Rhetorical “Escape Room” Challenge – The Haunted House Mystery

IT'S SCARY HOW IMPORTANT RHETORICAL APPEALS ARE

The Haunted house Mystery Escape room

START

Introduction

A local haunted house attraction is facing a major problem: strange things have been happening during tours—objects moving, eerie sounds, and unexplained chills. Some say it’s real ghosts, while others believe it’s just clever marketing. The haunted house owner has hired you to investigate whether the attraction is truly haunted or just a publicity stunt gone wrong. To solve the case, they’ll need to work through several rhetorical puzzles. The quicker they solve the mystery, the sooner you can escape the haunted house!

Explore the house

Inventory

01

The following slogan on a flyer advertising this haunted house is an example of which rhetorical appeal: “Created by world-famous paranormal investigators, this is the most authentic haunted house you’ll ever experience!”

Logos

Ethos

Pathos

02

The following slogan on a flyer advertising this haunted house is an example of which rhetorical appeal: “Dare to enter...if you’re brave enough! Many who enter never make it past the first room!”

Logos

Ethos

Pathos

03

The following slogan on a flyer advertising this haunted house is an example of which rhetorical appeal: “Statistically, haunted attractions with a good storyline draw 50% more visitors!”

Logos

Ethos

Pathos

04

The following slogan on a flyer advertising this haunted house is an example of which rhetorical appeals: "Our haunted house has been featured in ‘Scare Weekly,’ and thousands of visitors say it's the most terrifying experience of their lives!"

Ethos & Logos

Logos & Pathos

Ethos & Pathos

This is not correct...

Find the key to continue

Continue exploring the house

Inventory

01

In a testimonal video advertising that the house is truly haunted, an actor states, "I've worked here for five years, and I've seen things I can't explain." This testimonial uses....

Logos

Ethos

Pathos

Ethos & Logos

02

In a testimonal video advertising that the house is truly haunted, a guest states, “When I stepped into that room, I felt something cold and sinister—like something was watching me!” This testimonial uses....

Logos

Ethos

Pathos

Ethos & Pathos

03

In a testimonal video advertising that the house is NOT haunted, the owner states, “There are no reports or evidence of anything paranormal in this area. It’s just a well-made Halloween attraction.” This testimonial uses....

Logos

Ethos

Pathos

Logos & Pathos

04

In a testimonal video advertising that the house is truly haunted, a visitor states, “I used to think haunted houses were all fake, but after experiencing this one, I’m not so sure anymore. The way I felt when I was in the basement—it wasn’t normal. Even the staff said they avoid that area after dark.” This testimonial uses....

Ethos & Pathos

Ethos & Logos

Pathos & Logos

Ethos

You found a secret message

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Remember these notes and play them on the piano in the correct order

01

02

...Keep playing

03

...One more

Start over...

You found a new item for your inventory

Continue exploring the house

Inventory

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Use the magnifying glass to search for the code and then insert it into the typewriter

224

Enter the secret code

Code

01

Which of the following is a convincing pathos statement to prove the house is actually haunted?

“If you don’t believe in ghosts, you won’t survive the night!”

“Many visitors have reported feeling a chilling presence as they enter the house.”

“Ghosts can’t hurt you if you stay calm.”

02

Which of the following is an effective ethos statement to convince people to visit the haunted house?

“The haunted house has been voted the best attraction in town for three years running.”

“If you think it’s just a marketing gimmick, you’re wrong!”

“Everyone knows this place is full of fake ghosts.”

03

Which of the following is a logical logos statement supporting the claim that the house is not haunted?

“The owner claims it’s just an elaborate Halloween setup, and they’re right.”

“No credible ghost sightings have been reported in the last decade.”

“Everyone says it’s haunted because they want to believe in ghosts.”

A briefcase has appeared...

It's locked...look in the inventory for something to open it

Congratulations

You have uncovered the truth! The clues reveal that the "haunting" was part of a new, immersive marketing tactic designed to drum up excitement for the Halloween season. The house isn’t truly haunted, but the clever use of persuasion and fear tactics convinced many that it was real.

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