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Argumentation-Persuasion. Crafting an Argument for your Research Paper – an Overview of Chapter 11. Thesis = Argument. Don’t always argue to “win” but often to convince others of something or show our side of things.
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Argumentation-Persuasion Crafting an Argument for your Research Paper – an Overview of Chapter 11
Thesis = Argument • Don’t always argue to “win” but often to convince others of something or show our side of things. • “Using clear thinking and logic, the writer tries to convince readers of the soundness of a particular opinion on a controversial issue. If, while trying to convince, the writer uses emotional language and dramatic appeals [or pathos] to readers’ concerns, beliefs, and values, then the piece is called persuasion.” • Think of yourself as advancing a specific point of view. That’s your argument. For example: Celebrity oriented reality TV creates a false sense of reality. OR. Horror films have gotten gorier because society has gotten more violent.
Where does the persuasion come in? • You choose a topic (Horror films are gorier because it has gotten more difficult to shock audiences.) • But you must do more than present a viewpoint and support it with evidence; you will need to address opposition to your viewpoint and any controversy around it. If there are different perspectives about a topic, then your job is to show us (persuade us) to see YOUR perspective. • Logos is your best friend in this essay. Facts, stats, examples(your evidence!) will support the logical flow of your argument or point of view. • Pathos is good too, but don’t go overboard, as “overwrought emotionalism undercuts credibility.” • Ethos, too, is important, but make sure your “credible” source is actually credible. Tiger Woods knows a lot about golf, but not too much about self-control.
Setting it up • Prewrite – choose a topic that people have different opinions about that can be supported by logic and evidence. Then, determine if your audience is supportive, wavering, or hostile. • Create a thesis indicating your 1) topic 2) goal for the essay 3) main points/assertions supporting this goal • Determine how you will balance pathos, ethos, and logos. Gather evidence. • Decide how you will handle the opposition.
Rough Drafts • Now, you’re ready to write the rough draft. • Use Rogerian strategy (the one Stanley Fish used) • Give an UNBIASED restatement of opposing viewpoints • Possibly establish common ground. • Refute the opposition. • Present supporting evidence of your view. • Use emphatic organization (pay attention to what and how you emphasize your points). • Use third person; don’t use first person. The “I” should come through in your overall argument and point of view without being explicitly stated as an “I.” • Avoid being confrontational or arrogant. • Avoid fallacies!Remember: though they work sometimes, we agreed that they mostly weaken an argument. Use logic and reasoning instead. • Document ALL sources!
Checklist • What issue is being discussed? What are the different views about it? • What’s my thesis? Make sure it’s not a generalization or fact. • What’s my purpose? Call to action? To show? To win? • Who’s my audience? • What tone does my essay project? Is it too argumentative? Is it arrogant or rude? • Is my essay logical? Is my support valid and helpful? • Did I use fallacies? Did I overuse or underuse any appeals?
Some (Broad) Topics • Influences of music on teens • Reality TV • Social Networking • Texting vs. talking • Why do we watch shows like CSI? • Zombies • Is it worth it to buy organic? • Tween culture • Alternative to prison • Why are we so into superhero movies? • What does advertising tell us about ourselves?
