Introduction to the Parts of an Argument

1. Introduction to the Parts of an Argument 12th grade English

2. Warm Up What is an argument? What makes for a strong argument? What kinds of things weaken a person’s argument?

3. What is Argument? • Argument can be defined as: • a process of reasoning • a statement, reason, or fact for or against a point • a composition intended to convince or persuade • http://www.shmoop.com/video/argument-essay

4. Structure of an Argument • Hook/attention grabber • Claim with background information • Arguments At least 2 reasons to support your claim w/ textual evidence • Counterargument Opposition to claim • Rebuttal With Evidence to contradict counter • Conclusion / Call to action

5. Let’s break it down

6. Hook/Attention Grabber Called a hook because it hooks the reader, just like a fishing hook. The attention getter is usually the first sentence in an academic essay. The purpose of the attention getter is to grab the reader's attention and give him/her some context for the essay.

7. Claim and Background Information Claim: The overall thesis the writer will arguefor Background information: Basic information to give your reader some context regarding the topic

8. Arguments and Evidence Arguments: Main points that will be addressed to support your claim. Evidence: Data gathered to support your argument and prove your claim.

9. Counterargument / Rebuttal • Counterargument: A claim that negates or disagrees with the thesis/claim. Goes against your argument. • Let’s discuss: WHY IS THIS IMPORTANT? Why do we need to address this? What happens to our argument if we don’t? • Should we use evidence here? Why/Why not? • Rebuttal: Evidence that negates or disagrees with the counterclaim. • You can still prove you are right– even after addressing the other side! • Should we use evidence here? Why/ Why not?

10. Conclusion/ Call to Action Wrap up your argument Appeal to the reader so they feel inspired to take action

11. How the Appeals fit in http://www.shmoop.com/video/ethos-pathos-logos

12. Ethos in writing • Ethos or the ethical appeal is based on the character, credibility, or reliability of the writer. • How to establish ethos • Use only credible, reliable sources to build your argument and cite those sources properly. • Respect the reader by stating the opposing position accurately. • Establish common ground with your audience. Most of the time, this can be done by acknowledging values and beliefs shared by those on both sides of the argument. • If appropriate for the assignment, disclose why you are interested in this topic or what personal experiences you have had with the topic. • Organize your argument in a logical, easy to follow manner. You can use the Toulmin method of logic or a simple pattern such as chronological order, most general to most detailed example, earliest to most recent example, etc. • Proofread the argument. Too many careless grammar mistakes cast doubt on your character as a writer.

13. Pathos in writing • Pathos, or emotional appeal, appeals to an audience's needs, values, and emotional sensibilities. • Argument emphasizes reason, but used properly there is often a place for emotion as well. Emotional appeals can use sources such as interviews and individual stories to paint a more legitimate and moving picture of reality or illuminate the truth. • Only use an emotional appeal if it truly supports the claim you are making, not as a way to distract from the real issues of debate. An argument should never use emotion to misrepresent the topic or frighten people.

14. Logos in writing Uses inductive and deductive reasoning. Inductive reasoning takes a specific representative case or facts and draws conclusions from them. MUST be based on a sufficient amount of reliable evidence. In other words, the facts you draw on must fairly represent the larger situation or population. Deductive reasoning begins with a generalization and then applies it to a specific case. The generalization you start with must have been based on a sufficient amount of reliable evidence.

15. Practice Identifying the Parts Hook Claim Highlight Arguments Evidence Read the assigned text and use your notes to annotate the piece for different parts of an argument. Note, what kind of hook/ and is it effective or not Note, does their evidence support their argument? Counterargument: Note, do they use evidence in the counter? Underline= Rebuttal: Note, do they use evidence in the rebuttal? Comment on and the call to action. Draw a bubble around appeals to ethos/pathos/logos: Note, comment on the author’s usage