Parts of an argument

English II

Essential Question

What are the parts of an argument and how are they used to persuade an audience?

DO NOW 10/19/2015

Birdville ISD is thinking of switching to school uniforms and has asked YOU to speak at the school board meeting to voice your opinion on this matter. Write a brief explanation of why you are/are not in favor of this much debated topic.

Part #1: Hook

• The hook grabs the reader’s attention.

• It often establishes a connection between reader and writer and provides background information.

• It can be, but is not limited to, an anecdote, a definition, or a quotation.

What’s an anecdote?

An anecdote is a short and amusing or interesting story about a real incident or person

Part #2: The Claim

The claim comes in the opening section of your paper

It states your belief and what you wish to argue

It can be straightforward and clear. For example, “The minimum wage should be raised to $10.” Without evidence, this is just a claim, not an argument.

Part #3: Support/Evidence

Your support is the reasoning behind your argument

You provide supporting evidence for your claims through data, quotes, anecdotes, etc.

You use support to blend together logical (logos) and emotional appeals (pathos).

Logical Evidence

Refers to facts, or something that can be verified. Also refers to using logic to prove a point.

EX: Football leads to concussions. Because Bob plays football, Bob will get a concussion.

Empirical Evidence Evidence that can be experienced and/or observed. Often, this is scientific research that gives hard data to back up a claim. No matter who observes this, it will not change.

EX: The thermometer reads 95 degrees. Therefore, it’s 95 degrees outside.

Anecdotal Evidence

An anecdote is a short and amusing or interesting story about a real incident or person. (Also known as a testimonial.)

Part #4: Concessions and Refutations/Counterarguments

A concession, you recognize the arguments made by the other side.

Concessions build your credibility by showing that you can discuss the topic objectively.

Following a concession, a refutation, or counterargument, argues against the opposing viewpoint proving that your side has MORE validity.

Part #5: Call to Action!

It draws your argument to a close, restates your claim, and makes a final appeal to values.

This sums up the argument with a few final facts and appeals.

Since the goal of persuasion is to change someone’s thoughts, behaviors, or attitude this is where you tell your reader what you want them to do.

Let’s review...

The parts of an argument are...

1.Hook

2.Claim

3.Support/Evidence

4.Concession/Refutation (Counterargument)

5.Call to action