The Characteristics of Argument

1
The Characteristics of Argument

• Things to think about when writing your
  persuasive essay.

2
An argument makes a point

• Use sound reasons and relevant evidence to
  support a point.
• Listing random facts about a topic is useless
  unless it is supporting your main claim.

3
Argument assumes an audience

• You must change the way listeners or readers
  think about an issue try to make them agree with
  you.
• Accept counterarguments and use them so those who
  oppose you know that you understand their point
  and value their assertions.

4
Recognize complexities and reality of opposing
views

• Do not oversimplify complex issues or assume that
  your claim is clearly right.
• Do not think that everyone agrees with what you
  are trying to argue.

5
A good argument makes clear the values and
beliefs that we consider relevant to the issue.

• Recognize values as part of your reasoning.
• For example If you argue that abortion is wrong
  because it is murder, you believe that that fetus
  is a human being at the moment of conception.
• You MUST make this clear immediately, or only
  those who agree with you will know this
  information.

6
Present evidence to support a claim with a valid
or logical connection between evidence and claim

• Known as a WARRANT
• Know your assumptions because you will have to
  defend them to support your argument.
• When you argue that abortion is wrong because it
  is murder, you assume or WARRANT that the fetus
  is a human being who can be murdered.

7
Argument includes the use of Persuasive Strategies

• Present yourself to readers as a reasonable
  person who has done your homework on the topic
  and wants to find some common ground with those
  who disagree.
• Dont get too emotionally involved or you will
  not be able to argue logically.
• (Remember Staying Fat for Sarah Byrnes? CAT
  class?)

8
What arguments are persuaded too often and make
the audience lose interest?
Eating Disorders
Why You Should Recycle
Capital Punishment
Abortion
Smoking in Public
The Death Penalty
Legalizing Marijuana
Lowering the Drinking Age
9
What do you want to argue about?