1. Argumentative Writing
The Persuasive Essay

2. Argumentation/persuasion
Writing that attempts to convince the reader to agree with the writer’s point of view; to make a particular decision; to pursue a particular course of action

3. Argumentation frequently uses rhetorical strategies in order to argue convincingly
Some strategies are
Definition
Compare and contrast
Analyze cause and effect
Classification
Description
Narration

4. Argumentation is the writer’s attempt to convince, NOT EXPLAIN, that is of primary importance in an argumentative (persuasive) essay.

5. Two Essential Categories of Arguments
Persuasion & Logic
Persuasive style is written in a way that appeals to the audience’s emotions, at their subconscious, even at their biases and prejudices
These appeals are built on
Diction
Slanting
Figurative language
Analogy
Rhythmic patterns of speech
Tone that will encourage a positive response

6. These appeals are built on
Logical style is written in a way that appeals to the audience’s intellectual faculties, understanding, and knowledge.
These appeals are built on
Reasoned movement from assertion to evidence to conclusion
System of proof and counterproof
Generally do not audience to take action (simply take their side as truth)
Commonly found in
Scientific or philosophical articles
Legal decisions
Technical proposals

7. Seven Steps to follow when writing argumentative essays
Determine the thesis or proposition
Take account of your audience
Gather the necessary supporting evidence
Settle on an organization pattern
Consider refutations (opposite opinions) to your argument
Avoid faulty reasoning (fallacies)
Conclude forcefully

8. Logical Fallacies Oversimplification (drastically simple solution)
Hasty generalization (too little evidence)
Post hoc, ergo propter hoc (confusing chance or coincidene w/causation)
Begging the question (assuming something needs to be proven)
False analogy (misleading ideas between unconnected ideas)
Either/or thinking (Seeing only two alternatives)
Non sequitur (inference or conclusion that is not clearly related to the evidence)
(example sentences can be found on page 544 in Models for Writers)

9. Oversimplification (drastically simple solution)
We have a balance-of-trade deficit because foreigners make better products than we do.

10. Hasty Generalization (too little evidence)
My grandparents eat bran flakes for breakfast, just as most older folks do.

11. Post Hoc, ergo propter hoc (I did this, so this happened)
I went to the hockey game last night. The next thing I know I had a cold.

12. Begging the question (assuming something needs to be proven)
Lying is wrong because people should always tell the truth.

13. False analogy (misleading ideas between unconnected ideas)
If we can clone mammals, we should be able to find a cure for cancer.

14. Either/OR thinking (Seeing only two alternatives)
Either you love your job, or you hate it.

15. She is very sincere. She must know what she’s talking about.
Non Sequitur (inference or conclusion that is not clearly related to the evidence)
She is very sincere. She must know what she’s talking about.

16. Take A stand
With a strong stand, you can argue vigorously and convincingly

17. Consider ethos, pathos, and logos
Three elements of argumentation Ethos – which is related to the speaker/writer Pathos – which is related to the audience Logos – which is related to the subject

18. Ethos (related to the speaker/writer)
Greek word for “character”
Has to do with the authority, credibility, and to a certain extent to the morals of the speaker/writer
To gain credibility you must present your argument reasonably, sincerely, and in language free from too much emotionalism and always respect your audience in your writing.

19. Pathos ( related to the audience)
Greek word for “emotion”
Has to do with maximizing appeal for a given audience
To be successful at this you must use artful and strategic diction
Certain buzzwords, slanted diction, or loaded language may become either rallying forces or causes of resentment in an argument.
You need to know your audience before making decisions about diction

20. Logos (related to the subject)
Greek for “word”
Has to do with the subject and the effective presentation of the argument itself.
This aspect of argumentation is the most difficult to accomplish because of the following requirements:
The claim is worthwhile
Paper is logical, consistent, well supported by evidence
Evidence is factual, reliable, convincing
Argument is thoughtfully organized and clearly presented in a way that will convince the audience to see things your way

21. Models for Writers
Refer to pages for more information on Argument