ARGUMENT FOLDABLE

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WHAT is an argument? Argument is structured by way of claims, evidence, warrants, counterclaims, rebuttals. It relies on logical reasoning and critical thinking. 5

WHAT is it not? Persuasion differs from argument by its purpose to move people to a belief, position, or action. Persuasion may rely on appeals to emotion or credibility or logic. 7

Key Features of Argumentation CLAIM: What you are trying to prove REASONS: Logical conclusions and thinking that supports claims (often the topic sentence of paragraphs). EVIDENCE: Facts supporting reasons and claims 3

Key Features of Argumentation WARRANTS: How the evidence connects to the reason or claim. Answers the “So What?” COUNTERCLAIM: Opposing viewpoint REBUTTAL: Supports the claim by refuting the counterclaim 4

CLAIM: Most pesticides used in farming should be banned. Key Features Examples CLAIM: Most pesticides used in farming should be banned. REASONS: Pesticides endanger the lives of farmers. EVIDENCE: Pesticides may cause cancer according to a published study in 2009 (Disease Registry). 9

Key Features Examples WARRANTS: Workers have a right to a safe environment. Substances that endanger the lives of workers deserve to be banned. COUNTERCLAIM: The use of pesticides is a common practice in agriculture and homes and parks. REBUTTAL: Safety measures in a work environment require different methods than personal choices made in one’s home. 11

Rhetorical Appeals LOGOS: logical appeal Appeals to reason and logic PATHOS: emotional appeal Appeals to emotions and values ETHOS: ethical appeal Appeals to the credibility of the speaker 2

Rhetorical Questions LOGOS: logical appeal Is the source trustworthy? Are terms clearly defined? Is evidence out of context? PATHOS: emotional appeal What emotions does it appeal to? Is the appeal effective or manipulative? ETHOS: ethical appeal Is the speaker knowledgeable? Is he or she trustworthy? 6

Rhetorical Examples LOGOS: logical appeal PATHOS: emotional appeal Between 1960 and 1970, the 60% of the world’s illiterate were women (Adrienne Rich). PATHOS: emotional appeal A negro mother wept…in her hand, she held one shoe, from the foot of her dead child (Atlanta Constitution). ETHOS: ethical appeal I’m not a doctor, but I play one on TV (Excedrin commercial) 8

Parts of an Essay 10 INTRODUCTION Hook Map Thesis BODY Reasons Evidence Warranting CONCLUSION Thesis implication Prediction or call to action 10

Patterns of Organization COMPARE/CONTRAST FOCUS ON SIMILARITIES OR HIGHLIGHT DIFFERENCES CAUSE/EFFECT INVESTIGATE THE CAUSE OF SOMETHING OR LOOK FOR AN EXPLANATION OF WHAT HAS OCCURRED. PROBLEM/SOLUTION IDENTIFY A PROBLEM AND LOOK FOR SOLUTIONS 12