The language of argument

Focus on one circle Are they moving?

Are there any black dots? Focus on one dot Are there any black dots?

Focus on one line of pink squares Are the pink squares different shades?

Remember this. If you focus too much on one thing, you miss what is going on around you. The language of argument asks that you think from other people’s perspectives, that you widen your viewpoint. You may be wrong sometimes. You shall be asked to argue for something that is wrong other times. Always follows today’s structure though.

The objective of this class is: To revise the language of argument and it’s guidelines. To recognise what you are looking for and what the examiner is looking for. To be able to use the style for Question A, B and the compositions, if you wish. But first, a small warm-up:

Throw facts at me Examples If X, then Y Logical – not emotional I like something that Mr. Dunne does not (a song, show, sport, democracy, your choice). Write down three reasons why I should try this thing. Keep it legal and PG. Logical – not emotional Throw facts at me Examples If X, then Y

Explanation: This is a sort of ‘examiners checklist’. It is what you should aim for and how the language of argument sections will be looked at. First: What this means in this section...

L.O.A. Checklist. Language – 30% : Did the writer use facts supported by evidence, statistics or examples? Were the points valid (i.e. not easily disproven)? Were ideas coherent or linked to each other? Were any language devices used? (see below) Analogy. Rhetorical questions:  Facts and figures Quotations The word 'We' 'Persuader' words   Distancing phrases  Repetition Antithesis Deductive argument / reasoning:  Inductive argument / reasoning: Explanations on sheet.

Purpose – 30%, Coherence – 30% : Try now to answer one of the question B.s on the sheet provided. Remember that a third of you marks simply go for engaging with THE SET TASK (i.e. Understanding what the question is asking) and a third goes for STAYING ON MESSAGE. Note: The opening paragraph should spell out what your points will be and the last paragraph should emphasis how they were linked.

Homework Focus on your one essay this week to prepare for the exam. Use the notes to check or improve said essay. Next week, hand up the essay you plan to write for the leaving cert.