The Argumentative Essay RCC 200 Penheiter

What exactly is it? The argumentaive vs. the persuasive  An argument essay is meant to influence the reader.  It shows evidence and reasoning that seeks to uncover the truth, rather than simply saying it. Argumentative essays are based on analytical research (research then conclude). It is meant to show the reader why they should do something a certain way.  Examples: magazine and journal arguments

Argumentative Writing vs. Persuasive Writing (continued)  Persuasive writing is meant to change the reader’s opinion.  It is based on the author’s truth. Persuasive writing is based on opinion supported through argumentative research (conclude then research). It is meant to show the reader what will be gained if they do something a certain way.  Example: Advertisements NOTE: The end of your paper is meant to persuade reader’s a certain way, but the body of the paper is meant to expose, or uncover, the truth of the issue..

A Little Review: Logos, Ethos, Pathos  Ethos- the ethical appeal. Influence or persuasion by credibility (people tend to listen to people they respect).  Logos-the logical appeal. Influence or persuasion by reasoning (people tend to listen to people who have reason behind their opinion).  Pathos- the emotional appeal. Influence or persuasion by tapping into human pathology (people tend to listen to opinions they make them feel something).

Another 3-Part process  Investigate, evaluate, establish  Step 1: choose a topic to investigate  THIS IS WHY YOU COUNTERARGUE. *In order to properly investigate ANY topic, you must understand all relevant material. Show the reader you have been through this process (this works as your ethos (credibility)).

Another 3-Part Process (continued)  Investigate, Evaluate, Establish  Step 2: Evaluate  THIS IS YOUR COUNTERARGUMENT. *Evaluation means analyzing. This is where you break down the other arguments’ flaws to strengthen your argument (This applies to the logos portion of your paper).

Another 3-Part Process (continued)  Investigate, Evaluate, Establish  Step 3: Establish  THIS IS THE ARGUMENT.  Clearly choose a side- this is the reason we are reading your paper. We have seen both sides (ethos), we have read your evaluation (logos) now it needs to applied. (this works as your pathos).

Some Helpful Notes **Consider this: summarize your research in a way that the reader feels as if they are researching with you. Then, they can be influenced ideally by your side. **Think of an argumentative essay as a cross between an expository essay and persuasive speech.

Some Helpful Notes **Think about writing an argumentative essay in the same way you would retell a friend about a fight you had with an outside source. **Think about writing an expository essay in the same way you would retell another friend about your friend’s fight. **Think of a persuasive essay as trying to convince your friend to go cliff jumping with you when he or she is terrified of heights.

REMEMBER!  This is an argument. In arguments there are only two sides. You cannot be the neutral third party or you are in no way a part of the argument.