What emotional appeal uses language to evoke feelings of sadness or sympathy?

The correct answer is pathos, which is a rhetorical appeal that specifically aims to evoke an emotional response from the audience. It often uses vivid language, imagery, and storytelling to connect with the feelings, hopes, fears, and experiences of individuals, generating emotions such as sadness or sympathy. This emotional engagement is particularly effective in persuasive writing and speeches because it can motivate an audience to respond or take action based on their feelings.

In contrast, logos refers to logical reasoning and the use of facts, statistics, and evidence to support arguments. Ethos pertains to the credibility and ethical appeal of the speaker or writer, focusing on their authority and trustworthiness. How-To texts are practical writings that provide instructions or guidance, typically lacking emotional engagement. Therefore, pathos stands out as the most relevant choice for the emotional connection through language that fosters sadness or sympathy.