Persuasive and Argument

Aren’t they the same thing? Persuasive v. Argument Similarities 1.Author makes a claim 2.Purpose is to convince an audience to change behavior Differences Persuasive 1.Claims may be unsubstantiated (no evidence) 2.Focus on pathos 3.May include selling goods and services, promoting a cause, propaganda Argument 1.Claims must be substantiated with relevant evidence 2.Focus on logos: reasoning and data

Where do we start? Components Claim or Assertion: writer’s position on a problem or issue Premise or Commonplace Assertion: a general principle most people would agree is true A claim is the author’s opinion about an issue Most claims are based on a premise that the reader must first agree with. For example: All high school graduates should pursue a college education so they may be prepared for the work force. Claim: “All high school graduates should pursue a college education” Premise: Only a college education can prepare one for the “work force.” This does not account for factory workers, trade workers, or advancements in technology that we cannot imagine yet.

The components of argument Audience: who the writer is attempting to persuade Support: reasons and evidence that back up the claim Graphics and Infographics: artistic use of pictures, shapes, and words to persuade or provide data Fact: a statement that can be verified as correct or incorrect Opinion: a personal feeling or judgment about something Counterargument: the anticipation of people with an opposing viewpoint Rebuttal: the author’s response to the anticipated counterargument. The author will refute the counterargument. Conclusion: the last paragraph of the argument, often including the call to action, the author’s last chance to convince you to act/change behavior

Structure of an Argument Claim (Main Assertion): This is your thesis when you write an argument! Reason #1 (Topic Sentence in your essay) Reason #2 (Topic Sentence in your essay) Reason #3 (Topic Sentence in your essay) Evidence to support Reason #1 Evidence to support Reason #2 Evidence to support Reason #3

What type of support do we use? Logos Ethos Pathos Appeal to Pity Appeal to Fear

Logos An appeal to logic or rational reasoning using facts For Example: “Dad, you should let me drive to school today, because I have to go straight from school to a doctor’s appointment at 3:00, and I will be late to my appointment if I walk to school rather than drive.”

Ethos An appeal to what is morally or ethically right This appeal is based on whether or not the audience perceives the speaker as someone who is morally competent, trustworthy, and knowledgeable on the subject For Example “Dad, you know I have always been a responsible son and I never taken advantage of the privilege to drive, and I know that you would not want me to miss my doctor’s appointment, as the school requires I have a physical before playing football; therefore, you should let me drive to school so that I may fulfill my obligation.”

Pathos An appeal to emotions Appeal to Pity: compassion for others Appeal to Fear: safety, security, or health is in danger For Example: “Dad, I feel really sick today… and you know I love school and would never want to miss any of my classes… so you should let me drive to school today so I can go to the doctor right after school before this gets any worse; and in my weakened condition it would be hard to walk all the way there.”

Substantiated: verified, justified, defended, explained using factual data Unsubstantiated: has not been verified, justified, defended, explained using factual data Rhetorical Fallacy: an argument that is not logically accurate or substantiated but is still convincing Logical Fallacy: an error in reasoning Analyzing Support- What to avoid

Fallacies You May Already Know Bandwagon: taps into people’s desire to belong Categorical Claims: relating two things solely because they are in the same category Stereotyping: An overgeneralization about people based on gender, ethnicity, race, political affiliation, religious affiliation, etc. Exaggeration: an overstatement or representation of more than is true Ad Hominem (Name-Calling): an attempt to discredit an idea by attacking the person

Fallacies You Must Also Know Bandwagon: taps into people’s desire to belong Caricatures: exaggeration by means of often ridiculous distortion of parts or characteristics False Assumptions/Incorrect Premises: an incorrect assumption that forms the basis of an argument Leading Questions: a question that suggests the answer Loaded Terms: uses words with strongly positive or negative connotations to stir people’s emotions