Ethos (Rhetoric)

Ethos appeals to the writer's character. Ethos is used to convey the writer's credibility and authority. When evaluating a piece of writing, the reader must know if the writer is qualified to comment on this issue. The writer can communicate their authority by using credible sources; choosing appropriate language; demonstrating that they have fairly examined the issue (by considering the counterargument); introducing their own professional, academic or authorial credentials; introducing their own personal experience with the issue; and using correct grammar and syntax.

Ethos can also be thought of as the role of the writer in the argument, and how credible his/her argument is.