Which appeal is primarily directed at evoking an emotional response?

The correct choice emphasizes pathos as the appeal that primarily seeks to evoke an emotional response from the audience. Pathos is a rhetorical device that taps into the audience's feelings, creating an emotional connection. This can be achieved through storytelling, vivid imagery, or passionate language, all aiming to persuade by stirring feelings of sympathy, anger, joy, or other emotions.

In persuasive writing or speech, engaging the audience's emotions can be a powerful tool, as it often leads individuals to resonate more deeply with the message being communicated. By fostering an emotional reaction, the communicator can effectively enhance the persuasiveness of their argument or position, making pathos a fundamental aspect of effective rhetoric.