1. Argumentative Writing
The Senior research paper

2. What is a Research Paper?
It is a final process of a process that includes research, critical thinking, source evaluation, organization, and composition.
Think of it as a “living thing” that grows and changes as the student explores, interprets, and evaluates sources related to a specific topic.
It serves to provide students with opportunity to increase their knowledge in the topic area as well as to further the field in which it is written.
Offers a unique perspective on the issue at hand.

3. A Research Paper is not…
A summary of the topic from the info gathered from primary/secondary sources
A book report, an opinion piece, or is it an overview of a topic
It is a culmination of investigating and evaluating sources with the intent to offer interpretations of the texts without regurgitating information.

4. Argumentation
The process of systematically reasoning in order to support a theory
This system includes logic and presentation of evidence
What is an argument?
Attempt to prove a point (expressed in a thesis) through calm, vigorous, logic and presentation of evidence (research)

5. Rhetorical Strategies for Persuasion Used in Arguments
Logos
Logos or the appeal to reason relies on logic or reason. Logos often depends on the use of inductive or deductive reasoning.
Ethos
Ethos or the ethical appeal is based on the character, credibility, or reliability of the writer.
Pathos
Pathos, or emotional appeal, appeals to an audience's needs, values, and emotional sensibilities.

6. Induction and Deduction (Logos)
Induction: moves from specific to general; collecting facts and evidence and then drawing a conclusion from that information
Say you come down with a case of food poisoning – cramps, vomiting a headache, the works. When you call the other five people with whom you shared a pot of stew the night before, each tells the same horrible story. It’s safe to say the stew made you sick. That’s your conclusion. Support for that conclusion comes in the form of six separate tales of woe.
Deduction: moves from general to specific
General statement: All full-time students can use the weight room free of charge.
Specific case: I am a full-time student.
Conclusion: Therefore, I can use the weight room free of charge.
Syllogism
Both ways complement each other and can/should be used in your arguments

7. Syllogism
Syllogism is logical structure through which deductive reasoning is done.
General Statement
Specific Case
Conclusion

8. Developing an Argument
The most important thing to remember about an effective argument is that it is both logical and well supported
Writing must contain enough supportive information to be clear, convincing and easily understood

9. Establishing Your Authority (Ethos)
Authoritative conviction: having a command over your writing; belief in your writing
The best way to establish your authority is to amass relevant facts – so it shows you know what you’re talking about

10. Addressing Opposing Opinions
Always a good idea; shows open-minded, you have considered more than one side, you have thought out your position and others’, and you are knowledgeable about your subject
One way to do so is to show that the opposing side lacks validity
Another is to recognize the validity of your opponent’s argument while offering your own as the more realistic or logical alternative

11. Thesis Argumentative thesis must be debatable Non-debatable example:
Something on which people could potentially disagree
Cannot be factual or generally agreed upon
Non-debatable example:
Pollution is bad for the environment
Debatable example:
At least twenty-five percent of the federal budget should be spent on limiting pollution.

12. Thesis needs to be narrow
The narrower your thesis is, the more effective your argument will be
Too broad:
Drug use is detrimental to society.
What kinds of drugs? Prescription? Illicit? Recreational? What about detrimental? Death? Addiction? Violence? What about society? America? The global population?
Narrowed thesis:
Illegal drug use is detrimental because it encourages gang violence.

13. Types of Claims
Claims of fact or definition: These claims argue about what the definition of something is or whether something is a settled fact. Example:
What some people refer to as global warming is actually nothing more than normal, long-term cycles of climate change.
Claims of cause and effect: These claims argue that one person, thing, or event caused another thing or event to occur. Example:
The popularity of SUV's in America has caused pollution to increase.

14. More Claims
Claims about value: These are claims made about what something is worth, whether we value it or not, how we would rate or categorize something. Example:
Global warming is the most pressing challenge facing the world today.
Claims about solutions or policies: These are claims that argue for or against a certain solution or policy approach to a problem. Example:
Instead of drilling for oil in Alaska we should be focusing on ways to reduce oil consumption, such as researching renewable energy sources.

15. Possible Outline Introduction Background/Impact Body 1 Body 2 Body 3
Opposing Views
Rebuttal
Conclusion

16. Persuasive vs. Argumentative
Biggest difference is addressing opposing views and either render them invalid or emphasizing yours as more logical