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

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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)

5. 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)

6. 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)

7. 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

8. 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.