Rhetorical Modes: ARGUMENTATION

AP Language and Composition Argumentation is a process of reasoning that asserts the soundness of a debatable position, belief, or conclusion. Argumentation takes a stand – supported by evidence – and urges people to share the writer’s perspective and insights.

AP Language and Composition Argumentation can be used to convince other people to accept (or at least acknowledge the validity of) your position, even if you cannot convince others to agree; or to question or refute a position you believe to be misguided, untrue, dangerous, or evil.

AP Language and Composition Understanding Argumentation and Persuasion: Although the terms persuasion and argumentation are frequently used interchangeably, they do not mean the same thing. *Persuasion is a general term that refers to how a writer influences an audience to adopt a belief or follow a course of action. To persuade an audience, a writer relies on various appeals – to the emotions, to reason, or to ethics.

AP Language and Composition *Argumentation is the appeal to reason. In an argument, a writer connects a series of statements so that they lead logically to a conclusion. Argumentation is different from persuasion in that it does not try to move an audience to action; its primary purpose is to demonstrate that certain ideas are valid and others are not.

Unlike persuasion, argumentation has a formal structure: AP Language and Composition Unlike persuasion, argumentation has a formal structure: An argument makes points Supplies evidence Establishes a logical chain of reasoning Refutes opposing arguments Accommodates an audience’s views

AP Language and Composition *The most effective arguments combine two or more appeals: even though their primary to reason, they may also appeal to emotions. Think of an effective argument wherein you appeal to the reader’s logic and emotions…

AP Language and Composition Planning an Argumentative Essay: Taking a Stand – state the position you will argue in the form of a thesis. Make sure your thesis is debatable. Arguing a statement of fact is pointless. Can you formulate an antithesis, a statement that asserts the opposite position, one that people will support?

AP Language and Composition *Thesis: Because immigrants have contributed much to the development of the United States, immigration quotas should be relaxed. *Antithesis:

Analyzing Your Audience: AP Language and Composition Analyzing Your Audience: Before writing your essay, you should analyze the characteristics, values, and interests of your audience. Moreover, unlike persuasion, argumentation has a formal structure. What are your reader’s beliefs or opinions? Is your audience friendly, neutral, skeptically neutral or hostile to your thesis?

AP Language and Composition Gathering and Documenting Evidence: All the points you make in your paper must be supported. If they are not, your audience will dismiss them as unfounded, irrelevant, or unclear. Evidence – facts and opinions in support of your position