Question

“When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.”
These lines from the Declaration of Independence are an example of the use of _______________.

A) Logos
B) Pathos
C) Purpose
D)Thesis

Answer 1

Answer:

A) Logos

Explanation:

In this passage, the author employs logos. Logos is a rhetorical device that refers to the use of logic and arguments. In these lines, the author outlines his reasons for writing the Declaration of Independence. These reasons include the fact that a basic level of respect for English people lead Americans to explain their separation. This is a logical argument that justifies the existence of the document.

Answer 2

It's not quite logos, not yet. It will be when the reasons for the separation start pouring out. There are quite a number of them.

It's not pathos either. Pathos is an emotional appeal. None of the men making the Declaration were making the appeal on the grounds that they had any emotional reason for demanding their independence.

By a very very narrow margin, I would say this is a purpose rather than a thesis. A thesis outlines what will come in the paragraphs to follow. A purpose tells us what we are about to find out and why this separation is about to take place.

It's a very narrow choice. I would choose C, but I'd never be surprised to learn that your marker believes it is D.