LESSON 8 : ELEMENTS OF REASONING

Persuasion

8.1 The Elements of Reasoning

Review the Hamburger Model for Persuasive Writing. Using this structure to organize a paragraph or essay

is only one element of strong persuasive writing. The reasoning demonstrated in the writing needs to

be strong.Take out SA 8A.

Paying attention to the elements of reasoning will help you develop strong, convincing arguments in your persuasive writing.

8.1 The Elements of Reasoning

Take out SA 8B.Use this page to take notes as I talk you

through an example of reasoning.

8.1 The Elements of Reasoning

I planted some azalea bushes in my front yard. Three days later, most of the leaves on the bushes were gone! What is the purpose of reasoning about this

situation? I want to figure out what has happened to my azaleas so

that I can prevent it from happening again. What is the issue or problem with which I am

dealing? Leaves have vanished from my azalea bushes just a few

days after I planted them. What facts and evidence will help me solve the

problem? Neighbors have said that they’ve seen deer eating their

plants. I do some research and find out that deer do feed on azaleas.

8.1 The Elements of Reasoning

What are some inferences or small conclusions I can make based on the facts I have? I have found no evidence that leaves are falling to the ground, and so I

can infer that the leaves are being eaten. I have evidence that deer are in the neighborhood, and I know that

deer feed on azaleas, so I can infer that deer are causing the problem. I also know that azaleas need their leaves, and so I can infer that the

bushes may not survive. What would each of the people (or animals) involved think about

the problem? What are the points of view of the various stakeholders? I would like the deer herd to be thinned. My neighbor likes deer and even puts out cracked corn to attract

them. From the point of view of the deer, there is no problem– the azaleas

are a free lunch!

8.1 The Elements of Reasoning

What concepts or big ideas are involved in this problem? Conflict between human and nature. Gardening principles based on the idea of working harmoniously

with nature. For example: Organic farming

What assumptions might I or other stakeholders make about the situation? I assumed that the azaleas would grow if I took good care of them. I never considered deer might be a problem.

What are the implications of following a certain line of reasoning? If the azaleas survive and I decide to keep them, I will have to do

something to keep the deer away, such as build a fence. I could also plant shrubs that deer don’t like to eat.

8.2 Apply the Elements of Reasoning

Take out SA 8C.You will be paired with another student.Come up with your own problem situation–

either real or imagined– and then write it on the top of 8C. Think through the problem by responding to the

questions. Be prepared to share your situation and answers with

the class.Follow-Up: Are there other possible

responses to any of the questions?

8.2 Apply the Elements of Reasoning

Take out SA 5A, “Why You Should Become a Vegetarian.” How are the elements of reasoning applied in this

example of persuasive writing? What was the author’s purpose in writing this

paragraph? What are other purposes for writing?

What issue is addressed in this paragraph? What is the author’s point of view on this issue?

What points of view might other people have on this issue?

8.2 Apply the Elements of Reasoning

What information is presented as evidence for the author’s point of view on this issue? For example, what evidence is given to support the idea that

raising animals for meat uses more natural resources than does raising other foods?

What inference can you make from this information about the place of cattle in the food chain?

What concepts or big ideas frame the reasoning in this paragraph?

What might be the consequences for the beef industry if many people were to adopt a vegetarian diet? According to the article, what might be the health

consequences for people who adopt a vegetarian diet? What assumptions seem to be involved in the author’s

reasoning?

8.3 Apply the Standards of Reasoning

Take out SA 8D.The questions on this page are based on the

Standards of Reasoning. These are different from the Elements of Reasoning.

The Elements of Reasoning describe components of thinking.

The Standards of Reasoning give criteria that can be used to judge the strength of someone’s thinking about an issue.

Work with your partner to respond to the questions on SA 8D.

8.3 Apply the Standards of Reasoning

Take out the paragraph you wrote in Lesson 5 on what student government should do with the $500 they have been given.

Take out SA 8E.Share your paragraphs with your partner and

discuss the following: How does your paragraph reflect the Hamburger Model? How well does your paragraph reflect the Elements of

Reasoning?Fill out SA 8E to evaluate your own paragraph

on the Standards of Reasoning.

Homework

Use the Hamburger Model to draft a paragraph-length letter to the editor of the school newspaper or another newspaper responding to this prompt: Should the Pledge of Allegiance be recited in school? Why or

why not?Then, respond to the questions on SA 8F to evaluate

your letter. Rewrite your letter, if necessary. This is due tomorrow.

Continue to read your second assigned novel and respond to the questions on SA 1B or SA 1C. This is due by lesson 10 (approximately 2 weeks).