Introduction to the Parts of an Argument · Practice Identifying the Parts • Read the assigned...
Transcript of Introduction to the Parts of an Argument · Practice Identifying the Parts • Read the assigned...
Introduction to the Parts of an Argument
12th grade English
Warm Up
What is an argument? What makes for a strong argument? What kinds of things weaken a persons
argument?
What is Argument?
• Argument can be defined as:•a process of reasoning
•a statement, reason, or fact for or against a point
•a composition intended to convince or persuade
•http://www.shmoop.com/video/argument-essay
Structure of an Argument
Hook/attention grabber
Claim with background information
Arguments At least 2 reasons to support your claim w/ textual evidence
Counterargument Opposition to claim
Rebuttal With Evidence to contradict counter
Conclusion / Call to action
Let’s break it down
Hook/Attention Grabber
• Called a hook because it hooks the reader, just like a fishing hook. The attention getter is usually the first sentence in an academic essay. The purpose of the attention getter is to grab the reader's attention and give him/her some context for the essay.
Claim and Background Information
• Claim: The overall thesis the writer will argue for
• Background information: Basic information to give your reader some context regarding the topic
Arguments and Evidence
• Arguments: Main points that will be addressed to support your claim.
• Evidence: Data gathered to support your argument and prove your claim.
Counterargument / Rebuttal
• Counterargument: A claim that negates or disagrees with the thesis/claim. Goes against your argument.
• Let’s discuss: WHY IS THIS IMPORTANT? Why do we need to address this? What happens to our argument if we don’t?
• Should we use evidence here? Why/Why not?
• Rebuttal: Evidence that negates or disagrees with the counterclaim.
• You can still prove you are right– even after addressing the other side!
• Should we use evidence here? Why/ Why not?
Conclusion/ Call to Action
• Wrap up your argument
• Appeal to the reader so they feel inspired to take action
How the Appeals fit in
• http://www.shmoop.com/video/ethos-pathos-logos
Ethos in writing
• Ethos or the ethical appeal is based on the character, credibility, or reliability of the writer.
• How to establish ethos
• Use only credible, reliable sources to build your argument and cite those sources properly.
• Respect the reader by stating the opposing position accurately.
• Establish common ground with your audience. Most of the time, this can be done by acknowledging values and beliefs shared by those on both sides of the argument.
• If appropriate for the assignment, disclose why you are interested in this topic or what personal experiences you have had with the topic.
• Organize your argument in a logical, easy to follow manner. You can use the Toulmin method of logic or a simple pattern such as chronological order, most general to most detailed example, earliest to most recent example, etc.
• Proofread the argument. Too many careless grammar mistakes cast doubt on your character as a writer.
Pathos in writing
• Pathos, or emotional appeal, appeals to an audience's needs, values, and emotional sensibilities.
• Argument emphasizes reason, but used properly there is often a place for emotion as well. Emotional appeals can use sources such as interviews and individual stories to paint a more legitimate and moving picture of reality or illuminate the truth.
• Only use an emotional appeal if it truly supports the claim you are making, not as a way to distract from the real issues of debate. An argument should never use emotion to misrepresent the topic or frighten people.
Logos in writing
• Uses inductive and deductive reasoning.
• Inductive reasoning takes a specific representative case or facts and draws conclusions from them. MUST be based on a sufficient amount of reliable evidence. In other words, the facts you draw on must fairly represent the larger situation or population.
• Deductive reasoning begins with a generalization and then applies it to a specific case. The generalization you start with must have been based on a sufficient amount of reliable evidence.
Practice Identifying the Parts• Read the assigned text and use your notes to annotate the piece for different
parts of an argument.
Color 1= Hook: Note, what kind of hook/ and is it effective or not
Color 2= Claim
Color 3= Arguments
Color 4= Evidence: Note, does their evidence support their argument?
Circle= Counterargument: Note, do they use evidence in the counter?
Underline= Rebuttal: Note, do they use evidence in the rebuttal?
Comment on and the call to action.
Draw a bubble around appeals to ethos/pathos/logos: Note, comment on
the authors usage
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