Best Use of Logos in Supporting a Claim

Question:

Which statement best uses logos to support this claim?

A) A student survey revealed that fifty percent of students expressed an interest in recreational sports.

B) Every student needs a way to feel like an important part of a high school community.

C) Kennedy High students would enjoy spending time with their friends in an active setting.

D) Students from other nearby high schools have suggested that club sports are popular

Answer Description:

When evaluating statements to determine which best uses logos to support a claim, it’s important to understand that logos is a rhetorical appeal to logic and reason. Statements that employ logos are grounded in factual evidence, statistics, or logical reasoning to persuade an audience.

Analysis of Each Statement:

1. “A student survey revealed that fifty percent of students expressed an interest in recreational sports.”
   • This statement best uses logos because it provides a specific statistic from a survey. The use of a percentage (fifty percent) as evidence gives the claim logical support based on actual data, which helps in constructing a strong argument grounded in factual evidence.
2. “Every student needs a way to feel like an important part of a high school community.”
   • This statement appeals more to pathos, or emotional appeal, rather than logos. It focuses on the emotional need for inclusion and feeling important rather than providing logical, data-driven support.
3. “Kennedy High students would enjoy spending time with their friends in an active setting.”
   • This statement uses pathos as well, as it appeals to the desire for social interaction and enjoyment, rather than providing factual evidence or logical reasoning.
4. “Students from other nearby high schools have suggested that club sports are popular.”
   • This statement could be seen as an appeal to ethos or logos, depending on the context, but it lacks specific data or direct evidence. It is based on suggestions or opinions rather than concrete evidence or logical proof.

Correct Answer:

• “A student survey revealed that fifty percent of students expressed an interest in recreational sports.”

This statement best employs logos by providing a specific, measurable piece of evidence that logically supports the claim about student interest in sports.