LISA MULKA WRIT 122 LANSING COMMUNITY COLLEGE 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