1. Arguments, Arrangement and Analysis

2. Argument
In this class, argument is used in the larger sense to persuade or convince someone to take a course of action.

3. Types of Arguments Fact Policy Existence Definition Quality
Rely upon arguments of fact for decision making
Tied to appeals to expediency and value

4. Types of Appeals in Arguments
Logos fact based (the primary kind used in technical documents)
Ethos based on character and authority of the speaker
Pathos emotion based (generally considered the weakest type of appeal in technical documents)

5. Evidence Scientific Data/Data from Study
Citation of results from other studies
Citation of other documents/reports
Quotes from meetings/discussions
First hand observation
Hearsay
Note that this might shift slightly depending upon purpose of document.

6. Boiling Down vs. Expanding
Boiling down finds few key points
Expanding develops ideas with explanation and definition
Choice depends upon audience and purpose
Demonstrating knowledge requires expansion
Getting someone’s attention or updating will usually involve boiling down

7. Using Visuals for Arguments
Help render some complex concepts more understandable
Should always include labels
Should always be discussed in the text of the document
If they aren’t they should be in the appendix

8. Some Argument Arrangements
Time – what happened when
Space – what happens in which space
Hierarchy – most to least important, general to specific
Alternatives – what choices there are
Steps – what needs to be done 1st, 2nd...
Topics – what key ideas must be covered
Matrices – complex decisions or choices & their relationships

9. Document Shapes
Global – major parts of a genre of document, purpose identified in executive summary or introductory paragraph
Visual – consistency in type, levels of headings, use of bold, italics, graphics, boxing, etc.
Textual – words/references within text to assist readers, cues that indicate part of text & function ( e.g. summary, conclusion)

10. Analysis
All of the principles mentioned can be used for both production and analysis.
For this class we’ll be looking at how argument, evidence, and arrangement were used in your documents.