Pathos is a rhetorical device that is used by writers to appeal to their readers’ emotions and engage them on an emotional level It is one of the three classical appeals, alongside logos and ethos. Pathos is an effective and powerful tool of persuasion, as it helps the writer to get the reader to think and feel in the same way the writer does and to draw them into the message being conveyed.
When writing about a controversial topic, pathos can help the writer to engage their readers on an emotional level and get them to sympathize with their arguments. By conveying how passionate the writer is about their viewpoint, the reader is more likely to be moved by the message being communicated.
The following are five examples of interesting essay topics that incorporate pathos:
1. The Harmful Effects of Bullying: Bullying is an issue that affects many students all over the world, and is often a cause of depression and even suicide. This topic can be approached from an emotional angle to emphasize the devastating effects that bullying can have on its victims.
2. Gender Inequality in the Workplace: Despite the strides that have been made in terms of gender equality, there are still instances of inequality in the workplace. Describing the stories of those affected by this imbalance, and the effects of their experience, will help the reader sympathize with their plight.
3. Racial Discrimination in Modern Society: Racism is still a pervasive problem in today’s society, and exploring this issue from an emotional perspective will help the reader understand the injustice of it all.
4. The Impact of Social Media on Mental Health: Social media can be both beneficial and detrimental to mental health, and this topic can be explored in a way that emphasizes the emotional toll that it can have on those affected.
5. The Consequences of Climate Change: Discussing the effects of climate change on the world’s ecosystems, while emphasizing the human impact of the issue, will help to engage the reader on an emotional level.