When a teacher says, "Surely, after this much time has passed, you can learn to master this mundane skill," this is an example of which appeal?

This statement exemplifies the appeal to ridicule, as it uses sarcasm to belittle the effort or ability of the students. By characterizing the skill as "mundane" and suggesting that after a significant amount of time, it should be easily mastered, the teacher implies that any struggle to attain proficiency is not just unnecessary but somewhat foolish. This approach serves to diminish the students’ competence and creates an environment where they may feel mocked for their challenges, rather than supported in their learning process. The effectiveness of this appeal lies in its emotional impact, aiming to induce a sense of embarrassment or inadequacy, rather than providing constructive encouragement or genuine motivation to improve.