2013-2014PERSUASIVE UNIT

The word argument doesn’t always mean a disagreement between two people.

An argument in formal writing and speaking is a claim supported by evidence.

THE ARGUMENT

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A strong argument Presents a claim, or the writer’s position on a problem or issue. (Essentially, in writing, this would be your thesis statement.)

Provides support, or the reasons and evidence that back up the claim. This includes facts, statistics, examples, and quotations from experts.

Anticipates objections that people with the opposing viewpoint might raise and attempts to answer those objections with counterarguments.

WHAT IS A STRONG ARGUMENT?

According to Aristotle, an ancient Greek philosopher, in order to be truly persuasive one must use a balanced combination of logos,

pathos, and ethos.

PERSUASIVE TECHNIQUES

An argument has to make sense, which is usually done through sound, rational, logical arguments that are indisputable.

What you use to support your claim:FactsStatistics Expert Source

LOGOS = LOGIC

An argument has to appeal to a person’s emotional side.

What you use to convince your reader:Word Connotation and Loaded LanguageFigurative Language Imagery

PATHOS = EMOTION

When using ethos in your argument, you are appealing to a person’s sense of what is right, fair, and just.

What you use to build credibility: EthicsMoralsStandardsValues

ETHOS = ETHICS

In order to build credibility with your audience, you MUST address and refute (prove wrong) the opposing viewpoint. In order to do this, you must be knowledgeable about both sides of the issue.

THE COUNTERARGUMENT

A cause is an event or action that directly results in another event.

An effect is the direct outcome of an event or action.

Example: If school uniforms are required at CJHS, then student creativity will be stifled.

CAUSE & EFFECT

Facts are statements that can be proved by observation, an expert, or other reliable sources. They should not be accepted without evidence to back them up. EX. Studies show that students who clean their own school are

less likely to litter or vandalize school property.

Opinions are statements or personal belief, feeling, or thought which do not require proof. EX. It’s wrong to make students clean the school.

Your opinion is your starting point, your claim. You will use facts to back up your opinion!

FACT VS. OPINION

Repetition: the repeated use of the same word, usually for emphasis or stylistic effect. EX: “I have a dream.” EX: “Ain’t I a woman.”

Rhetorical Question: questions that do not require a reply. Writers use these to prompt their audience to think about an issue or suggest that the answer is obvious. EX: How would you feel if your rights were suddenly taken away?

Anecdote: a brief personal story that illustrates a point EX: Someone who would be writing an essay to persuade people

not to drink and drive may share a personal story about a friend/family member who was negatively affected by a drunk driver.

PERSUASIVE DEVICES