Top Writing Academy™ © Premise Conclusion Ethos Pathos Logos Inductive Deductive Valid Sound Propaganda Evaluating Arguments
Top Writing Academy™ © 2015 Arguments are constructed with 2 basic elements Conclusion Premise 1. Premises: The evidence or reasons provided to support a logical conclusion 2. Conclusion: the claim or truth that is trying to be proven, confirmed or verified. ***Premises are the “pillars” used to lift up or support the desired conclusion*** The strength of an argument is dependent on the strength of the premises. If the premises crumble, the conclusion will fall. Pool of evidence Premise
Top Writing Academy™ © 2015 Distinguishing between Premises and Conclusions Conclusions: typically direct statements taking a stance on an issue. Premises: series of facts or reasoning that logically supports and builds toward the conclusion Some Premise Indicator WordsSome Conclusion Indicator Words Because Since Given that For On the grounds that This follows from Therefore Thus Hence So Consequently This shows that
Top Writing Academy™ © 2015 Argument Structure: Inductive and Deductive Reasoning Deductive Reasoning Moves from general premises to an absolute, specific conclusion. General Premise If one smokes then they are endangering their health. Minor Premise John is a smoker Conclusion (Specific) Therefore John is endangering his health THIS CONCLUSION IS ABSOLUTE Inductive Reasoning Provides numerous specific observed facts to draw a probable general conclusion Observed Pattern Three generations of the Smith family have rushed for a sorority. General Conclusion/Theory So we can assume that Mr. Smith’s daughter will rush for a sorority as well. THIS CONCLUSION IS VERY PROBABLE
Top Writing Academy™ © 2015 Evaluating the Validity and Soundness of Arguments 2 Key Considerations How credible is the claim itself? -Does the claim conflict with your own observations or commonly accepted principles? How credible is the source of the claim? -Does the source have real knowledge about the issue in question? Relevant factors: Education, expertise, accomplishments, and reputation -Is there reason to doubt the source’s honesty, objectivity, or accuracy?
Top Writing Academy™ © 2015 Evaluating the Validity and Soundness of Arguments PREMISES BASED ON OPINION: Opinions or value judgements cannot be proven or disproven. These can still should be evaluated as reasonable or unreasonable according to their relative strengths or weaknesses.
Top Writing Academy™ © 2015 Ethos: An appeal to character or credibility. Either speaker's personal ethics and expertise or utilizing an external expert/ professional. Ethos: An appeal to character or credibility. Either speaker's personal ethics and expertise or utilizing an external expert/ professional. Pathos: An appeal to emotion. Typically creating sympathy and empathy for a cause or negative emotions towards the opposition. Pathos: An appeal to emotion. Typically creating sympathy and empathy for a cause or negative emotions towards the opposition. Logos: An appeal to logic. Organizing facts and evidence to build toward a logical conclusion. Possibly Inductive or Deductive. Logos: An appeal to logic. Organizing facts and evidence to build toward a logical conclusion. Possibly Inductive or Deductive. Rhetorical Appeals
Top Writing Academy™ © 2015 Employing Rhetorical Appeals In persuasion, rhetorical appeals are like a Christmas Tree. ETHOS: The foundation or trunk that holds everything together. Without the trust and respect of your audience, your argument will fall to pieces. TONE: Set a tone that connects with the personality and values of your audience EXPERTISE: Refer to your own background or credentials or refer to credible, reliable experts in the field for evidence. ETHOS: The foundation or trunk that holds everything together. Without the trust and respect of your audience, your argument will fall to pieces. TONE: Set a tone that connects with the personality and values of your audience EXPERTISE: Refer to your own background or credentials or refer to credible, reliable experts in the field for evidence. PATHOS: The ornaments that attract the most attention. People are emotional and make many decisions based on what is attractive and emotionally appealing. CONNOTATION: Use strong diction, imagery, and figurative language to develop mood/tone. HYPOTHETICAL SITUATION: Put the reader into the situation to create empathy/sympathy. ANECDOTES: Tell personal or general anecdotes to draw in the audience. PATHOS: