ARGUMENTATIVE ESSAY ARGUMENTATION l The aim of writing

ARGUMENTATIVE ESSAY

ARGUMENTATION l The aim of writing argumentative essays is to convince or persuade the reader. l One attempts to change the reader’s mind and convince the reader to agree with the point of view or claim of the writer. l So an argumentative essay needs to be highly persuasive and logical.

Key Terms to Learn 2 Argumentation _____ 5 Refutation _____ 6 Proponent _____ 1 Opponent _____ 4 Counter Argument (CON) ____ 3 Pro Argument (PRO) _____ 1. a person who disagrees with something and speaks against it 2. the act or process of forming reasons, drawing conclusions, and applying them to a case in discussion 3. point or statement that supports one’s ideas and/or thesis 4. point or statement in opposition to the argument being made in a written document or speech 5. the process of discrediting the arguments that oppose your thesis statement 6. someone who argues in favor of something; advocate

WHAT ARE THE GOALS OF ARGUMENTATION? present an opinion on a controversial topic to the reader; explain, clarify and illustrate that opinion; persuade the reader that the opinion supported in the essay is valid by: a. moving the reader to action, b. convincing the reader that the opinion is correct, or c. persuading the reader that the opinion is at least worth considering; l support the opinion by means of giving evidence: facts, examples, physical description, support of authority, and statistics; l present counterarguments to thesis and refute them respectfully and critically. l l l

Arguable or Not Arguable? l Marijuana should be legalized. Arguable Smoking is harmful to people’s health. l Not Arguable l l Salem l is the best school in the district. Arguable l Emissions l testing hurts the ozone. Not arguable

Gather Data to Support Your Claim l Complete research as necessary l Use appropriate web sites l Make sure your experts are valid l Prepare your Works Cited page and your parenthetical citations (Source Notes) in advance

Logos, Pathos, and Ethos l Logos-logical appeal l l Ethos-ethical appeal l l Evidence and the reasoning based on that evidence According to Aristotle--the credibility or trustworthiness that the author establishes in his writing Pathos-Emotional appeal l Persuades the audience by using emotions

Introduction l Get the attention of the audience l l Attention Getter or Hook Provide background information to orient the reader to the issue What does the reader need to know about this issue? l Define terms l l Create a thesis statement or assertion to guide the reader

The Antithesis l Address l the case of the opposition Several paragraphs at the beginning or weaved throughout the paper (argument-concession) l Concede l points which can not be refuted Use signal words and phrases such as Admittedly, While it is true that etc. l Offer refutation for claims which can be countered l Use signal words and phrases such as It has been argued, However etc.

Body Paragraphs q Provide a clear topic sentence for each paragraph q Use Topic Sentence, Concrete Detail, Commentary (TS, CD, COMM) or Statement, Evidence, Explanation (S-E-E) or, Claim, Data, Warrant (CDW) q Build to the strongest argument q Use a variety of appeals q Demonstrate logic and reasoning q Address the opposition

Conclusion l l l Restate your main premise Provide a brief summary of your argument Show a group will benefit from following your assertion Explain what might happen if your idea is not accepted End with a rhetorical question Ask for a call to action

Sample Argument Essay l Read the annotated essay on the next slide and review the following: attention getter l organization l antithesis—con l how author refutes the con l connective words—transitions l development of arguments l slippery slope metaphor l conclusion l