Reading Persuasive Texts Analyzing an argument

Argument/ Claim Expresses a position on an issue or problem and supports it with reasons and evidence Example: “I think I should be allowed to watch TV.”

Support The reasons and evidence that are used to prove the claim. Reasons- declarations made to justify an action, decision or belief Example: “TV can provide opportunities for learning and enjoyment.” Evidence- Specific references, quotations, facts, examples, and opinions that support a claim Example:“TV can take you to faraway places and can bring art, music, and science right into your home.”

Persuasive techniques Methods intended to encourage you to accept an argument Bandwagon Testimonial Appeal to pity, fear, or vanity Loaded language

1. Bandwagon appeal Suggest that a person should believe or do something because “everyone else” does it

2. Testimonial Relies on endorsements from well-known people or satisfied customers

3. Appeal to Pity, Fear, or vanity Uses strong feelings rather than facts to persuade

4. Loaded Language Uses words with strongly positive or negative connotations

Rhetorical fallacies False or misleading statements used to persuade you agree with them Ad Hominem Stereotyping Categorical claims Exaggeration

1. Ad hominem Attempts to discredit an idea by attacking the person’s character rather than his or her argument

2. Stereotyping Makes a broad statement about people on the basis of their gender, ethnicity, race, or political, social, professional, or religious group

3. Categorical Claims Categorical Claim is based on the faulty logic of relating two things solely because they are in the same category.

4. Exaggeration Exaggerations occur when we overstate or overemphasize a point.

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Persuasive Techniques Example 1 “As an Olympic athlete, I need a lot of energy. That’s why I drink Quinch-Ade.”

Persuasive techniques Example 2 “Start your day with Morning Glory’s refreshing, all-natural juice.”

Persuasive Techniques Example 3 “See the movie that everybody’s talking about!”

Persuasive Techniques Example 4 “Won’t you give this abandoned puppy a home?”

Rhetorical Fallacies Example 1 The school test scores have improved dramatically since the new principal came on board. Obviously her leadership has been a real benefit for our school. There must have been a hundred million birds in that tree!

Rhetorical Fallacies Example 2 “My opponent cannot be trusted: Elect him, and city violence will surely increase.”

Rhetorical Fallacies Example 3 “All musicians think the same way.”

Rhetorical Fallacies Example 4 She writes a lot in her journal. A person who writes a lot is certain to be a good writer. Therefore, she must be a good writer. Chihuahuas are good inside dogs. Rottweilers are dogs; therefore, Rottweilers would be good inside dogs, too