Language of Argument how to lay the smack

Language of Argument …how to lay the smack down on your unsuspecting opponent!

Counterargument, Counterclaims, & Rebuttals Making Ethos, Logos, & Pathos Work to Win an Argument

Counterargument (n) Opponent’s argumentative statement; the other side’s position

Counterclaim (n) Support that makes an opposing point to the counterargument. Rebuttal (n) A statement that gives reasons why an accusation is untrue; when you make a rebuttal of a counterclaim in an argument, you give reasons why that counterclaim is not a good argument.

Argument (Position) & Claims (Support) Hybrid cars are an effective strategy to fight pollution. Driving a private car is a typical citizen’s most air polluting activity. Because cars are the largest source of private, as opposed to industry produced, air pollution switching to hybrid cars should have an impact on fighting pollution. Another reason hybrid cars are an effective strategy to fight pollution is because hybrid cars combine a gasoline engine with a battery-powered electric motor. This combination of technologies means that less pollution is produced. The evidence clearly shows that if more typical citizens drove hybrid cars, then less pollution would be created from burning fossils fuels.

Counterclaim and Rebuttal Some people feel that instead of focusing on cars, which still encourages a culture of driving even if it cuts down on pollution, the nation should focus on building and encouraging use of mass transit systems. While mass transit is an environmentally sound idea that should be encouraged, it is not feasible in many rural areas, or for people who must commute to work. Thus, hybrid cars are a better solution for much of the nation’s population that needs the independence a private vehicle in order be mobile in modern society. Moreover, too many modern cities were designed around the car, not mass transit. Therefore, hybrid cars would be a more practicle solution that private car owners pay for rather than asking tax payers to pay for improvements to a mass transit system. Once again, the evidence clearly shows that hybrid cars are a better solution to reduce air pollution.

Sentence Starters for Counterclaim & Rebuttal “On the other hand, some people believe ______. . . ” “One may argue _____; however, _____. . . ” “Some people feel that_____; however, _____. . . ”

Rules to Follow Make the Counterclaim real! You will not fool anyone by misrepresenting people who disagree with you; in fact, you will only weaken your own position because you will appear to fear the truth. Bring up a counterclaim that represents a (seemingly) valid objection to your claim.

Never make a counterclaim you cannot refute! Bringing up the opposing viewpoint and then failing to show why it is wrong will cause your audience to doubt that your position is the only right one (which is the point of persuasion). Make it clear that you do not agree with the counterclaim! Do not allow your audience to think you are simply contradicting yourself. How can you persuade someone to accept your claim if you sound like you do not completely accept it?

Do not repeat a reason you have already given to rebut the counterclaim! The rebuttal should focus specifically on the objection in the counterclaim. If you merely repeat what you have already said, your audience will assume you cannot think of an effective response. You are allowed to have more than one rebuttal! The more reasons you can give to show that the counterclaim is wrong, the better.

Building Your Argumentative Thesis Building Plan • The thesis statement MUST clearly state your argument. • The thesis should be placed in the opening paragraph. • The first paragraph should also: 1) Introduce some of the support you will use in your essay. 2) Take into account an opposing view.

Topic Area Check the topics you are interested in from the gallery walk q. Environment q. Labor q. Health q. Animal Welfare q. Chemicals q. Economics

Controversial Issue Should corporations be allowed to serve soda and fast food as school lunches in LAUSD public schools?

Corporations (should / should not) be allowed to serve soda and fast food as school lunches in LAUSD public schools because… #1 N O EAS R REASON #2 REAS ON # 3

Corporations (should / should not) be allowed to serve soda and fast food as school lunches in LAUSD public schools because… If schools sell out to the corporations due to a desperate need for revenue, then our community will suffer long term health consequences because of the unhealthy eating habits taught and supported in LAUSD schools. il) ta e d e ret c n co ote – m D o 1 (C ot pr s to # NG uld n abit O S h o REA ols sh ating e o sch ealthy unh ents, stud REASON #2 REAS ON # 3 Commentary (CM) for Reasoning (CD) #1

Counterargument & Counterclaims Counterargument Some people may (think, believe, argue, claim)… Counterclaims because. . .

Argument: Health Effects • • Increase of obesity, morbid obesity, and obesity related health problems since the increased popularity of fast food (Schlosser & Wilson 194, 201 -202) • 2/3 adults & 1/6 children overweight or obese • 50 million Americans Obese & 6 -7 million “morbidly obese” – weigh 100 pounds more than they should (Schlosser & Wilson 194) New fat cells make body vulnerable to disease (Schlosser & Wilson 196) Obesity linked to diabetes, cancer, heart disease, asthma, high blood pressure, stroke (Schlosser & Wilson 201) Food Poisoning (Schlosser & Wilson 180 -186) Personal Connection Sam’s story step-cousin, and step. His experience with gastric • Step-dad, aunt had gastric bypass surgery • Family history of cancer, high blood pressure, & diabetes • Rare disorder, tangled • Overweight & obesity run in intestines family genes • Increased fast food consumption • Can only eat a few in the 80 s when working mom teaspoons of food, can wasn’t able to cook all the time & old enough to be more no longer eat burgers independent w/out a sitter or soda or sundaes Community Connection Warren Allen’s story • Fast food is everywhere, affordable • Died from • Business model targets working complications of the class communities surgery (Chapter Big) • Latinos & Blacks increased percentage of diabetes compared to Whites & Asians

PROBLEMS Health Problems ü Obesity ü Health related issues from obesity, diet high in fat, sugar, & salt with low exercise ü Food Poinoning CAUSE Feeding corn to cows in feedlots for meatpackers to affordably meet the demand of fast food chains CAUSE Using chemicals to process food smells to make high fat, high sugar, high salt taste good SOLUTIONS Organic/Natural Foods ü Localy grown foods without chemicals such as insecticides or fertilizers ü Animal Husbandry techniques ü Grazing grss fed cows ü Community Gardens ü Farmers Markets ü No Meat Mondays, Vegetarianism or Veganism EFFECTS