Fusion: Integrated Reading and Writing Book 2, Third Edition Dave Kemper, Verne Meyer, John Van Rys, and Pat Sebranek, Fusion: Integrated Reading and Writing, Book 2, 3rd Edition. © 2019 Cengage Learning, Inc. All Rights Reserved. May not be scanned, copied or duplicated, or posted to a publicly accessible website, in whole or in part.

Chapter 10 Reading and Writing Arguments Dave Kemper, Verne Meyer, John Van Rys, and Pat Sebranek, Fusion: Integrated Reading and Writing, Book 2, 3rd Edition. © 2019 Cengage Learning, Inc. All Rights Reserved. May not be scanned, copied or duplicated, or posted to a publicly accessible website, in whole or in part.

Chapter 10 Outline This chapter addresses: 10.1 Understanding Argumentation 10.2 Reading and Responding to Arguments 10.3 Planning an Argument Essay 10.4 Writing the First Draft 10.5 Revising the Writing 10.6 Editing the Writing

10.1 Understanding Argumentation (1 of 7) A strong argument includes a logical claim (thesis) and solid evidence (details). Strong arguments acknowledge opposing points of view and either counter or concede their value. Arguments provide meaningful and logical examinations of issues. Arguments are made about issues on which people have differing points of view. Arguments are weakened by logical fallacies or false statements.

10.1 Understanding Argumentation (2 of 7) Forms of writing that might have argumentation Editorial: presents a point of view on a currently debated topic Personal commentary: presents an opinion, but can be written by anyone and on any topic Problem-solution essay: an argument that explains a problem and provides a solution for that problem Position paper: demonstrates a student’s thoughts about the material being covered in class or related readings

10.1 Understanding Argumentation (3 of 7) Analyzing the parts of an argument Main claim (thesis) Usually occurs early in the essay, presents a viewpoint about the topic Supporting claims Statements that provide reasons for accepting the main claim Evidence Facts and statistics Examples Expert testimony

10.1 Understanding Argumentation (4 of 7) Counterarguments Should address opposing points of view Counter: shows why the opposing point lacks value Concession: admits the value of an opposing point Call to action Many arguments end by requesting that the reader respond to the argument by thinking or acting in a certain way.

10.1 Understanding Argumentation (5 of 7) Analyzing logic Reliable and logical evidence Facts (as opposed to opinions) Observations Quotations Facts and statistics Comparisons Explanations Inferences

10.1 Understanding Argumentation (6 of 7) The evidence must be: Accurate Do most experts agree on the information? Is it up to date? Complete Does the evidence tell the “whole story”? Or do some legitimate counterarguments seem to be ignored? Relevant Is all the evidence related to the main point?

10.1 Understanding Argumentation (7 of 7) Faulty logic (logical fallacies) Exaggerating the facts Offering extremes Half truths Appealing to popular position Straw man Broad generalization Impressing with numbers Red herring Ad populum

10.2 Reading and Responding to Arguments (1 of 2) Using a line diagram

10.2 Reading and Responding to Arguments (2 of 2) Understanding voice Use these questions as a guide: Does the author seem honest and sincere? Does he or she make a realistic claim? Does he or she seem respectful and understanding? Does he or she focus on issues rather than personalities? Does the author engage the reader, rather than lecture?

10.3 Planning an Argument Essay (1 of 2) Consider a debatable topic that you feel strongly about. Create a main claim to defend.

10.3 Planning an Argument Essay (2 of 2) Gathering and organizing the support – Order of importance: a common pattern of arrangement in which you present your supporting reasons either from most to least important or the other way around Considering opposing points of view Conceding: admitting the value of another point of view Countering: showing why the opposing point of view lacks value

10.4 Writing the First Draft (1 of 2) To develop an opening paragraph: Start with a brief, dramatic story. Offer a surprising statistic. Connect with the reader. In the middle paragraphs: Present supporting arguments in an order that best suits your topic. Provide enough evidence to make each point clear. Consider possible objections.

10.4 Writing the First Draft (2 of 2) To create the closing paragraph: Restate the main claim. Review the important support. Provide a final thought.

10.5 Revising the Writing Checking for bias Argumentation versus persuasion Argumentation: Explains a point of view Appeals to logical thinking Reveals balance Persuasion Tries to change beliefs Appeals to emotions May be one-sided More subjective

10.6 Editing the Writing Check for these three clarity problems: Indefinite pronoun reference Incomplete comparisons Sentences with multiple meanings