1. Argument and Persuasion
Elements of Strong Arguments

2. The Basics… Any strong argument should feature the following elements:
A Claim: The point the writer is trying to prove
Evidence: Examples/data use to support the claim
Reasoning: Explanation of why or how the examples/data support the claim; the underlying thinking that connects your evidence to your claim.

3. Here’s an Example Argument…
Claim: School start times should be later.
Evidence: Biologically, it is difficult for teenagers to fall asleep before 11 p.m. and wake up before 8 a.m.
Reasoning: When schools begin at 7:30 a.m., students are going to be too tired. For many of them, their bodies are not biologically ready to be awake at that time, and they aren’t ready to learn.

4. Persuasive Appeals
Persuasive appeals are often use to make arguments more convincing.
The three types of persuasive appeals are:
Ethos: Using ethics, credibility, integrity, authority, expertise to build TRUST between the audience and the speaker/writer
Ex: A computer programmer tells an audience why they should increase their web security.
Pathos: Using emotion (trying to make your reader/audience FEEL one way)
Ex: A Humane Society ad asking for donations shows sick, injured animals who need help.
Logos: Using LOGIC or REASON to support an argument
Ex: Studies show that…

5. Test Yourself! What techniques are used?

6. Test Yourself! What techniques are used?

7. Test Yourself! What techniques are used?

8. Test Yourself! What techniques are used?