Transcript Argument vs Persuasion - Lower Moreland Township School

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Influences the reader
by using fact based
evidence and
reasoning to express a
point of view or
uncover the truth
It is the process of
establishing a claim
and then proving it
with the use of logical
reasoning, examples,
and research
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Aggressively seeks to
change a person’s
opinion and stimulate
an action based on
their reasoning
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In everyday life…
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In academic life…
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In writing…
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In reading and listening…
Appealing a grade, asking for a raise, applying for a
job, negotiating the price of a new car, arguing in
traffic court
Defending your ideas, engaging intellectual debate
Irrefutably making your point, writing to be read
Critically evaluating other’s arguments, protecting
yourself from unethical persuasive tactics, recognizing
faulty reasoning when you see it.
Goal: to get the reader to acknowledge
your side as a valid point of view
 Technique: Offers relevant reasons and
sufficient evidence to honor the writer
has a worthy perspective
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Always acknowledges an opposing
viewpoint but tactfully counters to prove
their view is more valuable
Goal: to get the reader to agree with the
writer's viewpoint
 Technique: Blends facts with emotion in
an attempt to convince the reader that
the writer is in fact “right”
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One single-minded goal based on
personal conviction and facts
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Understanding your audience is key to effective
writing
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Audience awareness is absolutely essential to
successful persuasion and argument; therefore…
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Know your audience
› What is their position on the issue?
› How strongly do they feel about it?
› Are they open-minded enough to consider other
views?
› What will their objections be to your argument?
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Audience: Does not
always need an
audience,; simply
wants to put the
evidence “out
there“
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Writing is more
balanced
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Audience: Needs an
audience to know
what they think in an
attempt to change
their mind
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Writing is more
aggressive
 “Debate
on paper”
Logical
 “Aggressive
Conviction”
Emotional
Introduction
 Background Information
 Thesis Statement
 Reasons and Evidence
 The Counterargument and rebuttal
 Conclusions
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is the most important sentence in your paper
…answers the question: “What am I trying to
prove?”
...brings focus to the entire essay
…lets the reader know the main idea of the
paper
…is not a factual statement or an
announcement of purpose, but a claim that
has to be proven throughout the paper
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Shows you are fair-minded and therefore
adds to your credibility
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When you acknowledge the opposition
with balanced language, it shows that
your respect the opposing views
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No matter how passionate you are
about the issue, don’t resort to careless,
harsh words; this would show more about
your than the issue
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Addressing the opposition demonstrates
your credibility as a writer
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It shows that you have researched
multiple sides of the argument and have
come to an informed decision
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Remember, keep a balanced tone
when attempting to debunk the
opposition
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Conceding to some of your opposition’s
concerns can demonstrate respect for
their opinions
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Remain tactful yet firm
› using rude or deprecating language can
cause your audience to reject your position
without carefully considering your claims
Introduction and Thesis (the claim: what
you are persuading)
 Reason 1 and supporting evidence
 Reason 2 and supporting evidence
 Reason 3 and supporting evidence
 Counterargument and rebuttal
 Conclusion and action
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First(ly)
Second(ly)
Third(ly)
Finally
Furthermore
Moreover
In addition
Finally
Later
Instead of
Beyond
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Before
After
At last
Although
For example
During
Also
Rather than
Since
Unless
In conclusion
In summary
Thus
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SENTENCES: Write in complete sentences and
complete thoughts
LINE LENGTH: Provide enough information to support
the thesis and preview points and meet the minimum
length requirement
ANSWER THE QUESTION: Be sure to write about what is
being asked or the prompt, do not deviate from the
topic
MECHANICS: Spelling, grammar, punctuation,
mechanics and capitalization are all very important
SUPPORT: Use research, text-related details, data,
and enough background information to fully explain
your thought