Argument Text Structures

Argumentative Text Structure

Review

Multiple Choice

What is the definition of argumentative text?

• written works that are generally recognized as having artistic value. Basic forms of literary texts include prose, fiction, drama, poetry, and literary non-fiction.

• text that presents information in order to inform or educate an audience

• a text in which the writer develops and defends a position or debates a topic using logic and persuasion

Multiple Choice

What is the definition of author's purpose?

• intentional and deliberate use of organizational patterns, text and graphic features, syntax, devices, and diction to create an effective written work; author’s craft may vary by genre

• the reason an author writes about a particular topic (e.g., to persuade, to entertain, to inform, to explain, to analyze, etc.); the reason an author includes particular details, features, or devices in a work

• written/spoken explanations or interpretations that further develop an idea Context — the words, sentences, or passages that precede or follow a specific word, sentence, or passage

Definition of Argumentative Text - 1

An argumentative text consists of certain elements, including the following:

 

A claim, or thesis, stating the writer’s or speaker’s position on the topic or issue and what he or she will prove or demonstrate.

Reasons, or explanations why the audience should accept the author’s position.

Evidence in the form of facts, statistics, expert opinions, and examples, that support the reasons.

A counter argument to address an opposing viewpoint.

Rhetorical appeals, including appeals to logos (logic), ethos (trust), and pathos (emotions). a convincing conclusion, or closing remarks.

Definition of Argumentative Text - 2

These features are both characteristics and structural elements of argumentative text. Characteristics are qualities that define a certain type of writing, and structural elements are the parts that give structure to the ideas and information presented. For example, a writer or speaker may present their claim in the introduction, provide a reason supported by evidence and a rhetorical appeal in each body paragraph, and end with a call to action in the conclusion.

Definition of Argumentative Text - 3

The argument may also include a counter argument, which in itself follows a particular structure. A counter argument typically begins with an acknowledgment of an opposing viewpoint and ends with a rebuttal, or an attempt to disprove that viewpoint.

See an example video on the next slide from the movie Philadelphia released 1993 with Denzel Washington & Tom Hanks ‧ Drama/Trial drama

Multiple Choice

the writer’s or speaker’s position on a debatable issue or problem

• claim

• conclusion

• counter argument

• evidence

Multiple Choice

the part of an argument in which the writer considers and attempts to disprove an opposing opinion

• rebuttal

• reason

• evidence

• counter argument

Multiple Choice

a device that writers use to make their arguments appeal to readers

• Whip Appeal

• rhetorical appeal

• literary appeal

• rebuttal appeal

Multiple Choice

facts, statistics, numerical data, quotations, specific examples, and expert opinions that support a claim

• reason

• rebuttal

• evidence

• structural element

Checklist for Argumentative Text Structure

In order to analyze characteristics and structural elements of argumentative texts such as clear structure of the argument, convincing conclusion, and call to action, note the following (take notes!)

Argumentative Text Characteristics

• the writer’s thesis

• the evidence the writer uses to support his or her thesis

• a counter argument

• the conclusion

• calls to action: statements imploring the reader to take action

• details and signal words that reveal the text’s organizing structure

Ask yourself these questions as you analyze th text

• In what order is the argument presented?

• Are there any details or signal words that reveal the text’s organizing structure?

• What makes the conclusion convincing?

Your Turn!

Read the following paragraph from StudySync’s informational text “Rock the Vote,” which discusses the importance of midterm elections. In the text, the author argues that the votes of young people (between the ages of 18 and 20) could be influential in the upcoming election. To complete the activity, read each question and choose the best answer.

Rock The Vote!

Young people could be very influential in this year’s primaries and elections, according to the Chicago Tribune. This is because they have the numbers and the potential. However, just 15 percent of eligible voters between the ages of 18 and 20 voted in the 2014 midterm elections. Tom Steyer, a hedge fund manager and activist, believes that this trend will change this year. "We really believe in this generation," Steyer said. Steyer committed about $31 million in 2018 to different organizations to help organize young voters. "What we're trying to do is organize as well as possible to make sure that they get a chance to raise their voices," Steyer said, "but also to make sure their votes are counted on Nov. 6."

Multiple Choice

Why is this conclusion convincing?

• It gives the argument new meaning.

• It leaves readers with a lasting impression.

Multiple Choice

How does the author avoid merely summarizing his or her claim in the conclusion?

• The author restates the claim, using different words, but focusing on the importance of organizing young voters.

• The author gives an example of how one political activist is helping organize young voters.

Multiple Choice

Which quote from the conclusion offers solutions to a problem?

• “‘What we're trying to do is organize as well as possible to make sure that they get a chance to raise their voices…’”

• “However, just 15 percent of eligible voters between the ages of 18 and 20 voted in the 2014 midterm elections.”

Multiple Choice

Suppose the writer added this sentence to the conclusion:

If young voters show up at the polls, the reigning party’s priorities could be halted.

How does the sentence make the conclusion convincing?

• It asks the reader to take action.

• It makes a prediction about the future.

Conclusion

In order for you to be successful recognizing any type of text, you must know the characteristics of that text, annotate the text (take notes!), and, and thoroughly read the text.

Let me know if you have any questions!