The ornaments that attract the most attention. People are emotional and make many decisions based on what is attractive and emotionally appealing. CONNOTATION: Use strong diction, imagery, and figurative language to develop mood/tone. HYPOTHETICAL SITUATION: Put the reader into the situation to create empathy/sympathy. ANECDOTES: Tell personal or general anecdotes to draw in the audience. LOGOS: The branches that support your claim. Your logic needs to be strong to hold up your argument. Faulty reasoning will bend and break. EVIDENCE: Must be reliable, sufficient and related to your claim to appeal to the audience. INDUCTIVE: Provides numerous observed specifics to draw a probable conclusion. DEDUCTIVE: Moves from general premises to form a specific, absolute conclusion LOGOS: The branches that support your claim. Your logic needs to be strong to hold up your argument. Faulty reasoning will bend and break. EVIDENCE: Must be reliable, sufficient and related to your claim to appeal to the audience. INDUCTIVE: Provides numerous observed specifics to draw a probable conclusion. DEDUCTIVE: Moves from general premises to form a specific, absolute conclusion
Top Writing Academy™ © 2015 ArgumentPrimary Appeal "As a doctor, I am qualified to tell you that this course of treatment will likely generate the best results." "The data is perfectly clear: this investment has consistently turned a profit year-over-year, even in spite of market declines in other areas." "A qualified veterinarian says that an Australian shepherd will be the perfect match for our active lifestyle." "There’s no price that can be placed on peace of mind. Our advanced security systems will protect the well- being of your family so that you can sleep soundly at night." "If his years as a Marine taught him anything, it’s that caution is the best policy in this sort of situation."
Top Writing Academy™ © 2015 ArgumentPrimary Appeal "As a doctor, I am qualified to tell you that this course of treatment will likely generate the best results." Ethos "The data is perfectly clear: this investment has consistently turned a profit year-over-year, even in spite of market declines in other areas." Logos "A qualified veterinarian says that an Australian shepherd will be the perfect match for our active lifestyle." Ethos "There’s no price that can be placed on peace of mind. Our advanced security systems will protect the well- being of your family so that you can sleep soundly at night." Pathos "If his years as a Marine taught him anything, it’s that caution is the best policy in this sort of situation." Ethos
Top Writing Academy™ © 2015 ArgumentPrimary Appeal "They’ve worked against everything we’ve worked so hard to build, and they don’t care who gets hurt in the process. Make no mistake, they’re the enemy, and they won’t stop until we’re all destroyed." "It’s a matter of common sense that people deserve to be treated equally. The Constitution calls it ‘self-evident.’ Why, then, should I have been denied a seat because of my race?" "More than one hundred peer-reviewed studies have been conducted over the past decade, and none of them suggests that this is an effective treatment for hair loss." "Don’t be the last person on the block to have their lawn treated – you don’t want to be the laughing stock of your community!"
Top Writing Academy™ © 2015 ArgumentPrimary Appeal "They’ve worked against everything we’ve worked so hard to build, and they don’t care who gets hurt in the process. Make no mistake, they’re the enemy, and they won’t stop until we’re all destroyed." Pathos "It’s a matter of common sense that people deserve to be treated equally. The Constitution calls it ‘self-evident.’ Why, then, should I have been denied a seat because of my race?" Logos "More than one hundred peer-reviewed studies have been conducted over the past decade, and none of them suggests that this is an effective treatment for hair loss." Logos "Don’t be the last person on the block to have their lawn treated – you don’t want to be the laughing stock of your community!" Pathos
Top Writing Academy™ © 2015 ArgumentPrimary Appeal "Our expertise in roofing contracting is evidenced not only by our 100 years in the business and our staff of qualified technicians, but in the decades of satisfied customers who have come to expect nothing but the best." "Better men than us have fought and died to preserve this great nation. Now is our turn to return the favor. Do not be afraid, but push forward for God and country, gentlemen!"
