The appeal to pathos in rhetoric is a type of argument that seeks to evoke an emotional reaction from the audience. It is often used to try and persuade someone to take a particular stance on an issue, by appealing to their feelings rather than their reasoning. The goal is to create an emotional response that leads to a desired outcome.

When it comes to smoking, the best example of an appeal to pathos can be seen in the following statement:

“Smoking harms not only the smoker, but their family, their friends, and those who are exposed to secondhand smoke.”

This statement appeals to the emotions of guilt and responsibility that many feel when confronted with the reality of the effects of smoking. In this way, the statement is trying to persuade people to stop smoking or not begin in the first place, as it implies that their choice to smoke directly affects those around them.

It is also important to note that this statement avoids the use of facts and figures, as these would often have less of an emotional impact on the audience. Instead, it focuses solely on the potential emotional response of guilt and responsibility, which is much more effective in convincing someone to take action.

Overall, the best example of an appeal to pathos in regard to smoking is the statement:

“Smoking harms not only the smoker, but their family, their friends, and those who are exposed to secondhand smoke.”

It conveys the message to the audience that smoking is not only bad for the smoker, but also bad for those around them, leading to an emotional response that is more effective in persuading them to take action.