Two Writing Techniques Used in "Don't Blame Fat"

When reading the article "Don't Blame Fat," I noticed a variety of writing techniques that the author used.  One of them was logos.  Logos is a persuasive technique that has to do with reason and evidence.  This article used factual evidence to support the statement that eating too much fat is not the reason for bad health, particularly heart health.  One example of the evidence used by the author was when they stated that when Americans were told to cut fat out of their diets, it didn't work, and the nutritional experiment was a failure.  After they tell the reader this, they back it up by saying that Americans have gotten even more sick.  1 in 10 Americans had Type 2 diabetes 32 years after the experiment.  Also, the author refers to many studies, doctors, and groups to provide evidence, such as Dr. Ancel Keys, who was one of the first major influences on America to eat less fat.  In my current writing piece, I can use logos to help persuade my readers to adopt my definition of the word "quality."  By putting in quotes and giving plenty of good examples, I can add more logos to my writing.  In my writing in general, I can also do this, when it's appropriate, and even try to find statistics.

A second technique that the author of "Don't Blame Fat" uses is ethos.  Ethos, another persuasive technique, is the credibility of a writer. Ethos has to do with the trustworthiness and morals of a writer.  The author used ethos by writing in a way that didn't sound pompous or like they were a know-it-all.  The author has an honest voice, and backs up any claims made.  The author explains things to readers in a respectful way.  For instance, in the beginning, instead of saying that Americans were dumb for thinking that by avoiding fat they would be healthy, the author said that Americans were just "doing what they were told."  They also seem to be very knowledgeable in this subject, and therefore, use ethos effectively.  In both my current writing and my writing in general, I can use ethos by making sure I stay respectful to my readers and don't sound arrogant.  I can sound credible by using evidence and being straight-forward.