1. Argumentation & Persuasion

2. So You Think You Can
ARGUE

3. What is an argument?

4. PERSUASIVE WRITING, right?
It’s just…
PERSUASIVE WRITING, right?

5. WRONG!!
Persuasive writing is based on an emotional appeal and the credibility of the writer.
Argument writing is based on logic and reasoning.

6. PERSUASION versus 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 (evidence).

7. Kids should be in school Monday through Saturday!
An argument is a claim that someone believes should or should not be true.
Kids should be in school Monday through Saturday!
For the next three slides, have students fill in the missing words in the “notes” at the top of the guided worksheet.

8. An argument by itself is not enough
An argument by itself is not enough. You have to convince people why your argument is true.
You do this by using reasons and evidence.

9. “I need backup!”
A main argument – or a claim- all by itself is not very strong.
Reasons justify or explain the argument.
Evidence supports the reasons.

10. Reasons: Argument: Kids should not have to go to school on Saturdays.
Most working parents have weekends off, and students need to be with their families.
Evidence: Students spend 36 hours a week at school.
Students spend 12 hours a week with their parents.
Some students have jobs.
Evidence: 86% of 11th and 12th graders work on the weekends.
Students need time for other activities.
Evidence: Only 12% of students aren’t involved in extracurricular activities.
On average, students spend 22 hours a week on extracurricular activities.

11. Facts and Opinions
A fact is a specific detail that can be proven as true based on objective evidence.
An opinion is a feeling, judgment, belief, or conclusion that cannot be proven true by objective evidence.
Objective proof can be one or more of the following: physical evidence, an eyewitness account, or the result of an accepted scientific method.

12. Facts and Opinions Fact Opinion Objective Subjective States reality
Can be verified
Presented with unbiased words
“Spinach is a form of iron.”
Opinion
Subjective
Interprets reality
Can NOT be verified
Presented with value words
“Spinach tastes awful.”

13. Fact or Opinion?
__A spinning class is a group exercise program of about 45 minutes riding on a stationary bike.
__A spinning class is a form of torture.

14. Fact or Opinion?
F A spinning class is a group exercise program of about 45 minutes riding on a stationary bike. (Can be verified by going to a class.)
O A spinning class is a form of torture. (Some people may enjoy the class.)

15. Arguments should also include rebuttals or reasons why the counter arguments are wrong
Kids should not have to go to school on Saturdays.

16. Counterargument/Counterclaim
An argument that stands in opposition to your argument/claim. The counterargument is your opponent’s (the other side’s) argument that tries to explains why you are wrong.

17. (also known as refutation)
Rebuttal
(also known as refutation)
Responds to and refutes issues presented by the counterclaim. Simply disproving an opposing argument by showing why counter argument is mistaken. Acknowledge it, but show why it is less important

18. Counterclaim key words Rebuttal Key words
One might object that...
It might seem that...
It's true that...
Admittedly...
Of course...
Some argue that
but
yet
however
nonetheless
still
Nevertheless
Although

19. Everyday Life Example 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 bad response: You are an idiot.
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
Rebuttal

20. Now, put it all together. Create an argument.
Claim: Donald Trump would make a good president.
Reason: He has excellent experience in business.
Evidence: He built casinos and even produced a show.
Create a counterargument.
Counterclaim: Some argue that Donald Trump would be a terrible president.
Reason: He uses unprofessional language that creates a bad image of our country.
Evidence: He stated that Mexicans are “rapists” and “drug dealers.”
Create a refutation.
Rebuttal: Although Trump may sound unprofessional, his experience with business is needed for our hurting economy, which is more important than our image.
Evidence: For the first time ever, middle class Americans now make up a minority of the population. But back in 1971, 61 percent of all Americans lived in middle class households.