Aristotle's triad
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can identify and use Aristotle's triad in writing.
Key learning points
- Aristotle was an influential ancient Greek philosopher who lived between 384 BCE to 322 BCE.
- Aristotle wrote about politics, rhetoric and logic.
- Aristotle’s triad consists of logos, ethos and pathos.
- Logos is the appeal to reason; ethos is the appeal to authority and credibility and pathos is the appeal to emotion.
- Aristotle’s triad is very important when planning persuasive writing.
Keywords
Influential - having the power to change people or things
Rhetoric - speech or writing intended to be effective and influence people
Logic - the use of reason, or the science of using reason
Expertise - a high level of knowledge or skill
Credible - able to be believed or trusted
Common misconception
Students often don't value their own knowledge or experiences when aiming to persuade.
Encourage students to use examples that they are familiar with.
Teacher tip
For topics in learning cycle 3, add suggestions that are relevant to your own school community or neighbourhood.
Equipment
You will need a copy of the extract from a speech given by the respected character of Old Major in George Orwell’s novel ‘Animal Farm’. It is in the additional materials.
Content guidance
Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which of the following is not a synonym for "taking a stand"?
Q2.Which of the following is the best definition of a speech?
Q3.Which two of the following are synonyms for emotions?
Q4.Which two of the following are negative feelings?
Q5.Which is the best definition of emotive language?
Q6.If we persuade someone successfully, we have __________ them to do or believe something.
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Who was Aristotle?
Q2.What is a triad?
Q3.Match the words on the left with the correct definitions.
appeals to logic and reason
appeals to ethics, credibility or trustworthiness
appeals to emotions or feelings.
Q4.Aristotle’s triad is very important when planning writing.
Q5.Which of the following is the best example of logos?
Q6.Which of the following uses ethos?
To help you plan your 8 English lesson on: Aristotle's triad, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 8 English lesson on: Aristotle's triad, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 3 English lessons from the Taking a stand unit, dive into the full secondary English curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.