Elements of Persuasion & Argument Understanding the Differences

Pre-Writing Writing Prompt The use of technology, especially among teenagers, has increased substantially and mobile access to the internet is pervasive. Do you think that people are too reliant on technology? Why or why not? Directions for Writing Write whatever you feel and do not worry about evidence, examples, mechanics, grammar, spelling, or organization. I believe that writing is a process and it’s hard to know what you are going to write to write until you actually write it. For that reason, I like to give my students time to create a “pre-rough draft” first before we do any other preliminary writing exercises. How many of you think you could go a day without using your cell phone or access to the internet? Elicit responses differentiating between the two. Write on the board Persuasion & Argument followed by a list of reasons and evidence. Example thesis/claim: Although most people believe that technology has made life easier, closer examination shows that people have become too reliant on technology. People are too dependent on technology because they rely on rely on computer devices for answers and personal interactions.

Pre-Writing Once you are finished your “pre-rough draft”, I would like you to read through it and highlight or circle your claim. A claim is what you believe and what you want your readers to believe. This is basically your stance on the issue. In order to write good arguments, you MUST start out with a solid claim/thesis. What is a claim? – A claim is what you believe and what you want your readers to believe. This is basically your stance on an issue or topic. I would like you to evaluate your claim. Is it valid? Is it precise? How can it be improved? I will give you a few minutes to discuss with your neighbor and see if you can improve it. In this pre-writing stage you can begin with an “I believe…” statement. However, once you begin your rough drafts, I would like you to avoid the first person “I” in formal essays. A good formula for developing a thesis statement is “Claim + reasons” Call on students to share their claims with the class.

Argument and Persuasion Defined Please save your Pre Rough Drafts since this will be your essay topic. We are going to shift our attention to Argument writing which is one of three types of writing stressed in the Common Core Standards. As teachers we are seeing a shift from persuasive to argument writing. Who can tell me what’s the difference between persuasive and argument writing? What are some of the similarities between argument and persuasion? There are some similarities, for instance, both rely on the opinion of the writer. What is different is the means they use to accomplish their end which is to change someone’s opinion. Persuasive writing aims to persuade the reader that the stated position is correct. It’s also used a lot in advertising to convince people to buy a certain product, to believe something or act in a certain way, or to agree with a point of view. The writer wants to win over the reader, often by appealing to the emotions. In contrast, argumentative writing must present a strong claim and support that claim with “sufficient evidence” and relevant “valid reasoning”. What are some of the reasons you used to support your claim

Common persuasive techniques often used in advertising: Bandwagon Testimonial Plain Folks Transfer Fear Logical Fallacies Glittering Generalities Name Calling Argument uses facts and data to support the opinion expressed. This will require you to research to find evidence rather than rely on opinion alone or persuasive techniques to support your opinion. Logical fallacy – If we ban hummers because they are bad for the environment eventually the govt will ban all cars, so we should not ban hummers. Name calling – you are the worst of men, therefore what you say is false.

Arguments Are Everywhere Often the aim of academic writing is to express a point of view on a subject and supporting it with evidence. This is making an argument. Most of the material you learn in school has been debated by someone, somewhere, at some time. In writing assignments you will almost always need to do more than just summarize information that you gathered or regurgitate facts that have been discussed in class. You will need to develop a point of view on or interpretation of that material and provide evidence for you position.

Argument = Facts For nearly 2000 years, educated people in many Western cultures believed that bloodletting – deliberately causing a sick person to lose blood – was the most effective treatment for a variety of illnesses. An example of how Facts are born out of argument… Has anyone ever heard of the once-common medical practice called “bloodletting”. The withdrawal of blood from a patient to cure or prevent illness and disease. Though the bloodletting was often recommended by physicians, it was carried out by barbers. The red-and-white-striped pole of the barbershop, still in use today, is derived from this practice: the red represents the blood being drawn, the white represents the tourniquet used, and the pole itself represents the stick squeezed in the patient's hand to dilate the veins.

Argument = Facts The “fact” that bloodletting is beneficial to human health was not widely questioned until the 1800’s, and some physicians continued to recommend bloodletting as late as the 1920’s.

Argument = Facts We have come to accept a different set of “facts” now because some people began to doubt the effectiveness of bloodletting; these people argued against it and provided convincing evidence.

Argument = Facts Human knowledge grows out of such differences of opinion, and scholars spend their lives engaged in debate over what may be counted as true or right in their fields. It is our hope as educators that you engage in similar kinds of critical thinking and argument. So the point I’d like to make is that argument forms the basis for all information or facts. We all use argumentation on a daily basis, and you probably already have some skill at crafting an argument. The more you improve your skills in this area, the better you will be at thinking critically, reasoning, making choices, and weighing evidence.

So what is an argument? In academic writing, an argument is usually a main idea, often called a “claim” or “thesis” statement,” backed up with evidence that supports the idea. In a majority of college papers, you will need to make some sort of claim and use evidence to support it, and your ability to do this well will separate your papers form those of students who see assignments as mere accumulations of fact and detail. A claim is the writer’s stance, or overall argument.

Some subtle, but significant differences between Persuasive and Argumentative Writing Goal of persuasive writing: To get the reader to agree with you and your point of view on a particular topic. Goal of argumentative writing: To get the reader to acknowledge that your side is valid and deserves consideration as another point of view. American author, media theorist and cultural critic., who is best known by the general public for his 1985 book about television, Amusing Ourselves to Death

Some subtle, but significant differences between Persuasive and Argumentative Writing General technique of persuasive writing: Blends facts and emotion in attempt to convince the reader that the writer is “right.” (Often relies heavily on opinion) General technique of argumentative writing: Offers the reader relevant reasons, or main points that use logic or reasoning to justify the writer’s claim. It also uses data or evidence (facts) that support the reasons. Reasons: Main points that use logic or reasoning to justify the writer’s claim. Data: Evidence (facts) that support the reasons (claim). What were some of the reasons for your claims?

Some subtle, but significant differences between Persuasive and Argumentative Writing Starting point of persuasive writing: Identify a topic and your side. Starting point of argumentative writing: Research a topic and then align with one side.

Some subtle, but significant differences between Persuasive and Argumentative Writing Viewpoint presented in persuasive writing: Persuasion has a single-minded goal based on a personal conviction that a particular way of thinking is the only sensible way to think. Writer presents one side – his or her side. Viewpoint presented in argumentative writing: Acknowledge that opposing views exist; this is called a counterclaim. You will counter these views in a rebuttal using evidence that disputes or disagrees with the counter claim. Persuasive writing may include ONE opposing point, it is then quickly dismissed/refuted. // Writer presents multiple perspectives, although is clearly for one side. Offer examples of Viewpoint in both persuasive and argumentative.

Some subtle, but significant differences between Persuasive and Argumentative Writing Audience in persuasive writing: Needs intended audience. Knowing what they think and currently believe, the writer “attacks” attempting to persuade them to his side. Audience of argumentative writing: Doesn’t need an audience to convince. The writer is content with simply putting it out there.

Some subtle, but significant differences between Persuasive and Argumentative Writing Attitude of persuasive writing: Persuasive writers want to gain another “vote” so they “go after” readers more aggressively. Persuasive writing is more personal, more passionate, more emotional. Attitude of argumentative writing: Simply to get the reader to consider you have an idea worthy of listening to. The writer is sharing a conviction, whether the audience ends up agreeing or not.