What is an Argument? A “How-To” Guide

An Argument Must Be Based Around an Arguable Thesis Arguable thesis=something people disagree on Arguable thesis=something people disagree on Not arguable: Roe vs. Wade made abortions legal in the United States. (facts are not arguments) Not arguable: Roe vs. Wade made abortions legal in the United States. (facts are not arguments) Arguable: Abortion is wrong. Arguable: Abortion is wrong. Not arguable: I think Star Wars Episode III is a great movie. (personal opinions cannot be debated) Not arguable: I think Star Wars Episode III is a great movie. (personal opinions cannot be debated) Arguable: Star Wars Episode III is a great movie. Arguable: Star Wars Episode III is a great movie.

There are three types of appeals used to make an argument

Appeal #1: Logos Logos means “logic” or “reason” This is the key to college essays This is the key to college essays In order to be successful, your essay must be based on logic and must be proven correct In order to be successful, your essay must be based on logic and must be proven correct

Let Me Repeat: College Arguments are centered on LOGIC and REASONING

Types of Logical Support Facts (things that cannot be disputed—as in, it is hot in El Centro during the summer) Facts (things that cannot be disputed—as in, it is hot in El Centro during the summer) Examples (real, imaginary, analogies) Examples (real, imaginary, analogies) Authorities (testimonials—experts; be careful to use ONLY authorities in the subject you’ve chosen) Authorities (testimonials—experts; be careful to use ONLY authorities in the subject you’ve chosen) Statistics (graphs, charts, numbers, and your analysis of these) Statistics (graphs, charts, numbers, and your analysis of these)

Appeal #2: Pathos Pathos means “emotions” Pathos means “emotions” Using emotions can sway our opinions more than facts or reasoning Using emotions can sway our opinions more than facts or reasoning After all, what is more convincing: facts about the number of child abuse cases in the US or a story about a little girl named Mary who was beaten to death by her father? After all, what is more convincing: facts about the number of child abuse cases in the US or a story about a little girl named Mary who was beaten to death by her father?

Dangers of Emotions Emotional appeals can be easily manipulated Emotional appeals can be easily manipulated Think of ads like this: Think of ads like this: This ad is selling a hamburger, but how? Through sex— through desire for Paris Hilton (as scary as that might be). That’s deceptive—that’s manipulation. That’s the kind of emotional appeal that has no place in college arguments.

So, can I use emotional appeals? YES Emotional appeals can play a part in a college argument—but not the dominant part

Ways to Use Emotional Appeals Through Anecdotes (small stories) Through Anecdotes (small stories) use a story or illustration to SHOW the significance of a point use a story or illustration to SHOW the significance of a point example: To demonstrate why a person should not smoke, tell a story about a person who died of lung cancer example: To demonstrate why a person should not smoke, tell a story about a person who died of lung cancer Through Authorities Through Authorities using an expert (or someone with personal knowledge of an issue) can add emotional authority to your position using an expert (or someone with personal knowledge of an issue) can add emotional authority to your position example: if you are writing in support of the death penalty, then an authority could be a family member of a killer’s victim. Telling his or her story is emotionally arresting, but it is also not deceptive (as this is a legitimate authority on the death penalty) example: if you are writing in support of the death penalty, then an authority could be a family member of a killer’s victim. Telling his or her story is emotionally arresting, but it is also not deceptive (as this is a legitimate authority on the death penalty)

Appeal #3: Ethos Ethos means “character” or “ethics” Ethos means “character” or “ethics” This appeal is an overall approach to a writing assignment—an approach based on honesty and trust This appeal is an overall approach to a writing assignment—an approach based on honesty and trust To write an ethical argument, you must To write an ethical argument, you must Be truthful and honest with your readers Be truthful and honest with your readers Avoid exaggerating claims or manipulating people through emotions Avoid exaggerating claims or manipulating people through emotions Be respectful of your opponents and their views Be respectful of your opponents and their views

The End Happy arguing!