Argumentation

BALLOON ARGUMENT I have room for 7 more people on my hot air balloon. I am taking my hot air balloon and going to travel the world. You must decide which person from your group gets to go with me. Take into consideration what skills you can offer and how the group will benefit with you being there. You will argue your case to your group and then your group must choose someone to go as that representative from that group.

ARGUMENTATION Requires you to: 1. investigate a topic 2. collect, generate, and evaluate evidence 3. establish a position on the topic in a concise manner

Everyday Life Example When we argue: Bob: That was a lame movie! Suzy: Why? Bob: The special effects were bad. The monsters were obviously fake. Suzy: I thought the movie was good because the acting was believable. Bob’s good response: Yes the acting was good but the horrible special effects were too distracting and caused some awkward moments. Claim Evidence Counterclaim Refutation

PERSUASION vs ARGUMENTATION Persuasion: The action or fact of persuading someone or of being persuaded to do or believe something. Argumentation: The process of establishing a claim and then proving it with the use of logical reasoning, examples, and research.

Persuasive and Argumentative speech Difference between Persuasive and Argumentative speech Persuasion May make a claim based on opinion May not take opposing ideas into account Persuades by appealing to the audience’s emotion or by relying on the character or credentials of the writer Emotion-based Argument Makes claims based on factual evidence (research) Makes counterclaims – the author takes opposing views into account. Neutralizes or “defeats” serious opposing ideas Convinces audience through the merit and rationality of the claim and proofs offered Logic-based

Elements of Argumentation Claim The argument – What is it that you are defending or trying to change? Claims have two parts: the topic and what is asserted about the topic

Elements of Argumentation Evidence What you used to support your claim This is where you research becomes important Your word is never just enough

The 1-2-3 Rule Good arguers obey this rule whenever they are about to discuss an important piece of evidence. 1. Establish the context and purpose of the evidence. 2. Present the evidence. 3. Show how the evidence fits into the argument.

Elements of Argumentation Warrant A warrant is the glue that holds an argument together. It links the evidence to the claim. It says something like “This evidence supports the claim because…”

The Rhetorical Triangle Don’t forget to incorporate elements of ethos, pathos, and logos.