1. 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"

2. 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.

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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

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

8. 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

9. 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….

10. 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.

11. 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.”