Persuasive Unit

1. Persuasive Unit 2013-2014

2. The Argument • The word argument doesn’t always mean a disagreement between two people. • An argument in formal writing and speaking is a claim supported by evidence.

3. What is a strong argument? • A strong argument • Presents a claim, or the writer’s position on a problem or issue. (Essentially, in writing, this would be your thesisstatement.) • Provides support, or the reasons and evidence that back up the claim. This includes facts, statistics, examples, and quotations from experts. • Anticipates objections that people with the opposing viewpoint might raise and attempts to answer those objections with counterarguments.

4. Persuasive Techniques According to Aristotle, an ancient Greek philosopher, in order to be truly persuasive one must use a balanced combination of logos, pathos, and ethos.

5. LOGOS = LOGIC • An argument has to make sense, which is usually done through sound, rational, logical arguments that are indisputable. • What you use to support your claim: • Facts • Statistics • Expert Source

6. PATHOS = EMOTION • An argument has to appeal to a person’s emotional side. • What you use to convince your reader: • Word Connotation and Loaded Language • Figurative Language • Imagery

7. ETHOS = ETHICS • When using ethos in your argument, you are appealing to a person’s sense of what is right, fair, and just. • What you use to build credibility: • Ethics • Morals • Standards • Values

8. THE COUNTERARGUMENT • In order to build credibility with your audience, you MUST address and refute (prove wrong) the opposing viewpoint. In order to do this, you must be knowledgeable about both sides of the issue.

9. CAUSE & EFFECT • A cause is an event or action that directly results in another event. • An effect is the direct outcome of an event or action. • Example: If school uniforms are required at CJHS, then student creativity will be stifled.

10. Fact vs. opinion • Facts are statements that can be proved by observation, an expert, or other reliable sources. They should not be accepted without evidence to back them up. • EX. Studies show that students who clean their own school are less likely to litter or vandalize school property. • Opinions are statements or personal belief, feeling, or thought which do not require proof. • EX. It’s wrong to make students clean the school. Your opinion is your starting point, your claim. You will use facts to back up your opinion!

11. Persuasive devices • Repetition: the repeated use of the same word, usually for emphasis or stylistic effect. • EX: “I have a dream.” • EX: “Ain’t I a woman.” • Rhetorical Question: questions that do not require a reply. Writers use these to prompt their audience to think about an issue or suggest that the answer is obvious. • EX: How would you feel if your rights were suddenly taken away? • Anecdote: a brief personal story that illustrates a point • EX: Someone who would be writing an essay to persuade people not to drink and drive may share a personal story about a friend/family member who was negatively affected by a drunk driver.