Download - Argumentation
Persuasive Aimis used to accomplish one of two basic
purposes:
1) To change the reader’s attitudes or beliefs.
2) To get the reader to do something.
ReasonsReasons tell why everyone should accept an
opinion as true.Ex: A ban on smoking in public places
would reduce the risk of developing lung cancer via secondhand smoke inhalation.
Evidence- Facts & statistics -are strong because it’s hard
to argue with the facts. Ex: Prolonged exposure to secondhand
smoke increases one’s risk of developing cancer by 55%.
- Expert testimony- statements made by experts in the field are convincing.
Ex: “The risk of developing lung cancer from secondhand smoke is significant,” said Dr. Jim Williams, a leading pulmonary oncologist at Johns Hopkins Medical Research Center.
Hasty Generalizationis coming to a conclusion on the basis of insufficient evidence.
Ex: All of my friends whose parents smoke have asthma and are certain to develop lung cancer as a result.
Name Callingis attacking the person who holds the view rather than the view itself.
Ex: Mayor Smith is calling for restaurant and bars to ban smoking, but he recently was arrested for DWI and cannot be trusted.
Either/oris describing a situation as though there were only two choices when there may actually be several.
Ex: Either smoking be banned in public places, or citizens are doomed to die slow, painful deaths.
False Cause and Effectasserting that because Event B followed Event A, A caused B.
Ex: Since Arlington banned smoking in restaurants and bars, my favorite restaurant chain went out of business two weeks later.
Loaded Wordsare words that are heavy with emotional connotations.
Ex: Smokers endanger the lives of innocent children and sentence them to lives riddled with health problems.
Glittering Generalities A type of loaded words, they are so strongly
positive that they “glitter” and make you feel good.
Ex: Smoking a Camel after a satisfying meal---it’s the American way.
Bandwagon Appealthe belief that something should be done because the majority of people do it (or wish to do it).
Ex: 20 of the 30 major U.S. cities have already enacted a ban on public smoking and Dallas shouldn’t be the last.
Testimonialswhen a celebrity endorses a product unrelated to their field of expertise.
Ex: Tony Hawk and Miley Cyrus support the ban on smoking in public places.