Persuading Your Audience “Not an inch to the west! Not an inch to the east! I’ll stay here, not budging! I can and I will. If it makes you and me and the whole world stand still!” --from Dr. Suess’ “The Zax"

Why write an argument? Suggest a certain view on a topic Propose a solution to a problem Offer a plan of action that should be followed. A writer’s goal when arguing is always to persuade the audience to see his/her point of view on a topic.

Parts of An Argument Position/ Claim Reason(s)/Parts Explanation Supporting details (Thesis) (Body Paragraphs) (Analysis) (Examples, quotes)

PATHOS Do you appeal to your readers’ feelings, emotions, values, or morals? You can make your reader feel morally or emotionally invested through…… Everyday examples? SPCA Commercial Evocative language Metaphor/ storytelling Specific descriptions Passionate delivery

LOGOS Do your opinions and reasoning seem sound? Do your conclusions logical? Your paper will seem logical and sound if you include… Examples? Solar Panels Commercial Reliable sources Studies & research results Stats, facts, figures, surveys Logical conclusions/inferences

ETHOS Do your readers trust you? Are your sources credible and reliable? You can build trust & credibility through… Everyday examples? Colgate & Pepsi Generation Relevant experience Use of appropriate language & avoiding bias Reliable sources Addressing counter-arguments Consulting experts Following academic conventions

Audience Your audience will influence the types of appeals you use as a basis for your argument. Which appeals are best for academic audiences?

Types of Support Examples Outside sources (Specific personal or specific textual) Anecdote (Narrative) Vivid descriptions Analogy (Comparison) Outside sources Facts, statistics, research findings Expert opinion Causes & Effects

Counterargument & Refutation Writer often address a major concern from the opposing side. Why do we do this? Introduce the opposing concerns Explain why it’s wrong, weak or limited This point is invalid because… That may be true, but….

Counter-Arguments In Real Life! I should be allowed to go the movies. Counterargument: I know that you think its too late because I have school tomorrow. Refute: But I’ve already done all my homework and tomorrow is a late day.

Ways to Deal with C-ARGs Argument: “I should go to college…” Counter-argument: “It is expensive…” Refute it: “Going to a community college actually can save a lot of money.” Strategically concede: “True, but it is an investment. College grads have access to better jobs later on.” Show that it’s irrelevant: “I can get grants, FASA and scholarships.”