Chapter 3

This chapter explains the role ethos plays in creating an argument. The main part of ethos, in my opinion, is to establish your credibility. I think this is very important so the reader trusts that the writer has built a reliable argument. Two other main things this chapter discussed were motives and authority. Both of these things, in my eyes, help to establish a writers credibility. If a writer reveals that his motives for writing an article were in bad taste, that is, meant to harm or defame some person or entity, a reader will pick up on that and realize that the writer might not be the most credible. Another thing that can make or break credibility is establishing yourself as an authority. If you sound knowledgeable and trustworthy on the topic, your audience will likely find you to be a credible author. In the end, establishing credibility can make or break your argument so it is imperative that a writer understands how ethos enhances an argument.