Persuasive/ Argumentative writing

Persuasive/ Argumentative writing

Learning targets I can write arguments to support claims using valid reasoning and relevant and sufficient evidence. I can introduce precise claims, distinguish the claim from opposing claims, and create an organization that establishes clear relationships among claim, counterclaims, reasons, and evidence. I can develop claims and counterclaims fairly, providing evidence for each. I can use words, phrases, and clauses to create cohesion and clarity. I can establish and maintain a formal style and objective tone. I can provide a concluding statement or section.

What is the difference between argument and persuasion? ** They are often used interchangeably. ARGUMENT: Presents a version of truth. It is logic and reason based. PERSUASION: Taking a position FOR or AGAINST a debatable issue and convincing a reader to accept your point of view on that issue. While there is logic involved, it also relies heavily on emotional appeals and author credibility.

On Argument v. Persuasion "With its roots in orality, rhetoric has a bias for viewing audiences as particular. Aristotle said, The persuasive is persuasive to someone. In contrast to rhetoric, writing has a bias for an abstract audience or generalized conception of audience.... For this reason, a particular audience can be persuaded, whereas the universal audience must be convinced; particular audiences can be approached by way of values, whereas the universal audience (which transcends partisan values) must be approached with facts, truths, and presumptions. ~Miller & Charney

Why are we doing this? In everyday life Appealing a grade, asking for a raise, applying for a job, negotiating the price of a new car, arguing in traffic court In academic life Defending your ideas, engaging intellectual debate On the job Getting people to listen to your ideas, winning buy-in, getting your boss to notice, getting cooperation, moving people to action In writing Irrefutably making your point, writing to be read In reading and listening Critically evaluating other s arguments, protecting yourself from unethical persuasive tactics, recognizing faulty reasoning when you see it.

Persuasive writing can be used to Support a cause Urge people to action Make a change Prove something wrong Stir up sympathy Create interest Get people to agree with you

Key terms let s give an example of each! Claim Your basic belief about a particular topic, issue, event, or idea Counterclaim A solid and reasonable argument that opposes or disagrees with your claim Rebuttal A written or verbal response to a counterclaim. The object of the rebuttal is to take into account the ideas presented in the counterclaim and explain why they aren t persuasive enough, valid enough, or important enough to outweigh your own claim.

Key terms let s give an example of each! Support Your specific facts or specific evidence used to support why your claim is true Refute Argue against a position or prove it to be wrong Qualify A partly-agree stance in which you agree (in part) with another person s argument or position but also disagree with part of it.

Kinds of appeals Pathos Emotional appeal, intended to evoke emotion, even physical responses These kinds of appeals are most often found in persuasive pieces, as argumentation is more about conviction than it is motivation to action

Kinds of appeals Ethos Argument based on character/authority, the presentation of self that a writer brings to an argument Readers must buy into the authority, credibility, integrity or motives of the writer It s about establishing an identity and sharing values with the intended audience

Kinds of appeals Logos Appeals based on facts, logic, reason Hard evidence: facts, statistics, testimony, witness Reason/common sense Sometimes lead to logical fallacies, calling into question the fairness or accuracy of the argument being made

Persuasive essay format: INTRODUCTION consisting of an interesting opener that funnels to a thesis (position) statement. CONCESSION consisting of the admission (counterclaim) and refutation of an opposing view. PRO paragraphs where your arguments are asserted and supported with evidence. CONCLUSION where the thesis is restated and the reader is left with something to think about.

How do I start? 1. Read your prompt or begin brainstorming topics ( Choose something that affects you personally!). 2. Pick a side and draft a thesis (position) statement. 3. Know your audience Who do I need to convince? What tone would best serve my purpose?

Topics Arguments need... An issue An arguer An audience Common ground A forum Audience outcomes Arguments fail with... No disagreement or reason to argue Risky or trivial issues Difficulty establishing common ground Standoffs or fights that result in negative outcomes

Narrowing a topic Te xti ng ba d na Name me calling s Preventing Bullying

Thesis statement It is a claim you are supporting throughout the course of your essay. Which of the following is a thesis statement for a persuasive piece? Parents, often too busy to watch television shows with their families, can monitor their children s viewing habits with the aid of the V-chip. To help parents monitor their children s viewing habits, the V- chip should be a required feature for television sets sold in the U.S. This paper will describe a V-chip and examine the uses of the V- chip in American-made television sets.

PLAN In order to convince the reader, you need facts and examples to support your opinion. What can you do when you cannot research?

PLAN Make sure you have the essential components to each paragraph: INTRO: Interesting opening Thesis CON: Opposing view (counterclaim) Refutation addressing that view

PLAN PRO #1 &2: Assertion/ claim(your first argument in support of your thesis) Evidence Elaboration Evidence Elaboration

PLAN CONCLUSION: Restatement of thesis Call to action

Drafting Do and Don ts DO Remember that organization is key to coherence and clarity. Remember that your two main pro arguments must be different from your refutation in the concession paragraph. Save your strongest argument for the second pro paragraph.

Drafting Do & Don ts DON T: Use first or second person pronouns. Be wishy-washy. Forget to support your opinions with facts and examples. Neglect the interest getting opener and lasting impression. Forget to be you!

How do I start? Always begin with the thesis statement in mind. How can you get the reader there? Riddle Bold statement Quotation Interesting fact Anecdote Fact/statistic Question Setting a scenesample intro

Concession Transition to an opposing view. What are people most likely to say in objection to my position? Once you ve admitted an opposing view, you must refute it, belittle it, or accept it, but be sure to bring the reader back to your position. Sample CON Step by step CON

Pro Paragraphs Follow the same structure we ve been working on: assertion, example, elaboration. Step by Step PRO

Conclusion Begin by rewording your thesis. Find a way to bring the reader back to your opening thoughts or issue a call to action. Sample conclusion

But it all begins with a topic What do you care about? What pet peeves can you explore? What issues directly affect you?

Works cited Adapted from Mike McGuire s Com 101 class notes, MV Community College http://eps.ucsc.edu/ www.scribd.com/doc/.../argument-and- Persuasion-PP-by-Debbie-Dean http:// rpdp.net/files/ccss/ela/ela_9-10_curr_res/writin g%209-10/writing%20standard%201%20(9-10 ).pdf Lunsford, Andrea A., John J. Ruszkiesicz, and Keith Walters. Everything s an Argument (with readings). Boston: Bedford/St. Martin s, 2007. Print.