Transcript Argumentation-Persuasion

English 1301
LR-472
What is
• The use of clear thinking and logic, the writer tries
to convince readers of the soundness of a particular
opinion on a controversial issue.
What is
• Using emotional language and dramatic appeals to
readers’ concerns, beliefs, and values.
• Encourages reader to commit themselves to a course
of action.
People respond rationally and emotionally to
situations, therefore
• Argumentation and persuasion are combined.
When Argument and
Persuasion
• Emotion supports rather than replaces logic and
sound reasoning.
Argumentation-Persuasion
and
Writing can be a
• Causal analysis
• Descriptive piece
• Narrative
• Definition
More than just a
• Assumes controversy
• Addresses opposing viewpoints
According to ancient Greeks
...
There are three factors crucial to the effectiveness of
argumentation-persuasion:
• Logos
• Pathos
• Ethos
Main concern in essay.
The soundness of the argument:
• The facts
• Statistics
• Examples
continued …
Authoritative statements
• Unified
• Specific
• Adequate
• Accurate
• Representative
Appeals to readers’
• Needs
• Values
• Attitudes
• Encouraging them to commit
Advertising & Propaganda rely on pathos to the
exclusion of logic.
Credibility and Integrity
• Share experiences
• Present a logical, reasoned argument that takes into
account the opposing point of view.
• Make sure emotions and appeals are not excessive.
• Overwrought emotionalism undercuts credibility.
Ethos IS NOT constant.
• Involve an interplay of all three.
• Balance is determined by the audience.
Audience will fall into three broad categories:
• Supportive
• Wavering
• Hostile
Supportive
• Don’t need highly reasoned argument
• Solidify support (logos).
• Can rely on pathos.
continued …
A Wavering Audience
• Open, but not committed.
• Concentrate on ethos and logos
continued …
A hostile Audience
• An apathetic, skeptical, or hostile audience is the
most difficult to convince.
• Avoid emotional appeals
• Use logical reasoning and hard-to-dispute facts
(logos).
• Identify the controversy surrounding the issue and
state your position in the thesis.
• Provide readers with strong support for the thesis.
• Seek to create good will.
• Organize the supporting evidence.
• Use Rogerian strategy to acknowledge differing
viewpoints. (Seek out and acknowledge conflict
viewpoints.)