Argumentative Writing Persuasive Techniques

Argumentative Elements Introduction Hook and CLAIM At least TWO body paragraphs Transition, Reason, Evidence (and citation), Elaboration Conclusion Counterargument (COUNTERCLAIM AND REBUTTAL) Restate claim and main reasons **Practice including multiple counterarguments—different places within the essay

Counterargument Practice Argue whether or not humans should use animals for medical and scientific testing. Claim Counterclaim Rebuttal In an essay, take a position on whether middle school students should be drug tested.

Persuasive Strategies Logos: is an appeal to logic, and is a way of persuading an audience by reason. "The data is perfectly clear: this investment has consistently turned a profit year-over-year, even in spite of market declines in other areas.“ "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." Pathos: is an appeal to emotion, and is a way of convincing an audience of an argument by creating an emotional response. "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.“ "Better men than us have fought and died to preserve this great nation. Now is our turn to return the favor Ethos: is an appeal to ethics, and it is a means of convincing someone of the character or credibility of the persuader. “The veterinarian says that an Australian shepherd will be the perfect match for our active lifestyle." "If his years as a Marine taught him anything, it’s that caution is the best policy in this sort of situation.“

Rhetorical Devices A rhetorical device is a technique of using language that will increase the persuasiveness of a piece of writing. 1. Questions a. Rhetorical question: thoughtful questions that aren’t meant to be answered. Can we really expect the school to keep paying from its limited resources? b. Hypophora: asking a question and answering it. But what was the result of this move on the steel industry? The annual reports for that year clearly indicate. . . . 2. Parallel structures a. To show kindness is praiseworthy; to show hatred is evil.

Rhetorical Devices Cont’d 3. Figurative Language (i.e. using metaphor, simile and personification) While we wait and do nothing, we must not forget that the fuse is already burning. 4. The ‘rule of three’ I ask you, is this fair, is it right, is it just? 5. Anaphora: the intentional repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of a line for emphasis. Will he read the book? Will he learn what it has to teach him? Will he live according to what he has learned? Not time, not money, not laws, but willing diligence will get this done.

Rhetorical Devices Cont’d 6. Hyperbole (using exaggeration for effect) While we await your decision, the whole school holds its breath. 7. Euphemisms (more polite terms) and connotation overweight vs. fat issue vs. problem 8. Downplaying and understating (when addressing counterclaims) a. Using key words to make important things seem unimportant Mere, merely, so-called, however, although, despite b. Expressing things in such a way as to understate it’s importance The earthquake interrupted business somewhat in the downtown area.

Rhetorical Devices Cont’d 9. Distinctio (A distinction—to make something clear) The intentional reference or definition of a word in order to remove confusion, misunderstanding or ambiguity By “impossible” I mean currently beyond our technological capabilities The term “impossible” in this case means… 10. Apophasis The raising of an issue by claiming not to mention it Not to mention, his criminal record… Use of all rhetorical devices have a limit—making any of these extreme in your writing can lead to logical fallacies.

Bias (n) prejudice in favor of or against one thing, person, or group compared with another, usually in a way considered to be unfair. “Leaning” one way based on previous experience. Avoid sounding biased—it takes away from your credibility, and the validity of the work you are writing. Feel free to mention any biases you see in your sources (only for a counterargument) to take away an opposing claim’s validity. Objective: not influenced by personal feelings or opinions in considering and representing facts. Objective = unbiased The more objective you sound in your writing, the more credible your argument is. Subjective: based on or influenced by personal feelings, tastes, or opinions. Subjective = biased Some subjectivity is expected, but avoiding using first person point of view can help.