Professional Documents
Culture Documents
an argument can be any text (whether written, spoken, or visual) that expresses a point of view.
Focuses on readers
trying to satisfy or convince them that you have thoroughly examined and presented information that merits attention.
Example:
Writing a research essay on the causes of soil erosion in southeast Alabama
Usually show that there is merit in looking into a subject that there is an argument to be made. Opponent can be the status quo or current trend. Problem does exist writer or reader needs to solve it.
This is an exploratory column, its purpose to encourage thought on a question that badly needs thinking about. The Problem: The birth every year of one million babies to unwed mothers. The Consequence: One million children who, on reaching the age of 13, tend to run into difficulties. The statistics tell us that a child raised by a single parent is likelier by a factor of 600 percent to commit crimes, consume drugs, quit school, and bear, or sire, children out of wedlock. Assume if only to be hopeful that the problems diminish after age 19; we are still left with six million teenagers who are a heavy social burden, as also, of course, a burden to themselves. William F. Buckley Should There Be a Law?
Arguments can take form of meditation on a theme or of prayer. Pausing to consider or to gain peace of mind. Purpose:
Writer is hoping to transform something within to reach a peace of mind.
Deliberative argument
Often rely on forensic arguments because what happened in the past usually decides what will happen in the future.
Make some kind of decision (proposals) try to establish policies or project future outcomes
Facts can be proved or disproved with evidence or testimony. Concern: if something can easily be proven, it cant be argued.
A Hyundai is significantly lower in price than Toyota.
Present evidence to show there is a problem; then, propose a solution. Recommend most viable course of action.
Proposal Argument
Does global warming exist? What is global warming? Should global warming be a concern to us today? What action should be taken to stop global warming?
Readers perceptions of writer influence their reception of what has been written. Must think about readers perceptions, values, possible prejudices. Establish some connection with readers.
Familiarity Presenting yourself as authority
Look at me! Look at my arm! I have ploughed and planted, and gathered into barns, and no man could head me. And aint I a woman?... I have borne thirteen children, and seen most all sold off to slavery, and when I cried out with my mothers grief, none but Jesus heard me. And aint I a woman? Sojourner Truth Aint I a Woman?
Aristotle identified 3 key ways writers can appeal to their audiences in arguments.
Pathos Ethos
Emotional appeals or appeals to the heart Ethical appeals or appeals based on the writers authority and credibility Logical appeals or appeals to reason
Logos
Designed to appeal to the readers emotions and feelings. Can cause readers to think more carefully about subject.
Persuading reader not to drink and drive
telling a story of a teen or young mother killed by drunk driver
As writer, must seem honest, sincere, and trustworthy. Look for evidence of character in arguments
Who is the author? Is writer an authority on topic/knowledgeable about topic? Is evidence presented full/complete, not slanted to writers agenda? Does writer acknowledge and address opposition? Are sources documented?
Writer must provide enough evidence to support argument. Test all assumptions and claims. Question every source and authority cited.
data and information from reliable sources
Claims must be attached to reasons that support it and premises that uphold it to be an argument. Can have several claims in one essay.
Look at relationship among them
Arguments must have logical structure, even if appeal uses emotion, values, or character. Aristotle asserted arguments had only 2 parts:
Statement Proof (claim) (evidence)
Have to think of the way the evidence is presented. Even logical, well-planned argument can be boring. Have to tailor your style to the topic Style can tell readers what to expect
What is most appropriate
Must always think about audience or readers when you present arguments. Must always address an intended audience.
Demonstrate Knowledge
Show readers you know what you are talking about
Facts/statistics
Respect Readers
Do not speak down to readers Do not use offensive language
Argument exists in a particular context of some kind that influences how it can be shaped and how others receive it.
Topic/Subject (Logical Appeals)
Context