The more you improve your skills in developing an argument, the better you will be at thinking critically, reasoning, making choices, and weighing evidence.

Argument by Emotion is also sometimes called emotional appeal. The writer tries to get the reader to connect to his argument by making the reader feel something. The writer uses words that convey strong feelings to persuade readers. He or she often uses the phrases “I feel” or “I believe” in the argument.

Arguments by emotion are also known as “ pathos.”

Example: I can't understand how you officials can sleep at night, knowing our town isn't safe with those predators on the loose. You must do something about this coyote problem for our children's sake! The author's use of words like "predator” and mentioning the safety of children appeals to reader's emotions.

Argument by Logic uses logic, evidence, and claims to convince readers the author’s argument is true. Logic is essential for a strong argument. Example: If you do not begin to exercise regularly, then you will face health risks later in life.

Logical arguments are also known as “Logos.”

Analogy is one form of argument by logic. In this form, the reasoning employed is based on the idea that if two things have some things in common, then they also probably have other things in common. Example: Sarah likes theme parks, roller coasters, and attending FrightFest. Eric likes theme parks and roller coasters, so he will like Frightfest, too.

Argument by Authority is a form of argument in which the writer uses the words of someone who may be considered an expert on a subject to persuade readers. Example: You should not smoke because the Surgeon General says that smoking can cause lung cancer.

Expert Opinion is someone who is an authority on a particular subject and can give an educated opinion. Examples include: a doctor, a lawyer, researcher, institution of higher learning, etc.

Expert/Authority arguments are also known as “ethos.”

Statistics can provide concrete evidence to support an author’s argument. The use of stats in an argument falls under the adage, “Numbers don’t lie.” Example: The high school graduation rate has remained flat at 74% from 2002 to Nearly half of all children in the world live below the poverty line.

Ways to strengthen arguments: Examples—The more concrete examples the writer has, the more convincing his or her argument is. Facts—A concrete fact is always more reliable and convincing than someone’s opinion. Facts are essential to building a strong argument. Anecdotes—An anecdote is a short, often amusing, story that helps personalize the writer’s argument.

When you hear the word "argument," you probably think of two people loudly fighting over something. Actually, we all use argumentation every day! Let's say you want to spend the night at your friend Josh's house, but you don't think your parents will go for it. You'd want to think up a good "argument" to convince them that you should be able to go.

Arguments come in all shapes and sizes, but they usually have these things in common: 1.They state a position or opinion clearly. 2.They back up the position with evidence of some sort 3.They show the benefits of that particular position.

To make an argument stronger, sometimes a "counterargument" is also used. For example, you might "anticipate" your parents' reaction by saying, "You might think if I go over to Josh's, I won't get my homework done and just play video games. But Josh's folks won't even let him play until he's done all his homework, so that's the first thing we're going to do."

Next, back up your opinion with a logical list of reasons or "evidence.” For this you can use personal experience, other people's experience, facts and statistics, or a combination of these: When I rollerblade on a hot, sunny day, my clothes get all sweaty in a matter of minutes. Also, the sun reflected off the pavement can really be blinding. A sunny day really draws the crowds, too, and who wants to be tripping over all those people when you're going for a speed record!

Finally, show the benefits of your position: If I wake up and see a cloudy sky, I grab my blades and head straight for the park because I know it will be nice and cool, and I won't have to wear dark sunglasses just to see my way around the track. But best of all, I know I'll have the place to myself, free to race around to my heart's content.