Writing and Evaluating Arguments

from the Allyn & Bacon Handbook
Chapter 6 (153-170)

CLAIM fact Does X exist?
Does X lead to Y?
Do do you define Y?
value Is X any good? (Decide based on specific criteria.)
That movie was great!
Don't you just love chocolate ice cream?
policy What action should we take?  What should we do next? 
Should we elect Jane Doe?
define your terms define any terms that readers my interpret differently
SUPPORT 
(Evidence)
facts & stats verifiable information using the most recent expert outside sources
opinion get expert opinions that are based on solid evidence / facts
example
REASONING logic (logos) generalization
  • conclusions drawn from several examples
  • causation
  • X action leads to Y result (there may be more than one cause to any result)
    • Eating too much junk food will cause tooth decay.
    sign
  • when two things always occur together 
    • Where's the fire?!  I see smoke! 
    analogy
  • a comparison based on two things that are otherwise unrelated
  • but beware, this is the weakest type of reasoning!
  • parallel case
  • a relationship between related things (if it happened one way in one case, and the two cases are similar, it will turn out the same in this case)
      • legal precedents
    authority (ethos) you as expert
    • come across as honest and trustworthy
    • use a reasonable tone
    • use appropriate language
    outside experts
    • get reliable sources
    • see great tips on p. 167
    emotion (pathos) Go for the gut AFTER you have used LOGIC and have established your CREDIBILITY
    • play to audiences' needs & values
    • get the audience to agree and act the way you want them to
    REBUTTALS the opposition
    (see tips p. 170)
    refute
    • Show how the opposition is wrong, but do it in a nice way & logically otherwise you will alienate your readers.
    concede
    • Give in to the opposition w. dignity.
    acknowledge