IS IT A QUARREL? HOW WILL YOUR ABILITY TO ARGUE EFFECTIVELY HELP YOU SUCCEED BOTH IN CLASS AND ON THE JOB? What is an argument?

Argument: convincing others Argument is a process during which you explore an issue fully, considering different perspectives, assumptions, reasons, and evidence to reach your own informed position When you argue, try to convince your audience to accept your claims regarding an issue using evidence and then to draw on inference to come to your conclusion. An argument, grounded on structured, logical evidence, attempts to convince the reader to 1. accept an opinion, 2. take some action, 3. do both

Debatable issues Our lunchroom should be turned into a food court with restaurants allowed to rent a space and serve the meals we want to buy Our grading scale is higher than any of the counties around us and we should lower our standards to match theirs. Students should have to complete a service project before they graduate, demonstrating they have learned to be a good citizen of the state.

How do you write an argument? Argument represents an opportunity to think things through, to gradually come to some conclusions, and, then, in stages, begin to draft your position with the support you have discovered. Successful arguments rest on a solid foundation of logical support ( facts!) Many arguments include emotion because it can play an important part in swaying reader opinion. Writers often make ethical appeals by projecting favorable images of themselves and establishing their credibility to speak on the topic.

Argument: What is the logical appeal? ( LOGOS) Describe the emotional appeal. (PATHOS) Explain the ethical appeal. (ETHOS)

The logical appeal You are expected to reach your conclusions on the basis of good reasons and appropriate evidence You use reasons as the key points to defend your position To convince your readers, your reasons must be substantiated by evidence What is evidence?

Evidence: Established FACTS! Opinions of authorities Primary source information Statistical findings Personal experience How do you evaluate evidence?

What is the emotional appeal? It can give powerful reinforcement Emotion can win the hearts and the help of people who would otherwise passively accept logical argument but take no action

What is the ethical appeal? If the writer comes across as pleasant, fair-minded and decent, gaining reader support is much easier The image that the writer projects is called the ethical appeal If the writer’s tone offends the audience, by being arrogant, the reasoning will fail to penetrate Establishes a connection with the reader or audience- “My fellow Americans…..”