critical essay 1300wrods
Classical Argument
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Persuasion and Argument
Persuasion is the process of drawing conclusions and getting others to accept them and act upon them.
Argumentation is the process of drawing conclusions after looking at both sides of an issue and getting others to accept one side based upon logic and careful exploration of facts.
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Rhetoric and Audience
Rhetoric is the “art of speaking or writing effectively”
It is a set of skills used in college and in the business world
Effective communication is an important skill in the work force
Effective communication gets our point across without embarrassment for ourselves or others.
Effective communication understands what the audience does and does not know about the topic.
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Aristotle’s Appeals: Ethos, Logos, and Pathos
Aristotle was a student of Plato. Later, he was a teacher for Alexander the Great.
He identified three appeals that can be used to persuade others.
Ethos=ethics.
Logos=logic.
Pathos=emotion
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Ethos=Ethics, Credibility
As a writer, you will establish your credibility through careful research. Articles from experts in the field of study will help you build your ethos in the paper. An advertisement using ethos would be a McDonald’s commercial stating the number of years in business (hence they know how to make a decent hamburger).
A car dealership might also state how long they have been at the same location. Or, the dealership might make sure you know
“ 2013 Time Dealer of the year award nominee for being among the nation’s most successful auto dealers who also demonstrate a long-standing commitment to community service” (Fuson Automotive).
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Logos=Logic
When using logos in an argument, we provide facts, statistics, evidence, and reason.
An automobile commercial stating the vehicle gets x mpg is proving a logos appeal. When gas prices climb, auto makers want to highlight how many miles per gallon the car can travel. Therefore, a car advertised as getting 40 mpg would appeal to a consumer who travels a distance of 40 miles to and from work.
If the reader finds the evidence given “logical” it will appeal to the reader.
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Pathos=Emotion
A pathos appeal will tap into human emotions.
Some commercials are deliberately funny and are geared to draw us to the restaurant or product being advertised.
From about mid-January until February 14, TV ads focus on how we should tell our “significant” other “I love you.”
Commercials such as the “Sandals Resort” plays to adults who want a romantic get-away.
We are frequently told a diamond is a “girl’s best friend” and it is the way to a woman’s heart.
Commercials that combine logos and pathos are very powerful.
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Classic Model for an Argument
Introductory paragraph
Sets the stage for the argument you will present
Ends with your thesis
State your position the issue
Usually placed at end of the paragraph or introduction
Clearly stated.
Often uses emphatic language—should, must, etc.
Body
Background information
Reasons or evidence to support your claim
Begin with general statement
Back statement with specific evidence
Break full claim into sub-claims backed with evidence
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Classic Model for an Argument Cont’d
Present (provide) and refute (prove wrong by evidence) Counterarguments
Anticipate objections to your position
State why your views are better than opponent’s view
Show when your argument might be invalid and when the opponent’s argument might be valid
Concede points when your opponent might be right
Remember, no viewpoint is 100% correct 100% of the time
Can be placed after introduction or before conclusion
Conclusion
Bring essay to a logical end
Importance of the issue in the larger context
Is there a solution?
Works Cited
Include 5 sources supporting your argument and refuting your opponent’s argument
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Classic Pattern
I. Introduction
A.. Background Information: basic information about the issue (i.e. euthanasia) and the position being argued (i.e. euthanasia should/should not be allowed).
B. Thesis Statement: states the position to be argued in the essay
II. Reasons that Support the Thesis Statement
A.. Reason/Argument 1 (main point #1)
1. Supporting paragraph 1
2. Supporting paragraph 2
B. Reason/Argument 2 (main point #2) 1. Supporting paragraph 1 2. Supporting paragraph 2
C. Reason/Argument 3 (main point #3) 1. Supporting paragraph 1 2. Supporting paragraph 2, etc..
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Classic Pattern Cont’d.
III. Counter Arguments and Responses to Them
A. Mention the arguments from the other side of the issue (i.e. if you’re arguing that Euthanasia should be legal in the US, refute the arguments from the people who think that euthanasia should not be legal.)
B. Refute opponent’s arguments by showing how evidence used is not valid.
Note: This section could be placed in the paragraph following the introduction.
IV. Conclusion
V. Works Cited
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Classical Argument Requirements
Use topic approved by your instructor.
Format the paper and document using APA or MLA per your instructor.
Essay should be a MINIMUM of 1,200 to 1,500 words PLUS References/Works Cited per your instructor
The APA Title page and Abstract Page also do not count toward length requirements.
Use a minimum of five (5) sources. Sources may be from Annotated Bibliography or new sources found.
If an interview is used, only one (1) interview is allowed. APA students should note a personal/phone interview does not count toward meeting minimum source requirements.
Search for sources using the campus online library BEFORE conducting a search with Google or Yahoo!
Ebscohost, Proquest, Gale databases (Opposing Viewpoints) are excellent database aggregates for college work. DO NOT USE WIKIPEDIA!
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