1. Writing an Argumentative Essay
Adapted from Materials Prepared by D. Dean

2. Persuasion vs. Argument
Ethos (author credibility)
Pathos (emotional appeals)
Persuasion
Logos (appeals to logic)
Reason
Argument

3. What is Argument? To change reader’s point of view
To bring about some action on reader’s part
To ask the reader to accept the writer’s explanation or evaluation of some concept , issue or problem

4. Checking Your Understanding: You decide-is it argument?
Table 1
Table 2
Discuss
Decide-
Features:
Discuss
Decide-
Features:

5. Features of Argument Claim Evidence: relevant and verifiable
Warrant: explanation of how the evidence supports the claim; often common sense rules, laws, scientific principles or research, and well- considered definitions.
Backing: support for the warrant (often extended definitions)
Qualifications and Counter-arguments: acknowledgement of differing claims

7. Audience
How do writers’ assumptions about audience affect production of a text?
1. How much to elaborate based on what they anticipate readers know
2. How much to tailor the development of claims
3. How much to care, since writers’ concerns are bigger when audience matters
4. How to accommodate audiences if writers don't identify with them

8. Choosing an arguable issue

9. Prewrite-Draft-(Peer) Review-Revision-Editing-Publish
Writing is PROCESS
Prewrite-Draft-(Peer) Review-Revision-Editing-Publish

10. Thesis Statements Concession The “but” to the “yes” Although…
Assertion The argument (the “yes”)
This…
Reason(s) The synthesis of supporting points
Because…
Significance The “so what” of the
argument; implications
As a result…

11. General qualities of effective writing
Grouping ideas into sentences and paragraphs that carry meaning efficiently and move ideas forward
Creating an effective thesis
Introducing an idea effectively
Connecting ideas (between sentences and paragraphs)
Punctuating correctly
Creating and maintaining an appropriate tone
Concluding meaningfully
Using words eloquently

12. Ways to make connections
Transitions
Pointing words
Repetition of key words and phrases
Synonyms
Idea hooks

13. Due 4 April: HOMEWORK
Brainstorm three possible arguable topics that center around a theme of Things Fall Apart.
(5 Points)
Create a thesis statement as outlined on your handout from class for each topic. (15 points)