The document discusses strategies for crafting an effective argument. It outlines the key rhetorical strategies of logos, ethos, and pathos and how to establish each within an argument. Logos relies on logic and reasoning through inductive or deductive techniques. Ethos establishes the author's credibility, and pathos makes an emotional appeal. The document also reviews elements of an argument like claims, evidence, assumptions, counterclaims, and rebuttals. It provides guidance on choosing a topic, considering the audience, and organizing the argument.

1. Crafting an Argument

2. RHETORICAL STRATEGIES

3. Logos
• Effective presentation of the argument
• Quality of the thesis/claim, the
evidence, and the organization
• Logos relies on logic or reason
• Depends on the use of inductive or
deductive reasoning

4. Using Logic: Inductive Reasoning
• Scientific method
• Collect evidence on which to base a
generalization
• Specific Examples- General Statement
• Most common

5. Using Logic: Deductive Reasoning
• More formal & complex
• Generalization- Specific Conclusion
• Syllogism
– Major Premise
– Minor Premise
– Conclusion

6. Avoiding Logical Fallacies
• Oversimplification
• Generalization
• Post Hoc
• Circular Reasoning
• False Analogy
• Either/or thinking
• Non Sequitur
• Ad hominem

7. NAME THE LOGICAL
FALLACY!

8. Maple got a shock right
after she came home
from the hair salon.
Therefore, Maple should
never go to the hair
salon again.

9. Comparing high
school to a prison is
a(n) ______________

10. The president of a
corporation praises his
employees’ productivity
but then claims that the
conference room needs
more plants.

11. Romantic comedies are
the best type of movie
because romantic
comedies are better
than horror
movies, dramas, other
comedies,
and foreign films.

12. We need to continue
testing medicine on
animals. If we stop, we’ll
never again find another
cure for a disease.

13. Ethos
• Based on the character, credibility, or
reliability of the writer. Establish this by:
– Using only credible, reliable sources and cite
properly
– Respecting the reader by stating the
opposing position accurately
– Establishing common ground with your
audience.
– Disclosing why you are interested in this topic
or what personal experiences you have had
with the topic
– Organizing your argument in a logical, easy
to follow manner
– Proofreading the argument

14. Pathos
• Emotional appeal
• Appeals to an audience's needs,
values, and emotional sensibilities.
• Sources:
– Interviews
– Anecdotes

15. ELEMENTS OF AN
ARGUMENT

16. Claims
• Thesis Statement
• Position that the writer will argue for
• Appears in introduction
• 4 Types:
– Claim of Fact
– Claim of Value
– Claim of Policy/Statement
– Claim of Cause and Effect

17. Evidence
• Sources:
– Facts & statistics
– Examples & narratives
– Quotations
• Criteria:
– Accuracy: taken from reliable sources
– Representation: reflect reality
– Relevance: current
– Adequacy: sufficient and appropriate

18. Assumptions
• Warrants/Bridges
• Connection between the evidence
and the claims

19. Counterclaims & Rebuttals
• Consider and acknowledge well-
known opposing arguments. Why?
• Offer evidence that either negates,
disagrees, or weakens the
counterclaim. Why?

20. PROCESS

21. Choosing a Topic
• Ask yourself:
– Does the topic interest you?
– Is this idea generally accepted?
– Have you considered both sides?
– Is it appropriate in scope?
• If not, include specific
information, connections, and reasons. Try it
with these:
– American high schools do not adequately prepare
students for college.
– The drinking age should be changed.

22. Considering the Audience
What are the interests and values of your
audience?
Has your audience already established a
position?
What evidence or reasons will they find
compelling?
What is the temperament of your audience?
• Establish tone
• Establish common ground with your audience
• State positions that you have in common
• Designate areas of mutual
agreement/possible compromise

23. Organization
• Introduction:
– Set the context by reviewing the topic in a general way.
– Explain why the topic is important or why readers should
care about the issue.
– Present a clear, concise, and defined thesis statement.
• Body Paragraphs
– Each paragraph should be limited to the discussion of one
general idea
– Must have some logical connection to the thesis statement
– Explain how and why the evidence supports the thesis
• Conclusion
– Restate why the topic is important, review the main
points, and review your thesis.
– Offer a suggestion for future research and/or implications