AchalaArgumentPPT

8/8/2019 AchalaArgumentPPT

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Chapter 16Chapter 16Argument: Convincing OthersArgument: Convincing Others


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What is Argument?What is Argument?

Argument is a process during which you explore an issueArgument is a process during which you explore an issue

fully, considering differentfully, considering different perspectives,perspectives, assumptions,assumptions,

reasons, and evidence to reach your ownreasons, and evidence to reach your own informed positioninformed position

When you argue, your try toWhen you argue, your try to convinceconvince your audience toyour audience to

accept youraccept yourclaimsclaims regarding anregarding an issueissue usingusing evidenceevidence andand

relying onrelying on warrantswarrants

An argument paper, grounded on structured, logicalAn argument paper, grounded on structured, logical

evidence, attempts to convince the reader to accept anevidence, attempts to convince the reader to accept anopinion, take some action, or do bothopinion, take some action, or do both

Example: Condom availability in high schoolsExample: Condom availability in high schools


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Purpose of ArgumentPurpose of Argument

To support a previously establishedTo support a previously establisheddecision or course of action.decision or course of action.

Example: Ban on CampusExample: Ban on CampusSmokingSmoking

To persuade the audience to see yourTo persuade the audience to see yourpoint of view or take action.point of view or take action.

Example: GlobalWarmingExample: GlobalWarming To establish some common ground.To establish some common ground.

Example: Pros and cons of twoExample: Pros and cons of twomovies and choosing onemovies and choosing one


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Class DiscussionClass Discussion

List two debatable current issuesList two debatable current issues

Why are they so contentious?Why are they so contentious?


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Topics that are not arguableTopics that are not arguable

Personal preference orPersonal preference ortastetaste

Example: OrangesExample: Orangesare better than apples.are better than apples.

Simple factsSimple facts

Example: Are whalesExample: Are whales

mammals?Was Barackmammals?Was BarackObama electedObama electedpresident of the Unitedpresident of the UnitedStates in 2009?States in 2009?


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Presenting an argumentPresenting an argument

Argument represents an opportunity to think thingsArgument represents an opportunity to think thingsthrough, to gradually come to some conclusions, and,through, to gradually come to some conclusions, and,then, in stages, begin to draft your position with thethen, in stages, begin to draft your position with the

support you have discoveredsupport you have discovered Successful arguments rest on a solid foundation ofSuccessful arguments rest on a solid foundation ofrationalrational

solid, logical supportsolid, logical support

Many arguments includeMany arguments include emotionemotionbecause it can play anbecause it can play animportant part in swaying reader opinionimportant part in swaying reader opinion

Writers often makeWriters often make ethical appealsethical appealsby projecting favorableby projecting favorableimages of themselvesimages of themselves


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Presenting an argumentPresenting an argument

Arguments can be presented usingArguments can be presented using

three ways:three ways:

The Emotional AppealThe Emotional Appeal The Ethical AppealThe Ethical Appeal

The Rational AppealThe Rational Appeal


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a) The Emotional Appeala) The Emotional Appeal

Appeal to the heart/emotions of the audience.Appeal to the heart/emotions of the audience.For Example: Homeless people should be sheltered and attended withFor Example: Homeless people should be sheltered and attended with

health programs. Many homeless people are on the streets becausehealth programs. Many homeless people are on the streets becauseof mental illness or other health conditions that prevent them fromof mental illness or other health conditions that prevent them fromjoining the work force. Our government should fund programsjoining the work force. Our government should fund programsthat provide these people with a decent home environment andthat provide these people with a decent home environment andmedical treatment.Without these programs, we are going to seemedical treatment.Without these programs, we are going to seehomeless people daily lingering on street corners, with hungryhomeless people daily lingering on street corners, with hungryfaces and shabby clothing, shivering in cold rain or dehydrated byfaces and shabby clothing, shivering in cold rain or dehydrated bythe burning sun.the burning sun.