Top Writing Academy™ © 2015 ArgumentPrimary Appeal "Our expertise in roofing contracting is evidenced not only by our 100 years in the business and our staff of qualified technicians, but in the decades of satisfied customers who have come to expect nothing but the best." Ethos "Better men than us have fought and died to preserve this great nation. Now is our turn to return the favor. Do not be afraid, but push forward for God and country, gentlemen!" Pathos
Top Writing Academy™ © 2015 ArgumentPersuasionPropaganda Remains objective, using facts and evidence to prove or reveal a truth. Both subjective and objective, combining facts and evidence with emotional appeals to influence the audience to embrace their opinion. Completely subjective and biased, often distorting evidence or manipulating emotions to influence the audience.
Top Writing Academy™ © 2015 Argument Characteristics Propaganda Characteristics Based on factual proven facts and premises versusBased on distorted facts or made up evidence Uses objective credible sources for evidence versusUses extremely biased sources for evidence Evidence is thorough and sufficient versusEvidence is taken out of context and incomplete Based on rational, logical thought versusMimics logic and twists rational thought Uses a objective and non-emotional tone versusEmotional tone that exploits insecurities/desires Uses direct and clear language versusCapitalizes on the ambiguities of language
Top Writing Academy™ © 2015 Argument, Persuasion, Propaganda Exercise Identify if the thesis statements below are Argument, Persuasion, or Propaganda in nature and content. THESIS: West Ranch High School is the highest academic performing school in the Hart District revealed by the CAHSEE results, SAT scores, and GPA. _________________________ THESIS: One Direction is a better band than the Beatles because they are cuter, better dancers, and started at a younger age. _________________________ THESIS: Alex Rodriguez is guilty of using steroids proven by doctor's records, professional testimonies, and forensic evidence. _________________________
Top Writing Academy™ © 2015 Argument, Persuasion, Propaganda Exercise Identify if the thesis statements below are Argument, Persuasion, or Propaganda in nature and content. THESIS: West Ranch High School is the highest academic performing school in the Hart District revealed by the CAHSEE results, SAT scores, and GPA. ARGUMENT THESIS: One Direction is a better band than the Beatles because they are cuter, better dancers, and started at a younger age. PERSUASION THESIS: Alex Rodriguez is guilty of using steroids proven by doctor's records, professional testimonies, and forensic evidence. ARGUMENT
Top Writing Academy™ © 2015 Argument, Persuasion, Propaganda Exercise Identify if the thesis statements below are Argument, Persuasion, or Propaganda in nature and content. THESIS: People should vote Democrat because Republicans are elitist, power mongers, and thieves. ___________ THESIS: Alex Rodriguez should never be allowed to play Major League Baseball again because he broke league rules, lied to the public, and ignored the ethics of the sport. _________________________ THESIS: Justin Beiber should be kicked out of America because he is an ignorant, grade school dropout and wanna be poser. _________________________
Top Writing Academy™ © 2015 Argument, Persuasion, Propaganda Exercise Identify if the thesis statements below are Argument, Persuasion, or Propaganda in nature and content. THESIS: People should vote Democrat because Republicans are elitist, power mongers, and thieves. PROPAGANDA THESIS: Alex Rodriguez should never be allowed to play Major League Baseball again because he broke league rules, lied to the public, and ignored the ethics of the sport. ARGUMENT THESIS: Justin Beiber should be kicked out of America because he is an ignorant, grade school dropout and wanna be poser. PROPAGANDA
Top Writing Academy™ © 2015 Argument, Persuasion, Propaganda Exercise Identify if the thesis statements below are Argument, Persuasion, or Propaganda in nature and content. THESIS: Stop global warming and make a safe world, a bright future, and hope for the next generation. _________________________ THESIS: The defendant is guilty of murder shown by evidence from the crime scene, eye witnesses, and the murder weapon found in the home of the accused. _________________________
Top Writing Academy™ © 2015 Argument, Persuasion, Propaganda Exercise Identify if the thesis statements below are Argument, Persuasion, or Propaganda in nature and content. THESIS: Stop global warming and make a safe world, a bright future, and hope for the next generation. PROPAGANDA THESIS: The defendant is guilty of murder shown by evidence from the crime scene, eye witnesses, and the murder weapon found in the home of the accused. ARGUMENT