Responding to Objections and Alternative Views (WA Chapter 7) CS4001 Kristin Marsicano

Three types of arguments Think-pair-share: Briefly describe each type. This chapter categorizes arguments based on their treatment of alternative views One-sided Muti-sided Dialogic

Three types of arguments Think-pair-share: Briefly describe each type One-sided Presents only writer’s position Does not summarize/respond to opposing views Often takes adversarial stance (writer regards alternative views as flawed or wrong) Multisided (Classical Argument) Presents writer’s position, but also summarizes /responds to possible objections/alternative views Uses reasons in support of its claim Dialogic Write presents himself as uncertain Audience considered part of dialogue, seeking a consensual solution to a problem (truth-seeking approach) Seeks common ground with audience Uses more inquiring/conciliatory stance Aimed at reducing hostility

Argument type and audience Selecting type of argument should be based on: Your purpose for communicating the argument How you perceive your audience’s resistance to your views Your level of confidence in your own views Think-pair-share: Match audience type (supportive, neutral, and resistant) with the argument type you think is the best fit (one-sided, multisided, dialogic)

Argument type and audience type One-sided Best for supportive audiences Multisided (Classical Argument) Usually best for neutral/undecided audiences Dialogic Consider using when audience is strongly resistant Effective content derives from choosing audience-based reasons that appeal to your audience’s values, assumptions, and beliefs (WA Ch. 4) Effective structure and tone are often a function of where your audience falls on the resistance scale (WA Ch. 7)

Argument type: related structures Supportive: One-sided structure (probably not for this class) Neutral/Undecided: Classical structure (WA Ch. 3) (most of you will probably use this format) Resistant: Delayed-Thesis (this may be a better fit for some of you) Rogerian (probably not for this class)

Classical Structure (See Ch. 3 for flow) Introduction Grab attention Explain issue, background State thesis (claim) Forecast structure of argument Presentation of writer’s position Present main body of argument Present and support each reason in turn Tie each reason to value or belief held by audience Summary of opposing views Summarize views that differ from writer Response to opposing views Refute or concede opposing views Show weaknesses in opposing views Concede some strengths in opposing views Conclusion Close and sum up argument Leave strong last impression Possible call to action

ACTIVITY: Understanding your audience Also note, when understanding your audience, it’s not enough to just determine they are resistant. You should also determine the cause(s) of the resistance.