1. Logical vs Illogical Arguments

2. Logical Arguments

3. Personal Experience writer shares his/her personal experiences
convinces the reader of credibility (ethos)
must prove that the personal experiences of the writer show an understanding of the topic

4. Comparison
compares the topic to similar situations to serve as a model
must prove that the connection between the two topics are valid

5. Factual Evidence
many facts and examples that can be proven and verified are provided to support the argument.
writer needs to check that the facts are accurate and sufficient enough to be convincing.

6. Refute the Opposition
writer recognizes and responds to the points made by those with opposite views.
must make sure that they thoroughly address the opposition’s major arguments, not just the ones that are easy to refute.

7. Authority Support
writer uses evidence that is supported by the authority of a person respected in the field and had the education, training, and experience to voice an opinion on the topic.

8. Illogical Arguments

9. Hasty Generalizations
what does hasty mean?
reasoning is based on insufficient evidence
reasoning may only be based on personal opinions or something heard from another person
reasoning needs to have universal application

10. Inaccurate cause and effect connections
assumptions are made that two unrelated events are the connected to one another
just because Event 1 happened before Event 2, does not mean that Event 1 was the cause of Event 2.

11. Attacking an individual instead of the issues
opponent is attacked with:
Name calling
Ruining a person’s reputation.

12. Facts about an issue are ignored or hidden.
Suppressing Evidence
Facts about an issue are ignored or hidden.

13. Logical or Illogical Argument Activity
Directions:
Examine the validity of the following arguments.
Decide whether argument is logical or illogical.
If it is logical, decide which characteristic of logical reasoning it reflects.
If any argument is illogical, decide which characteristic of illogical reasoning it reflects
Once your answer has been approved by a teacher, write it down as an example on your note taking sheets.
Pass these on to the next table when I tell you to switch.