Class Discussion:What statements in the paragraphClass Discussion:What statements in the paragraphappeal to the emotions of the reader?appeal to the emotions of the reader?


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b) The Ethical Appealb) The Ethical Appeal

Ethics refers to the value systemsEthics refers to the value systemsin a society.in a society.

Involves being fair and offeringInvolves being fair and offeringno personal attacks.no personal attacks.

Involves appealing to morality ofInvolves appealing to morality ofthe reader/audience. In otherthe reader/audience. In otherwords stating what is morallywords stating what is morallywrong and what is morally rightwrong and what is morally rightallowing the audience to see theallowing the audience to see themorally right thing to do tomorally right thing to do tocorrect the issue that the writer iscorrect the issue that the writer istalking about.talking about.

The writer must come across asThe writer must come across aspleasant, fairpleasant, fair--minded and decent,minded and decent,in order to gain reader support.in order to gain reader support.


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Example of Ethical AppealExample of Ethical Appeal

For Example: Martin Luther King addressing his opponents in his Letter from BirminghamFor Example: Martin Luther King addressing his opponents in his Letter from BirminghamJail:Jail:

If I have said anything in this letter that overstate the truth and indicatesIf I have said anything in this letter that overstate the truth and indicates

an unreasonable impatience, I beg you to forgive me. If I have said anythingan unreasonable impatience, I beg you to forgive me. If I have said anythingthat understates the truth and indicates my having a patience that allows methat understates the truth and indicates my having a patience that allows me

to settle for anything less than brotherhood, I beg God to forgive me.to settle for anything less than brotherhood, I beg God to forgive me.

I hope this letter finds you strong in faith. I also hope that circumstancesI hope this letter finds you strong in faith. I also hope that circumstances

will soon make it possible for me to meet each of you, not as an integrationistwill soon make it possible for me to meet each of you, not as an integrationist

or a civilor a civil--rights leader, but as fellow clergyman and Christian brother. Let usrights leader, but as fellow clergyman and Christian brother. Let us

all hope that the dark clouds of racial prejudice will soon pass away and theall hope that the dark clouds of racial prejudice will soon pass away and the

deep fog of misunderstanding will be lifted from our feardeep fog of misunderstanding will be lifted from our fear--drenched communities,drenched communities,and in some not too distant tomorrow the radiant stars of love and brotherhoodand in some not too distant tomorrow the radiant stars of love and brotherhood

will shine over our great nation with all their scintillating beauty.will shine over our great nation with all their scintillating beauty.

Class Discussion: What ethical arguments does Martin Luther present in the extract of hisClass Discussion: What ethical arguments does Martin Luther present in the extract of hisspeech given above?speech given above?


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c) The Rational Appealc) The Rational Appeal

Used in academic writing.Used in academic writing.

Uses logic and reasoning to convince the reader to see yourUses logic and reasoning to convince the reader to see yourpoint of view as valid or plausible.point of view as valid or plausible.

Example: Evolution vs CreationExample: Evolution vs Creation Uses established truths or facts or EVIDENCE to support theUses established truths or facts or EVIDENCE to support the

argument thesis.argument thesis.

Example: Dinosaur bones found in Egypt in the yearExample: Dinosaur bones found in Egypt in the year2001 show that dinosaurs existed in Africa.2001 show that dinosaurs existed in Africa.


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Class Discussion: The Rational AppealClass Discussion: The Rational Appeal

We should not legalize drugs because drugs areWe should not legalize drugs because drugs aredangerous to our health. If we legalize drugs, the easy accessdangerous to our health. If we legalize drugs, the easy accesswould encourage more people to take drugs, and as a result, wewould encourage more people to take drugs, and as a result, wewould have more people with health problems. As it standswould have more people with health problems. As it standsnow, an estimated 30 million Americans have used cocaine,now, an estimated 30 million Americans have used cocaine,and some 5 million use it regularly. Because of the increase inand some 5 million use it regularly. Because of the increase incocaine abuse, greater numbers of emergencycocaine abuse, greater numbers of emergency--room visits,room visits,cocainecocaine--related heart problems, and sudden deaths have beenrelated heart problems, and sudden deaths have beenreported. If we make drugs legal, we wont be surprised to hearreported. If we make drugs legal, we wont be surprised to hearthat more strokes, heart attacks, and sudden cardiac deathsthat more strokes, heart attacks, and sudden cardiac deathsoccur in the near future.occur in the near future.

