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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