Responding to Objections and Alternative Views

(WA Chapter 7)

CS4001

Kristin Marsicano

Three types of arguments This chapter categorizes arguments based on

their treatment of alternative views One-sided Muti-sided Dialogic

Think-pair-share: Briefly describe each type.

Three types of arguments One-sided

Presents only writer’s position Does not summarize/respond to opposing views Often takes adversarial stance (writer regards alternative views as

flawed or wrong) Multisided (Classical Argument)

Presents writer’s position, but also summarizes /responds to possible objections/alternative views

Uses reasons in support of its claim Dialogic

Write presents himself as uncertain Audience considered part of dialogue, seeking a consensual

solution to a problem (truth-seeking approach) Seeks common ground with audience Uses more inquiring/conciliatory stance Aimed at reducing hostility

Think-pair-share: Briefly describe each type

Argument type and audience Selecting type of argument should be based

on: Your purpose for communicating the argument How you perceive your audience’s resistance to

your views Your level of confidence in your own viewsThink-pair-share: Match audience

type (supportive, neutral, and resistant) with the argument type you think is the best fit (one-sided, multisided, dialogic)

Argument type and audience type One-sided

Best for supportive audiences Multisided (Classical Argument)

Usually best for neutral/undecided audiences Dialogic

Consider using when audience is strongly resistant

Effective content derives from choosing audience-based reasons that appeal to your audience’s values, assumptions, and beliefs (WA Ch. 4)

Effective structure and tone are often a function of where your audience falls on the resistance scale (WA Ch. 7)

Argument type: related structures Supportive:

One-sided structure (probably not for this class) Neutral/Undecided:

Classical structure (WA Ch. 3) (most of you will probably use this format)

Resistant: Delayed-Thesis (this may be a better fit for some

of you) Rogerian (probably not for this class)

Classical Structure (See Ch. 3 for flow)Introduction • Grab attention

• Explain issue, background• State thesis (claim)• Forecast structure of argument

Presentation of writer’s position

• Present main body of argument• Present and support each reason in

turn• Tie each reason to value or belief held

by audience

Summary of opposing views • Summarize views that differ from writer

Response to opposing views • Refute or concede opposing views• Show weaknesses in opposing views• Concede some strengths in opposing views

Conclusion • Close and sum up argument• Leave strong last impression• Possible call to action

ACTIVITY: Understanding your audience Also note, when understanding your audience,

it’s not enough to just determine they are resistant. You should also determine the cause(s) of the resistance.