Transcript Modes of Discourse - Mrs. Cady's English Classroom

Modes of Discourse
Argument
Argument
The word argument probably brings to mind a verbal
disagreement of the sort that nearly everyone has
participated in. Such disputes are satisfying when you
convert someone to your point of view. More often,
though, verbal arguments are inconclusive and
frustrating because you might fail to make your
position understood or may believe that your opponent
has been stubborn and unreasonable. Because verbal
arguments generally arise spontaneously, they cannot
be thoughtfully planned or researched.
Also known as argumentation, written arguments share
common goals with spoken ones: they attempt to
convince a reader to agree with a particular point
of view, to make a particular decision, or to pursue
a particular course of action.
Argument
Written arguments, however, involve the
presentation of well-chosen evidence
and the artful control of language.
Writers of arguments must imagine their
probable audience and predict the sorts
of objections that may be raised.
Writers must choose in advance a
specific, sufficiently detailed thesis or
proposition.
Argument
• Most people who specialize in the study of
arguments identify two essential categories —
persuasion and logic.
• Persuasive appeals are directed at readers’
emotions, at their subconscious, even at
their biases and prejudices. These appeals
involve diction, slanting, figurative language,
analogy, rhythmic patterns of speech, and the
establishment of a tone that will encourage a
positive response.
• Persuasion very often attempts to get the
audience to take action. Examples of
persuasive argument are found in the
exaggerated claims of advertisers and the
speech making of political and social activists.
Argument
• Logical appeals, on the other hand, are
directed primarily at the audience’s
intellectual faculties, understanding, and
knowledge.
• Such appeals depend on the reasoned
movement from assertion to evidence to
conclusion and on an almost mathematical
system of proof and counterproof.
• Logical argument, unlike persuasion, does not
normally impel its audience to action. Logical
argument is commonly found in scientific or
philosophical articles, legal decisions, and
technical proposals.
Argument
• Take a Stand
Even though you will chose a topic, gather information
about it, and establish a thesis statement or
proposition, you need to take a stand — to fully
commit yourself to your beliefs and ideas about
the issue before you.
Your writing will show if you attempt to work with a
thesis that you have not clearly thought through or
are confused about or if you take a position you do
not fully believe in or care about.
With a strong stand, you can argue vigorously and
convincingly.
• The following five steps will remind you of some key
features of arguments and help you sequence your
activities as you research and write.
Writing an Argument
1. Determine the Thesis or Proposition
Decide on a topic that interests you and that has some
significant differences of opinion or some points that
you have questions about. The more specific you make
your thesis or proposition, the more directed your research
can become and the more focused your ultimate argument
will be. Don’t hesitate to modify or even reject an initial
thesis as your research warrants.
A thesis can be placed anywhere in an argument, but while
learning to write arguments, you should place the
statement of your controlling idea (thesis) near the
beginning of your composition. Explain the importance
of the thesis, and make clear to your reader that you share
a common concern or interest in this issue. State your
central assertion directly in your first or second paragraph
so that your reader will have no doubt or confusion about
your position.
Writing an Argument
2. Take Account of Your Audience
In no other type of writing is the question of
audience more important than in
argumentation. The tone you establish, the
type of diction you choose, the kinds of
evidence you select, and the organizational
pattern you follow can influence your audience
to trust you and believe your assertions.
If you judge the nature of your audience
accurately, respect its knowledge of the
subject, and correctly envision whether it is
likely to be hostile, neutral, complacent, or
receptive, you will be able to tailor the
various aspects of your argument
appropriately.
Writing an Argument
3. Gather the Necessary Supporting Evidence
For each point of your argument, be sure to
provide appropriate and sufficient evidence
— verifiable facts and statistics, illustrative
examples and narratives, or quotations from
authorities.
Don’t overwhelm your reader with evidence,
but don’t skimp either. Demonstrate your
command of the topic and control of the
thesis by choosing carefully from all the
evidence at your disposal.
Writing an Argument
4. Avoid Faulty Reasoning
Have someone read your argument for errors in
judgment and for faulty reasoning. Sometimes others
can see easily what you can’t see because you are so
intimately tied to your assertion. These errors are
typically called logical fallacies.
5. Conclude Forcefully
In the conclusion of your essay, be sure to restate your
position in new language, at least briefly. Besides
persuading your reader to accept your point of view, you
may also want to encourage some specific course of
action. Above all, your conclusion should not
introduce new information that may surprise your
reader. It should seem to follow naturally, almost
seamlessly, from the series of points that you have
carefully
Argument Model Essay
•
Read the model essay entitled, “Shame
is Worth a Try”, focusing on his
argument.
• When finished reading, answer the
following questions in your notes:
1. How convincing is Kahan’s argument?
2. What is the strongest part of his
argument? Explain.
3. What is the weakest part? Explain.
Your Turn
Write a response in which you argue your position
on the issue of using public shaming as a
punishment. Please focus on the following
question as you develop your position:
– Is public shaming appropriate for some or
all offenses that would otherwise result in
a short jail term? Explain.
Support your argument (three paragraph minimum
~ 6-8 sentences per paragraph) with evidence
from Kahan’s essay and your own
experiences/observations.
You may find it helpful to review your journal
response for this selection.