{ Digging Deeper Into Argumentation

 Determining a clear structure helps with clarity  Similarities found between published engineering reports and traditional Greek and Roman rhetoric Classic Oration

 Introduction- exordium  Background- narratio  Lines of Argument- partitio and confirmatio  Alternative Arguments- refutatio  Conclusion- peroratio Classic Oration

 Gains reader’s interest and willingness to listen  Establishes your qualifications  Common ground  Demonstration of fair and evenhanded attitude  States claim introduction

 Presents information that is important to argument  Facts of the case- who, what, when…  Puts the argument into context background

 Presents good reasons  Logical and emotional appeals  Claim-reason-warrant  Detailed support  Logical reasoning  Factual evidence lines of argument

 Examination of alternative points of view  Notes advantages and disadvantages and how these points relate to claims you made  Explains why one view might be better than another alternative arguments

 Summarizes entire argument  Elaborates on implications of argument  Makes clear what you want the audience to think or do  Reinforces credibility conclusion

 Any argument involves a claim supported by reasons and evidence. The Toulmin Model

 A claim is an arguable point. Apply the test of justification to your claim before including it in an argument.  One can make a claim about meaning- “What is dubstep?”  One can make a claim about policy- “Our federal government should strengthen anti-piracy laws.”  One can make a claim about consequences- “Because adversity affects many in a positive way, the challenges in one’s life can lead to an improved quality of life.” The Claim

 Knowing that the whole world does not agree with you, you must not make an absolute proposition. Seek common ground with your readers. Foster a degree of trust. Explain circumstances.  Sometimes, probably, usually, in most cases… Qualify

 Support claim  Facts, stats  Historical examples  Personal examples  Cultural examples  Literary examples Reasons/Evidence

 The audience must be able to follow your train of thinking. This is where a warrant comes it. To justify your claim, you need to show some thought process, or analysis. Warrant

Claim-Reaspm-Warrant Reason (Because)So (claim) (Since) Warrant

 “Sarah graduated from Camas High School, an excellent school, therefore she should do well in college.” Is this statement warranted?

 “Sarah graduated from Camas High School, an excellent school. She had great study habits. She had a 3.9 GPA and was ranked top 10 in her class and took upper level classes. Because of Sarah’s dedication to academics as well as her involvement in a variety of activities, and based on the recommendations from teachers, Sarah seems to be a good candidate for an esteemed four year college..” How about this one?

 Ensures clear, reasonable and carefully qualified claims.  Provides a framework for argument  Warrants push us to probe the values that support arguments and to relate to an audience.  Allow for anticipation of objections and addressing of those objections. Why Does This Structure Work?

 Without tone and voice, you are a robotic product of public education. Tone and Voice