Think back on the process of writing the report. Write a short note about what you learned from the process.
- What do you like about the essay?
- What are the strengths and weaknesses?
- Where did you struggle?
What would someone have to do to change your opinion on something?
What is an Argument?
Claims, reasons, and evidence.
Argument – a reason or set of reasons given with the aim of persuading others that an action or idea is right or wrong.
Reasons + evidence in support of your over all claim. Mainly relying on reason and logic.
Argument represents only one form of persuasion, one that relies on the cognitive or intellectual capacity for reason (80).
Intro to Arguments/Rhetoric
Language is an art form. Here is the Wikipedia definition of Rhetoric.
Rhetoric is the art of discourse, wherein a writer or speaker strives to inform, persuade or motivate particular audiences in specific situations.
Aristotle’s definition of rhetoric
“The faculty of observing, in any given case, the available means of persuasion“
Ethos: Appeals to Ethics, Credibility or Character. Ethics, ethical, trustworthiness or reputation, style/tone. The credibility of the speaker persuades.
Pathos: Appeals to Emotion. Emotional or imaginative impact, stories, values. Uses emotional response to persuade an audience.
Logos: Appeals to logic. Persuade by reason and evidence.
Addison’s Two Years are Better Than Four (255 – 258)
We are going to split up the readings and work in groups to figure out the main takeaways, important points, and necessary examples we need to remember.
- What is her argument?
- What reasons does she provide?
- What evidence does she provide?
You will have ten minutes to figure out the main points. Pick a scribe, and presenter. Write the points up on the board. The presenter will have 3 minutes to explain the main points.
Arguing a Solution
- Position. Take a clear position on an arguable topic.
- Reasons. Develop main reasons, keeping audience in mind.
- Evidence. Support all reasons with strong research.
- Opposition. Acknowledge the opposing argument and take it out.
Brainstorm problems to argue for.