The Art of Argumentative writing

3. Point to ponder!

4. Opinion vs. Argument vs. Persuasion
“Opinion” a statement of advice by an expert on a professional
matter. Or a view or judgement formed about something, not
necessarily based on fact or knowledge. It is the stepping
stone to argument.
“Argument” It refers to logical arguments which are
convincing because of their merit and reasonableness, rather
than emotion or the credentials of the writer.
“Persuasion” conveys an appeal to the reader’s self-interest
or emotions.

5. Opinion Writing Is a developing form of Argument Writing &
persuasive writing

6. Supporting Arguments
Logical Appeal (Logos)—Does the author’s
proposal make sense?
Ethical Appeal (Ethos)– Is the author’s proposal
the right thing to do?
Emotional Appeal (Pathos)—Will accepting the
author’s proposal make me feel better?

7. Types of Supporting Arguments
• Ethos-an appeal to do the “right” thing

8. Types of Supporting cont….
• