Crafting an Argument

RHETORICAL STRATEGIES

Logos• Effective presentation of the

argument• Quality of the thesis/claim, the

evidence, and the organization• Logos relies on logic or reason• Depends on the use of inductive or

deductive reasoning

Using Logic: Inductive Reasoning

• Scientific method• Collect evidence on which to base a

generalization• Specific Examples- General

Statement• Most common

Using Logic: Deductive Reasoning

• More formal & complex• Generalization- Specific Conclusion• Syllogism–Major Premise–Minor Premise– Conclusion

Avoiding Logical Fallacies

• Oversimplification• Generalization• Post Hoc• Circular Reasoning• False Analogy• Either/or thinking• Non Sequitur• Ad hominem

NAME THE LOGICAL FALLACY!

Maple got a shock right after she came home from the hair salon.

Therefore, Maple should never go to the hair

salon again.

Comparing high school to a prison is a(n) ______________

The president of a corporation praises his

employees’ productivity but then claims that the conference room needs

more plants.

Romantic comedies are the best type of movie

because romantic comedies are better than horror movies, dramas,

other comedies, and foreign films.

We need to continue testing medicine on animals. If we stop,

we’ll never again find another cure for a

disease.

Ethos• Based on the character, credibility, or

reliability of the writer. Establish this by:– Using only credible, reliable sources and cite

properly– Respecting the reader by stating the opposing

position accurately– Establishing common ground with your audience. – Disclosing why you are interested in this topic or

what personal experiences you have had with the topic

– Organizing your argument in a logical, easy to follow manner

– Proofreading the argument

Pathos• Emotional appeal• Appeals to an audience's needs,

values, and emotional sensibilities.• Sources:– Interviews– Anecdotes

ELEMENTS OF AN ARGUMENT

Claims

• Thesis Statement• Position that the writer will argue for• Appears in introduction• 4 Types:– Claim of Fact– Claim of Value– Claim of Policy/Statement– Claim of Cause and Effect

Evidence

• Sources:– Facts & statistics– Examples & narratives– Quotations

• Criteria:– Accuracy: taken from reliable sources– Representation: reflect reality– Relevance: current– Adequacy: sufficient and appropriate

Assumptions

• Warrants/Bridges• Connection between the evidence

and the claims

Counterclaims & Rebuttals

• Consider and acknowledge well-known opposing arguments. Why?

• Offer evidence that either negates, disagrees, or weakens the counterclaim. Why?

PROCESS

Choosing a Topic

• Ask yourself:– Does the topic interest you?– Is this idea generally accepted?– Have you considered both sides?– Is it appropriate in scope?• If not, include specific information,

connections, and reasons. Try it with these:– American high schools do not adequately prepare

students for college.– The drinking age should be changed.

Considering the Audience

What are the interests and values of your audience?

Has your audience already established a position?What evidence or reasons will they find

compelling?What is the temperament of your audience?

• Establish tone• Establish common ground with your audience• State positions that you have in common• Designate areas of mutual agreement/possible

compromise

Organization

• Introduction:– Set the context by reviewing the topic in a general way.– Explain why the topic is important or why readers should care

about the issue. – Present a clear, concise, and defined thesis statement.

• Body Paragraphs– Each paragraph should be limited to the discussion of one

general idea– Must have some logical connection to the thesis statement– Explain how and why the evidence supports the thesis

• Conclusion– Restate why the topic is important, review the main points, and

review your thesis. – Offer a suggestion for future research and/or implications