Argumentative Writing

​Elements of Argument

Today I can identify and analyze elements of argument.​

​Today I will learn to...

to identify the basic elements of an argument: claim and support

• to recognize counterarguments and understand their purpose

• to distinguish between emotional and logical appeals

• to recognize commonplace assertions

Subject | Subject

Some text here about the topic of discussion

​The Power of Persuasion

A movie trailer that introduces audiences to the latest action-packed blockbuster, a newspaper editorial that discusses the problem of pollution, a political speech that unveils a new policy proposal—what do these have in common?They all use the power of persuasion to convince you to do or believe something.​

Today I can identify and analyze elements of argument.​

​What is an argument?

Persuasive writers and speakers use all kinds of special techniques to convince their audiences. But to really be effective, a writer or speaker needs to have a strong argument. At the heart of any argument is a claim, or a writer's position on a problem or an issue. A writer must prove the claim by providing reasons and evidence, also known as support.​

​Identifying the claim

When analyzing any persuasive text, examine it closely to identify the claim. Ask yourself: What does the writer want me to believe or do after reading this passage?​

Multiple Choice

Which sentence states the writer's claim?

• Sentence 1

• Sentence 3

• Sentence 4

• Sentence 5

​Support for a claim

A writer must support a claim with reasons that answer the question "Why?" For instance, a political candidate might argue that he or she is the better person for a position. As part of the argument, the candidate should offer reasons that answer the question, "Why am I a better choice than my opponent?"​

Poll

Which person has the better support for their claim of "I'm the candidate who is more prepared to tackle the difficult issues that our community faces?"

• My plan for community improvement will be more effective than my opponent's plan.

• I have more experience than my opponent.

​Evidence

Evidence is specific information that is used to back up a reason. Below are five common types of evidence.​

​Types of Evidence

Quotations are the documented record of someone's comments about a topic. In a persuasive text, a writer may use an expert opinion, which is a statement made by an authority on a subject.​

​Quotations

A fact is a statement that can be proved true. If you are unsure if a fact is true, try to confirm it using a reliable (or trustworthy) source, such as a book or a newspaper.​

​Fact

​An example is a specific instance that illustrates a general idea. Sometimes, examples are called case studies, especially when they are based on scientific research.

​Examples

​Types of Evidence

A statistic is a fact given in number form. Writers often include statistics in their texts, but statistics may also be presented in charts or graphs.

​Statistic

​An anecdote is a brief account of an event that can be used to illustrate a point. The story might be about the writer's experience, or about another person or group of people.

​Anecdote

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Multiple Choice

Which evidence below best supports this claim and reason?

• When Wheeler High School imposed a cell-phone ban, many students still brought their phones to school.

• "Cell phones tend to distract students during class," Mr. Yates said.

• Sixty percent of parents surveyed said that they would be upset if their kids could not carry cell phones.

​Counterarguments

To strengthen their arguments, some writers use counterarguments. A counterargument acknowledges an opposing viewpoint and then "counters" that viewpoint with further reasons or evidence.​

​Persuasive Techniques

Writers enhance their arguments by using persuasive techniques, or methods designed to influence readers. Two common types are emotional and logical appeals.​

​Types of Appeals

Logical appeals use sound reasoning and facts to convince readers.

Example: If we fix the sidewalks, property values will increase, and more new residents will be attracted to our neighborhood.​

​Logical

Emotional appeals use feelings, rather than facts, to persuade. Writers use strong words to tap into feelings of sympathy, fear, or vanity.

Example: Vote for the school board budget increase to ensure the necessary support and supplies for our students. Don't help to undercut the promising futures of our community's bright children.

​Emotional

Multiple Choice

Is this an emotional or logical appeal?

Without our state-of-the-art security system, robbers have easier access to your home.

• emotional

• logical

Multiple Choice

Is this an emotional or logical appeal?

If we widen the road, rush-hour traffic jams will be less of a problem.

• emotional

• logical

Multiple Choice

Is this an emotional or logical appeal?

If the village does not receive medication, hundreds of innocent children will suffer

• emotional

• logical

​Summary

An argument is made up of a claim and support. A claim is a writer's position on an issue or a problem. In a solid argument, reasons and evidence help to prove the claim.​

To strengthen an argument, a writer may include a counterargument, which acknowledges and then "counters" an opposing viewpoint. A writer may also use persuasive techniques, such as emotional or logical appeals.​

Multiple Choice

Which sentence states the writer's claim?

(1) Is your computer acting up? (2) Have your efforts to fix it been useless? (3) Are you unsure of who to call? (4) Well, we're here to help. (5) Kayser Computer Care is the best choice to fix your computer woes. (6) Our technicians are incredibly experienced, and our rates are astoundingly reasonable.

• 1

• 2

• 5

• 6

Multiple Choice

Which sentence gives a reason that supports the writer's claim?

(1) The school tardiness policy needs to be revised. (2) Students should not be punished for circumstances that are out of their control. (3) For instance, the city buses tend to run late in the wintertime. (4) Students should not be forced to wake up an hour early just to be sure that they're not five minutes late.

• 1

• 2

• 3

• 4

Multiple Choice

The evidence in Sentence 3 is—

For instance, the city buses tend to run late in the wintertime.

• quotation

• statistic

• example

• anecdote

Multiple Choice

Which statement below is an emotional appeal?

• Making the wrong financial choices can have devastating, life-altering effects.

• Expanding our advertising for the annual street fair will increase attendance.

• Quieter study locations would help students retain more information.

• If we renovate the neglected homes, our neighborhood will be more attractive to potential home buyers.