader's sense of convenience
 and practicality.
"Dear Fellow Dog Lover" Ethical Establishes credibility and
trust by appealing to shared
values and experiences,
fostering a sense of
camaraderie between the
writer and the audience,
which strengthens the
persuasive impact of the
argument.

The writer could further establish credibility by including endorsements or testimonials from
reputable animal welfare organizations or experts in the field.
The ad is still effective because it appeals to the audience's emotions, presents logical arguments,
and establishes credibility through shared values.

The emotional appeal seems to be used most often, as the ad emphasizes the love and
compassion associated with adopting rescue dogs.

The speaker might have chosen emotional appeal as the strongest because it resonates deeply
with potential adopters, tapping into their empathy and desire to make a positive impact on the
lives of animals in need.