Bellringer When you hear the word “argument,” what do you think of? What is the last thing you argued about?

Terms and related vocabulary The things you need to know before learning to kick verbal butts! Argumentation: Vocabulary and Structure

First, Vocab. We need to speak the same language. Argumentation has a specific terminology all its own, including the word “argument” What do you think an argument is? It has Latin and French roots meaning “to make clear,” and “to prove or accuse.”

Lets see what Monty Python has to say about an argument.

Figurative Language Ideas that communicate language beyond the literal meanings of words.

Some examples of figurative langauge Simile: A comparison using “like” or “as” Metaphor: A comparison without using “like” or “as” Personification: giving human-like qualities to a an object Hyperbole: exaggeration of the truth for emphasis or humorous effect Oxymoron: bringing together two contradictory terms, i.e., “venomous love,” “sweet bitterness.”

Rhetoric the art of effective or persuasive speaking or writing, especially the use of figures of speech and other compositional techniques

Rhetorical Devices Rhetorical Question: A question for which the answer is obvious. (“Is water wet?” or “Is Mr. Hughes’ class Awesome!?”) Metaphor: Comparisons of two unlike things. ( Kennedy: “And if a beachhead of cooperation may push back the jungle of suspicion…”) Allusion: A reference to something in history. (a.k.a: Make reference to The Bible or George Washington)

Rhetorical Appeals Pathos: Appealing to the listener’s emotions. (A politician kissing a baby or showing fluffy puppies.) Ethos: Focus on the speaker’s qualifications. (celebrity endorsements or a teen arguing that he or she should be able to do something because they have never been in trouble.) Logos: Leading audience down a path of logic. (If you don’t study for the test, then you have a higher chance to fail.)

An effective argument does all of the following: Identifies a central issue or question States a precise claim in response to the question Develops the claim with valid reasons and relevant evidence, such as examples and quotation from the texts Anticipates opposing claims and counters them with well- supported counterclaims Establishes clear, logical connections among claims, counterclaims, reasons and evidence Includes and introduction, a logically structured body including transitions and a conclusion Maintains an appropriate tone based on its audience and context Follows the conventions of written English

The general flow of an Argument Hook Claim Counterpoint/Concession Point Support Conclusion/Call to Action This uses a format known as “P.E.E.” I will explain momentarily. This is where the bulk of your paper will be, and it will be constructed in the “P.E.E.” format. There are several ways to conclude and argument, and I will cover them in depth as well.

Hook This is the attention grabber It is why the audience/reader should care It should be interesting and related to the claim you are about to make

Claim This is the writer’s/speaker’s position on an issue or topic Your claim is only valid if, as the picture states, you can provide the points, examples, and explanations to substantiate it.

Counterpoint/Concession This is where you acknowledge your opponent’s position, and give them their due. It shows that you: 1. Understand them 2. Connects them to what you are about to say emotionally. “I understand why you might think that, but consider…” Don’t be this guy and do the verbal equivalent of a blind neck punch. Your opponent should see your argument coming, and still have no objection because you are correct, and have conceded/acknowledged his point ahead of time.

Points and Support These are connected, and use the soon-to-be- explained “P.E.E.” method. Points are the elements the support your argument in their rawest form. They don’t stand on their own and need support.

Always P.E.E. on your papers Point: Not a supporting detail! Either a Main Idea from a given article or a major argument supporting your claim. Example: This is typically a direct quote from an outside (not you) source, properly cited of course. Essentially where did you get your point from. Explanation: e.g. “how it affects the reader” or “why the author might have chosen to use it at this point in this particular text and how it contributes to the whole text.” This is part of your paper where you gain the most points, as it allows you to look as deeply into the author's methods and intentions as your knowledge, insightfulness, and time will allow.

When do you P.E.E.? For argumentation, during the Counterclaim/concession, and the Points/support. Counterclaim example, the girlfriend argument. Situation: You didn’t call your girlfriend at night like you promised. She’s mad and confronts you. You have no flowers, or chocolate, or food, or stuffed animals by which to bribe her anger away. What do you do? Concession: I understand why you are upset with me, because I did promise to call. Point: Unfortunately for me, I was unable to call. Example: I was asked to work late and I’d left my phone on my desk at home, so I couldn’t even call during lunch. I was distracted with a mountain of home work when I got home and before I knew it, it was too late to call. Explanation: I didn’t want to wake you up and cause you to miss out on sleep before school. I’d have texted, but your text alert is really loud. How would you conclude this argument?

With a Conclusion This is the end note of your argument and it can go a number of ways: Echoing the introduction challenging the reader looking to the future Posing questions

Conclusions Answer the question "So what? Show why the claim is important, meaningful, and/or useful. Synthesize, don't summarize. Don't simply repeat things. They have read/heard it. Show them how the points you made and the support and examples you used were not random, but fit together. Redirect your readers. Give your reader/listener something to think about, perhaps a way to use your claim in the "real" world. Create a new meaning. You don't have to give new information to create a new meaning. By demonstrating how your ideas work together, you can create a new picture. Often the sum of the argument is worth more than its parts. A conclusion does not simply restate the thesis, but readdresses it in light of the evidence provided.

Annotating to understand Pink : Hook Blue: Claim Green: Counterpoint Yellow: Point Underline: Example [Brackets: Explanation]