What kind of evidence is presented in the argument provided?What kind of evidence is presented in the argument provided?


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What is the Argument Essay?What is the Argument Essay?

An argument essay presents the writers positionAn argument essay presents the writers position

on a certain issue, usually a controversial one.on a certain issue, usually a controversial one.

The purpose of the argument essay is to convinceThe purpose of the argument essay is to convincethe reader that the writers opinion on the issue isthe reader that the writers opinion on the issue is

valid whereas the opponents opinion is not.valid whereas the opponents opinion is not.


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Parts of the Argument EssayParts of the Argument Essay

The IssueThe Issue

The ClaimThe Claim

The EvidenceThe Evidence

TheWarrantTheWarrant


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a) The Issuea) The Issue

This is the main issueThis is the main issue

or topic of concernor topic of concern

For Example:For Example:Drunk Driving,Drunk Driving,

Abortion,Abortion, Morality,Morality,

Marijuana UseMarijuana Use


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b) The Claimb) The Claim

This is the essay thesisThis is the essay thesis

It is whereby the writer stakes a position in the topicIt is whereby the writer stakes a position in the topic

to develop an argumentto develop an argument for or againstfor or against

For example:For example:

ISSUE/TOPIC: The Texas State LotteryISSUE/TOPIC: The Texas State Lottery

OPINION: should be abolishedOPINION: should be abolished

MAIN POINTS: because it is unfair to the poorMAIN POINTS: because it is unfair to the poor

and gives minimal odds of winning.and gives minimal odds of winning.

http://righttruth.typepad.com/.a/6a00d83451c49a69e20105369cf

0ce970c-320wi


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c) Evidencec) Evidence

Established truths/factsEstablished truths/facts

Opinions of authoritiesOpinions of authorities

-- a recognized expert in some fielda recognized expert in some field

-- indicate the experts credentials to your readerindicate the experts credentials to your reader

Primary source informationPrimary source information

Statistical findingsStatistical findings

-- should be reliable sourceshould be reliable source

Personal experiencePersonal experience

For Example: child abuseFor Example: child abuse


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Evaluation of EvidenceEvaluation of Evidence

How credible are the sources?How credible are the sources?

How much confirming evidence is there?How much confirming evidence is there?

How much contradictory evidence is there?How much contradictory evidence is there?

How well does my evidence support myHow well does my evidence support my

claim?claim?

What does the evidence actually allow me toWhat does the evidence actually allow me to

conclude?conclude?


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d) The Warrantd) The Warrant

TheWarrantTheWarrant -- is the logical connection between a claimis the logical connection between a claim

and a supporting fact. The writer needs to explain how andand a supporting fact. The writer needs to explain how and

why a particular piece of evidence is good support for awhy a particular piece of evidence is good support for a

specific claim.specific claim.

For Example: If argument paper states that evolution is aFor Example: If argument paper states that evolution is a

hoax then evidence should support the writers point ofhoax then evidence should support the writers point of

view.view.

ClaimSupporting Fact

/Evidence


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Drafting the ArgumentDrafting the Argument

Select an issue.Select an issue.Example:Example:

Topic: AbortionTopic: AbortionNarrowed down topic: PartialNarrowed down topic: Partial--Birth AbortionBirth Abortion


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IntroductionIntroduction

Use an attention getting hookUse an attention getting hook

Provide a thesis statement that names theProvide a thesis statement that names the

issue and indicates which position the writerissue and indicates which position the writer

will take.will take.

Provide a creative title.Provide a creative title.

Example:Example: Licence to KillLicence to Kill


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State thesis/claim.State thesis/claim.

