An Introduction to Persuasion and Argument Writing Moving people to a belief, position, or course of action

Persuasion vs. Argument Persuasion and argument are often used interchangeably Persuasion is a broad term, which includes many tactics designed to move people to a position, a belief, or a course of action Argument is a specific kind of persuasion based on the principles of logic and reasoning

The Importance of Argument and Persuasion 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 School: Defending your ideas, debating an issue

The importance cont…. On the job: Getting people to listen to your ideas, getting your boss to notice you, getting cooperation, moving people into action In Writing: Making your point, writing to be read In reading and listening; Evaluation other’s arguments, protecting yourself from unethical persuasive tactics

What exactly is an Argument? An argument involves the process of establishing a claim and then proving it with the use of logical reasoning, examples, and research.

The Role of your Audience Understand your audience is key to effective writing of all kinds When writing an argument, assume the reader will not agree with you

Structure of an Argument Paragraph 1 Introduction Thesis statement Paragraph 2- 4 Background information Reasons and evidence Paragraph 5 Conclusion

The Thesis Statement ….is the most important sentence in your paper …….answers the question: “What am I trying to prove?” …… brings focus to the entire essay ….. Lets the reader know the main idea of the paper … is not a factual statement, but a claim that has to be proven throughout the paper.

Example: Which one is a thesis statement Parents, often too busy to watch television shows with their families, can monitor their children’s viewing habits with the aid of a V-chip. To help parents monitor their children’s viewing habits, the V-chip should be 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.

Ethos ( appeal of the writer) You are convincing your audience that you are intelligent and can be trusted. You can’t say…”I am smart and a good person so trust me on this issue” Use a personal experience Use expert support Up-to-date research

Logos (logical) You are appealing to the reader’s intelligence Use facts Examples : events or circumstances that the audience can relate to their own life Deductive/ Inductive reasoning: Look at the evidence and draw a conclusion

Pathos ( think passionate appeal) Very effective Because your audience has emotions as well as intellect, your argument must engage the audience as well as with logical and ethical appeals. The best way to do this is with WORDS!

Denotative vs. Connotative Words Denotative Words: Dictionary definition Connotative Words: Words that carry a second meaning For example: If you ask a woman how she’d like to be described from a list of words, what would be her answer? Slender……………….thin…………………..scrawny

Words cont. Slender has a positive undertone Thin is a neutral word Scrawny brings an unhealthy undertone