Argumentative Writing

Distinguishing between argument and persuasion Persuasion- refers to how a writer influences an audience to adopt a belief or follow a course of action. All appeals are used (logos, ethos, and pathos) Argumentation-refers to the appeal to reason (logos) Connects a series of statements so that they connect logically. Does not try to move an audience to action.

Using deductive and inductive arguments Deductive reasoning: proceeds from a general premise to a specific conclusion. Inductive reasoning: proceeds from individual observations to a more general conclusion. Most arguments use both.

Deductive reasoning Syllogism-Consists of a major premise, a minor premise, and a conclusion. Major premise: All Olympic runners are fast. Minor premise: Jesse Owens was an Olympic runner. Conclusion: Therefore, Jesse Owens was fast. Major: Tyrannical rulers deserve no loyalty. Minor: King George III is a tyrannical ruler. Conclusion: Therefore, King George III deserves no loyalty. You try it.

Inductive Arguments 1. Decide on a question to be answered. 2. Gather evidence that is relevant and sufficient. 3. Make a conclusion based on an inference. 1. How did the window get broken? 2. There is a baseball on the living room floor. The baseball wasn’t there earlier. Some children were playing baseball this morning. They were playing across the street. 3. Conclusion?

Planning an Argumentative Essay 1. Develop a thesis. A. Avoid being overly vague B. Avoid a non-debatable statement of fact C. Attempt to be precise Vague-Globalization is important. Non-debatable-Globalization has had large impact on the global economy. Precise: Due to globalization's impact on the world, we should shift educational resources towards internet communication and ecology.

Planning an Argumentative Essay 2. Analyze your audience- Assume that most of the audience is at least skeptical. – they are open to your ideas but need to be convinced. Consider college tuition.

Planning an Argumentative Essay 3. Gather and document evidence. A. Facts B. Opinions (from experts) C. Examples

Planning an Argumentative Essay Criteria for Evidence 1. It should be relevant. Make sure it supports your thesis. HIV testing should be mandatory. The bubonic plague spread like wildfire in fourteenth century Europe. (Huh?) 2. It should be representative. Consider both sides of any argument. 3. It should be sufficient. The more examples given, the better.

Planning an Argumentative Essay 4. Refutation – Consider the objections to your thesis, and prove that they are unsound, unfair, or weak. Some may say… However… Therefore…

What are some forms of argumentative writing? 1. reviews of cultural events or experiences (film or plays) 2. reviews of texts (novels, poetry, or non-fiction) 3. Feature articles in a magazine or newspaper which tackle a particular issue. 4. opinion pieces with a more direct and straightforward angle on the subject of debate 5. letter in newspapers or other media.

Rhetorical Triangle

Language and Style 1. Loaded, emotive language: he gives an appallingly dull, wooden performance. 2. Rhetorical questions: Are we really meant to believe so many men would fall for her?

Language and Style 3. Humor or ironic comment: The only chemistry between them was the hot air they kept on speaking. 4. expanded noun phrases: He is the usual all-American downtrodden fall-guy we all root for.

Language and Style 5. hyperbole, or exaggeration for comic, sarcastic, or dramatic impact: I think that may be the greatest thing I have ever heard. 6. Conversational tone: You’ll come out of the cinema smiling, which can’t be a bad thing, can it?

Language and Style 7. Technical or subject specific language: The opening montage clearly shot on location in Turkey features a roof-top chase which introduces our charismatic protagonist. 8. Rule of three: God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.

Language and Style 9. Anaphora -Now is the time to make real the promises of democracy. Now is the time to rise from the dark and desolate valley of segregation to the sunlit path of racial justice. Now is the time to lift our nation from the quicksands of racial injustice to the solid rock of brotherhood.