Example:Example: Partial birth abortionPartial birth abortion shouldshouldbebemade illegalmade illegal becausebecause of the inhumaneof the inhumanetreatment of the unborn infants.treatment of the unborn infants.

-- if your issue involves unfamiliar terms,if your issue involves unfamiliar terms,define the terms.define the terms.

Ex. Partial birth abortionEx. Partial birth abortion


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Silence equals death.Silence equals death.

WORLDWIDEWORLDWIDE

Number of abortions per year:Number of abortions per year:

Approximately 42MillionApproximately 42Million

Number of abortions per day:Number of abortions per day:

Approximately 115,000Approximately 115,000


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Body of the EssayBody of the Essay

Establish some common groundEstablish some common ground

start out by recognizing thestart out by recognizing the

values of the reader.values of the reader.

We are in the 21We are in the 21stst century. Everyone is busy with gaining education,century. Everyone is busy with gaining education,

pursuing a career, and being successful.W

e have planned our futures, setpursuing a career, and being successful.W

e have planned our futures, setour goals, and we are ready to reach for the stars. Our days are scheduledour goals, and we are ready to reach for the stars. Our days are scheduled

and we need to make an appointment to go out and have fun with friends.and we need to make an appointment to go out and have fun with friends.

The world seems to spin faster, there isnt enough hours in a day.The world seems to spin faster, there isnt enough hours in a day.


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Body of the essayBody of the essay

Reasons and evidenceReasons and evidence

(can be large number(can be large number

of paragraphs)of paragraphs)

1.We have no right to take a life.1.We have no right to take a life.

UNITED STATESUNITED STATES

Number of abortions per year:Number of abortions per year: 1.37Million (1996)1.37Million (1996)Number of abortions per day:Number of abortions per day: Approximately 3,700Approximately 3,700

-- a person who kills 5 people will be in death row. Howa person who kills 5 people will be in death row. Howcome people who kill 1.37 million babies a year roam freecome people who kill 1.37 million babies a year roam freein society?in society?


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22.. Every child deserves aEvery child deserves a

chance to live.chance to live.

At week five, your baby is 1/17 of an inch longAt week five, your baby is 1/17 of an inch long about the size of theabout the size of thetip of a pen.tip of a pen.

This week, your baby's heart and circulatory system are taking shape.This week, your baby's heart and circulatory system are taking shape.Your baby's blood vessels will complete a circuit, and his or her heartYour baby's blood vessels will complete a circuit, and his or her heartwill begin to beat. Although you won't be able to hear it yet, the motionwill begin to beat. Although you won't be able to hear it yet, the motionof your baby's beating heart may be detected with an ultrasound exam.of your baby's beating heart may be detected with an ultrasound exam.


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3. Adults should be ready to3. Adults should be ready to

claim responsibility for their actions.claim responsibility for their actions.

Awareness about the risk of having unsafe intimacy andAwareness about the risk of having unsafe intimacy andconsequences to their choice of lifestyle.consequences to their choice of lifestyle.

4. Give up the child for adoption4. Give up the child for adoption --Childless couplesChildless couples

can adopt babies and give them a good home.can adopt babies and give them a good home.

They are willing to wait 2 years and spend a lot of moneyThey are willing to wait 2 years and spend a lot of money the babythe babycan have a better life . Financial burdens should not be a reason forcan have a better life . Financial burdens should not be a reason forabortionabortion


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Objections or questionsObjections or questions

and answers to bothand answers to both

1.What if the woman was raped?1.What if the woman was raped?Why women have abortionsWhy women have abortions

1% of all abortions occur because of rape or incest; 6% of abortions1% of all abortions occur because of rape or incest; 6% of abortions

occur because of potential health problems regarding either the mother oroccur because of potential health problems regarding either the mother orchild, and 93% of all abortions occur for social reasons (i.e. the child ischild, and 93% of all abortions occur for social reasons (i.e. the child is

unwanted or inconvenient).unwanted or inconvenient).


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