Persuasive Texts Understanding Argument

Definitions Argument: A set of statements where it is claimed that one statement (conclusion) is true and supported by the other statements (premise) Conclusions:The arguments conclusion is what the person making the argument is trying to convince of, their point. Also known as the central argument Premise: The reasons provided to support the argument

Analyzing An Argument First you must identify its premises and conclusions

Identifying the conclusion What does the person making the argument want me to walk away thinking? Key words to look for when identifying the conclusion: – Therefore,consequently, as a result of, thus, it follows that, so

Identifying the premises What reasons is the author giving me to accept his point? Words to look for when identifying premises: – Since, because, given that

Elements of the Central Argument

Authority When the speaker uses their expert title to persuade you that they are correct. Example: An elementary teacher talking to you about standardized testing in 3rd grade.

Emotion (pathos) When the author uses an emotional appeal, either to make you sad, happy or angry enough to agree with their argument.

Logic (logos) The author depends on logic to support their argument. They want you to believe that agreeing with them is the logic and rational thing to do.

Analogy Using a parallel story to help explain the point they are trying to make. Example: Argument: You must fuel your body for energy if you want to continue at the same pace. Analogy: It’s just like making sure that your car has enough gas to get you where you need to go.

Fallacious Reasoning Unsupported Inferences

Circular Reasoning You assume to be true what you are supposed to be proving. Examples: Fan 1: Why do you think that football is the best sport? Fan 2: Because it is. Ralph Nadar was the best candidate for president, because he is way better than the other candidates.

False Cause A proceeded B therefore A caused B. Examples: – Every time I sit next to Sarah I fail my Science test. – Bennett was Secretary of Education when large drops in national achievement scores were recorded, so Bennett's policies must have been responsible for students across the country doing worse.

Over-Generalization When not enough evidence is found before you make an assumption of an entire group. Examples: Mrs.. Gypton likes soccer and she’s a teacher, so that means all teachers like soccer. All homeless people just by liquor with the money we give them.

Over-Simplification To cause distortion or error by extreme simplification of a subject. Example (from The Simpsons) Proctor: All right, here's your last question. What was the cause of the Civil War? Apu: Actually, there were numerous causes. Aside from the obvious schism between the abolitionists and the anti- abolitionists, there were economic factors, both domestic and inter- Proctor: Wait, wait... just say slavery. Apu: Slavery it is, sir.