What is the primary function of rhetorical appeals in writing?

The primary function of rhetorical appeals in writing is to persuade the audience. Rhetorical appeals, which include ethos (appeal to credibility), pathos (appeal to emotion), and logos (appeal to logic), are designed to influence the audience's attitudes, beliefs, and actions. By engaging these elements, writers can craft arguments that resonate more effectively with their audience, encouraging them to accept a particular viewpoint or take a specific action. This persuasive nature is what distinguishes rhetorical appeals from other functions of writing, such as merely entertaining or informing, which do not primarily aim to change the audience's perspective or behavior.