Good Reasons Readings and Notes by Assignment

1/20/12 Reading Notes – Pages 1-5 What is meant by college argument? (read and summarize) What does argument mean for college writers? (list and understand the 9 points) How can you argue responsibly?  Why do you never say, “In my opinion…”?  Summarize the process for arguing responsibly How can you argue respectfully? (summarize the 3 bullets)

Now, Practice What You’ve Learned (Use your notes) (Individually) Brainstorm a topic you might argue; give three reasons to support your argument. (5 mins.) (With peers) Discuss each topic and its supporting reasons to: consider the “9 points” of college argument, and how each topic could (or could not) be argued respectfully. (Some topics are more sensitive than others; the point is to consider how your topic can be approached in an academically and respectfully acceptable way.) (10 mins.) (As a class) Analyze what you have learned. (5 mins.)

1/23 Reading – Chapter 1 (pgs. 9-21) Purpose – what is it? (What was Carson’s purpose in writing?) What was the secret to Carson’s writing success? What is a Position Argument, and what is a Proposal Argument? How do they differ? What are the steps for each? What are Rhetorical Appeals? Be able to explain each.

Identify – Rhetorical Appeals Which grouping is which? Does the audience respect you? Does the audience believe you are of good character? Does the audience believe you are generally trustworthy? Does the audience believe you are an authority on this speech topic? Do your words evoke feelings of … love? … sympathy? … fear? Do your visuals evoke feelings of compassion? … envy? Does your characterization of the competition evoke feelings of hate? contempt? Does your message make sense? Is your message based on facts, statistics, and evidence? Will your call-to-action lead to the desired outcome that you promise?

1/24 Reading – Chapter 2 (pgs. 22 – 29) What is critical reading, and what are its four steps? What are logical fallacies? The book lists 13 of them; be able to name and identify them. (They are on the quiz!) Concepts of Chapters 1 and 2 quiz – Monday, 1/30.

Name the Fallacy! (Use notes only.) 1. "Guns are like hammers—they're both tools with metal parts that could be used to kill someone. And yet it would be ridiculous to restrict the purchase of hammers—so restrictions on purchasing guns are equally ridiculous." 2. "President Jones raised taxes, and then the rate of violent crime went up. Jones is responsible for the rise in crime." 3. "Gay marriages are just immoral. 70% of Americans think so!" 4. "Caldwell Hall is in bad shape. Either we tear it down and put up a new building, or we continue to risk students' safety. Obviously we shouldn't risk anyone's safety, so we must tear the building down." 5. "Animal experimentation reduces our respect for life. If we don't respect life, we are likely to be more and more tolerant of violent acts like war and murder. Soon our society will become a battlefield in which everyone constantly fears for their lives. It will be the end of civilization. To prevent this terrible consequence, we should make animal experimentation illegal right now."

Name the Fallacy! (Answers) 1. "Guns are like hammers—they're both tools with metal parts that could be used to kill someone. And yet it would be ridiculous to restrict the purchase of hammers—so restrictions on purchasing guns are equally ridiculous." (False analogy) 2. "President Jones raised taxes, and then the rate of violent crime went up. Jones is responsible for the rise in crime." (Post hoc/False cause) 3. "Gay marriages are just immoral. 70% of Americans think so!" (Bandwagon) 4. "Caldwell Hall is in bad shape. Either we tear it down and put up a new building, or we continue to risk students' safety. Obviously we shouldn't risk anyone's safety, so we must tear the building down." (Either/or) 5. "Animal experimentation reduces our respect for life. If we don't respect life, we are likely to be more and more tolerant of violent acts like war and murder. Soon our society will become a battlefield in which everyone constantly fears for their lives. It will be the end of civilization. To prevent this terrible consequence, we should make animal experimentation illegal right now." (Slippery Slope)

1/25 – Chapter 3 Read/review Pages – read the conversation; what is a claim, and what is a reason? What is a because clause, and how is it useful? After reading “The basics of argument” (pgs ), why is it necessary to consider opposing views when forming your own argument? “Reading your assignment” (pgs ): why is it important to carefully read an assignment’s instructions before you begin? What three statements or claims can never be argued and, therefore, are not appropriate for academic essay topics? Pages 33 – 40: Skim read, paying attention to headers and key words. Understand how to find a topic and analyze and narrow it.  Freewriting – what is it?  Brainstorming – what is it?  What is an idea map? Pages 40 – 44: Know how to find a claim by reading and analyzing it.