Argumentative Writing

LISA MULKAWRIT 122

LANSING COMMUNITY COLLEGE

Argumentative Writing

Objective

To learn specific argumentative writing elements, recognize argumentative structures, and be able to apply the concepts to writing.

 This STAIR meets the following standards for

WRIT 122 outlined in the course description: “Builds upon the writing skills developed in WRIT 121 to

help students write argumentative essays which use logical support and appropriate documentation. Emphasizes research techniques and use of sources, and the development, structure, and style of the research paper”

Introduction

This STAIR is designed for WRIT 122 students at Lansing Community College to work

through individually at the beginning of the semester. Click the forward or back arrow to move within the presentation. At the end of

the presentation, you will be asked to demonstrate your comprehension through an

assessment quiz and practice.

Enjoy and Have Fun!

Argumentative Elements

Argumentative Structures

Overview—Read First!

Claim

Reasons

Evidence

Opposition

Appeals

Quiz Yourself

Practice

Overview—Read First!

Toulmin Argument

Classical Argument

RogerianArgument

Quiz Yourself

Practice

Click on each term to learn more. When

you have read through each

term, quiz yourself and complete the

practice!

Overview of Argumentative Elements

When writing any type of argument, there are certain elements that will always be important to incorporate in order to successfully present your argument. The following few slides will outline the most important argumentative elements to include: claim, reasons, evidence and opposition.

Claim

Expresses your position or stand on the issueStates precisely what you believe (and

perhaps WHY you believe it)This is the viewpoint you want readers to

accept or the action you want readers to takeThe claim is in essence your thesis statement

Reasons

The explanation and justification of your claim

Reasons answer the “Why” and the “How Come?”

Logical and rational reasons win argumentsReasons must ALWAYS be supported with

evidence or examples

Evidence

Proof that your reasons and claim are accurate and believable

Evidence often includes: statistics, interviews, quotes, examples, anecdotes, etc.

Credibility is ESSENTIAL in finding appropriate evidence. Evidence should be:

Relevant to the topic Provided by a credible source (an expert in the field) Reputable (i.e. contact information is available, up-to-

date source, etc.)

Opposition & Rebuttal

Opposition: Recognizes and addresses opinions that may oppose

your claim Understands differing viewpoints

Rebuttal Refutes differing viewpoints with logical evidence and

reasons Uses the opposition’s reasons to win your own

argument (i.e finding areas of weakness or irrational logic in their argument to strengthen your own)

Get them to see your side!

Appeals to Audience

Aristotle developed three appeals to audience that are often utilized in arguments. The appeals offer ways for the writer to reach the audience and help the audience understand their argument. Click on each term to learn more.

Ethos is often built through honesty

EthosAuthoritative

Trustworthy

Knowledgeable

Experienced

Fair and evenhanded

Shared values

Respect

Goes hand-in-hand with logos

This drunk driving advertisement uses the appeal of

pathos to reach its target audience

PathosDescriptive/figurative language

Pulls on the heartstrings

Often used to persuade/take action

Can be used to enhance logical appeals

Don’t go overboard—be honest

Take a look at the logic in the comic above. Are penguins really old TV

shows??

LogosLogic

Facts/hard evidence

Statistics

Credible testimony

Examples

Logical Reasons

Ethos is linked to Logos

Quiz—Argumentative Elements

Now it’s time to test your Now it’s time to test your knowledge!knowledge!

See if you can answer the See if you can answer the following questions on following questions on

argumentative elements…argumentative elements…

Question One

The purpose of a claim in an argument is to…

A)Explain a solutionB)Define the author’s position on a topicC)Defend an opinionD)Offer Evidence

Try Again!

Remember that the claim usually means the equivalent of a thesis statement. What

purpose does a thesis serve?

Back to Questions

Correct!

A claim is provided so that the author can state clearly for the audience what their position

on the topic is. Excellent work!

Question Two

What are the three things evidence should be?

A)Relevant, reputable and credibleB)Relevant, refutable and credibleC)Credible, dated and reputableD)Refutable, updated and credible

Try Again!

You’re so close! Some of these elements apply, but look closely at each part of the answer.

Go back to Question

Correct!

That’s right! Evidence must be not only relevant to the topic but also highly credible

and reputable from experts on the topic.

Nice Job!

Question Three

Pathos is…

A)An appeal of logicB)An appeal of credibilityC)An appeal of emotions

Try Again!

That’s close! What are the differences between ethos, pathos and logos?

Return to Question

Correct

Pathos is an emotional appeal—it often helps connect readers to the argument by eliciting

strong emotions.

Great Job!

Question Four

Why is it important to refute opposition in an argument? (often called a rebuttal)

A)To strengthen your argumentB)To tease the people who disagree with youC)To manipulate your readersD)To pretend the opposition is right

Try Again!

While addressing opposition is important, you want to avoid tricking your readers.

Return to Question

Correct!

Refuting opposition is a great technique that can help strengthen your own argument!

