What is an argument? A presentation of a controversial or

debatable issue

How do you make a good argument? You support your claims with sufficient

and valid reasoning and evidence

Why is argument/persuasion important? Convinces others to think or do what

you want them to

Purpose of argument To change the reader’s mind about an

issue To convince the reader to accept what

is written To motivate the reader to take action,

based on what is written

Elements of an Argument Claim – what the writer is trying to prove

(usually found in the thesis, topic sentence) Ex: Students should wear uniforms to

public high schools.

Evidence – the support used to convince the reader Ex: Student will focus less on what they

and others are wearing and more on learning.

Explanation – Link between evidence and claim; why the grounds are credible The purpose of school is to learn.

With a partner read “Strike Against War” by Helen Keller

and highlight the claims, evidence and explanation.

Section 2: Art of Argument Rhetoric – the art of using language in order to

make a point or to persuade listeners.

Rhetorical devices – are accepted elements of argument. The following are types of rhetorical devices: Repetition Parallelism Restatement Simile and Metaphor Alliteration Rhetorical Questions

Let’s Review We’ve already learned about the following rhetorical devices. Let’s

review what they are:

Restatement Expressing the same idea using different words

Repetition The repeated use of certain words, phrases and sentences

Parallelism The repetition of a grammatical structure

Simile and Metaphor figure of speech that makes a direct comparison between two

subjects, using either like or as a figure of speech in which one thing is spoken as though it were

something else. The identification suggest a comparison between the two things that are identified.

Rhetorical Devices Rhetorical question

– Calling attention to the issue by implying an obvious answer Ex: Aren’t all

people created equal?

Rhetorical Devices Alliteration – the repetition of consonant

sounds at the beginning of words that are close to one another. Ex: “beautiful blossoms blooming

between the bushes.”

Persuasive Appeals Ethos (credible) – refers to the trustworthiness or

credibility of the writer or speaker. Ex: A Harvard study indicates that people who

listen to classical music score higher on tests.

Pathos (emotional) – evokes a person’s fear, anger or desire Ex: Soon, all you will see will be strip malls and

parking lots.

Logos (logical) – means persuading by the use of reasoning. Ex: Classical music increases brain power by

30%.

Time to review and apply what we have learned!

With your partner, reread “Strike Against War” by Helen

Keller this time identifying different rhetorical devices.