Arguments, Arrangement and Analysis

Argument In this class, argument is used in the larger sense to persuade or convince someone to take a course of action.

Types of Arguments Fact Policy Existence Definition Quality Rely upon arguments of fact for decision making Tied to appeals to expediency and value

Types of Appeals in Arguments Logos fact based (the primary kind used in technical documents) Ethos based on character and authority of the speaker Pathos emotion based (generally considered the weakest type of appeal in technical documents)

Evidence Scientific Data/Data from Study Citation of results from other studies Citation of other documents/reports Quotes from meetings/discussions First hand observation Hearsay Note that this might shift slightly depending upon purpose of document.

Boiling Down vs. Expanding Boiling down finds few key points Expanding develops ideas with explanation and definition Choice depends upon audience and purpose Demonstrating knowledge requires expansion Getting someone’s attention or updating will usually involve boiling down

Using Visuals for Arguments Help render some complex concepts more understandable Should always include labels Should always be discussed in the text of the document If they aren’t they should be in the appendix

Some Argument Arrangements Time – what happened when Space – what happens in which space Hierarchy – most to least important, general to specific Alternatives – what choices there are Steps – what needs to be done 1st, 2nd... Topics – what key ideas must be covered Matrices – complex decisions or choices & their relationships

Document Shapes Global – major parts of a genre of document, purpose identified in executive summary or introductory paragraph Visual – consistency in type, levels of headings, use of bold, italics, graphics, boxing, etc. Textual – words/references within text to assist readers, cues that indicate part of text & function ( e.g. summary, conclusion)

Analysis All of the principles mentioned can be used for both production and analysis. For this class we’ll be looking at how argument, evidence, and arrangement were used in your documents.