Excellent Job!

Overview of Argumentative Structures

While there are certain argumentative elements that must be in place in order to have a success argument, there are numerous ways to structure these elements. The following slides outline three common structures. The three provided here will explain the Toulmin argument, the Classical argument and the Rogerian argument.

Toulmin Structure

Claim State the position being argued for

QualifierSpecification to limits of a claim—look up

the list of qualifiers on page 161 of Everything’s An Argument

Reasons 

Sound and logical reasons in support of claim

WarrantsThe chain of reasoning that connects the

claim to the data

Evidence/BackingSupport, justification and reasons to back up

warrants

Rebuttal/ResponseExceptions to the claim, description and

rebuttal of counterarguments.

Classical Structure

IntroductionCapture the reader’s attention and interest. Establish qualifications, credibility and build initial common ground with audience. State

your claim, but demonstrate a fair and evenhanded style.

Statement of Background Supply the reader with any necessary information in order to understand the

context of your argument.

PositionProvide a more in-depth look at your

position and outline the major points that will follow.

ProofPresent good reasons, logical and emotional

appeals and evidence to support claim. Explain and justify assumptions.

RefutationAnticipate and refute opposing arguments.

Explain why your view is superior and demonstrate that you have considered the

issue thoroughly and have reached the only reasonable conclusion.

Conclusion Summarize primary points, extend the implications of your claim and reinforce

your credibility.

Rogerian Structure

IntroductionProvide the audience with the problem you hope to resolve. Present the issue as a problem helps

raise the possibility of positive change.

Opposing ViewsIn an accurate and neutral tone, present the

views of opposition in order to demonstrate you are willing to listen without judgment to all

sides of the issue.

UnderstandingShow that the opposition’s concerns may be valid in some situations. Maintain a level of

understanding with the audience. Under what conditions might you share these views?

Position StatementNow that you have fully considered the

opposition, go into detail on your own position providing clear evidence and reasons.

Statement of ContextDescribe situations in which you hope your

views will be recognized. By showing that your position has merit in certain contexts, you

recognize that people won’t always agree with you but there is room to establish common

ground.

Statement of CompromiseAppeal to the opposition by showing how they would benefit from accepting your position.

Determine how a compromise would benefit the audience.

Quiz—Argumentative Structure

Now it’s time to test your Now it’s time to test your knowledge!knowledge!

See if you can answer the See if you can answer the following questions on following questions on

argumentative structure…argumentative structure…

TOULMIN

In the Toulmin argumentative structure, when does the opposition get addressed the rebuttal take place?

BeginningMiddle

End

Beginning

Try Again!

The Toulmin argument first presents the author’s position or claim supported by

logical evidence and reasons.

Return to Question

Middle

Try Again!

If you look back at the chart on the Toulmin Argument, the middle encompasses reasons,

warrants and evidence.

Return to Question

Correct!

The Toulmin argument first presents the author’s position supported by logical

evidence and reasons THEN addresses the opposition at the end of the argument.

Great Job!

TOULMIN

Which of the following is not an example of a qualifier?

FewPerhapsMany

SometimesAll the time

It seems

Few

Try Again!

Remember a qualifier are words and phrases that place limits on claims.

Return to Question

Correct!

A qualifier serves as a word or phrase that places limits on a claim. All the time extends

the claim rather than limiting it.

Great Job!

CLASSICAL

In the classical argument, what is the role of the introduction?

1. To address the opposition

2. To provide evidence on the claim

3. To grab the reader’s attention and draw them into the argument

Try Again!

You’re very close, but remember that the introduction is the first piece of the argument

readers will see. How can you spark their interest in the argument right away?

Return to Question

Correct!

You’ve got it!

The Classical structure “hooks” the reader into the argument in the introduction then leads

into the claim.

Great Job!

ROGERIAN

What is a common feature of a Rogerian argument?

1.“I’m right, you’re wrong” attitude

2.A search for compromise3.Nobody wins

Try Again!

While other argument aim to have a clear winner and loser, Rogerian arguments offer a different structure. Take a look back at the

charts to see the differences.

Return to QuestionReturn to Charts

Correct!

That’s right! You’ve got it!

Compromise IS a big part of a Rogerian argument. Some consider it a “polite”

argument because it strives to understand and empathize with the opposition.

Great Job!

Practice—Argumentative Elements

Now that you’ve got the hang of argumentative elements, write a 2 page practice argument using all four elements—claim, reasons, evidence and opposition.

Choose one of the topics below to write on and turn in your sample argument on Angel. Keeping animals in zoos is animal cruelty Absences should not effect a college student’s final

grade in a course Euthanasia or assisted suicide is murder

Practice—Argumentative Structure

Now that you’ve mastered the differences between the argumentative structures, write your own definition of the three argumentative structures and explain the major differences between the three and how you will use these structures in your own writing. Turn in your assignment in the appropriate drop box in Angel.

Toulmin Classical Rogerian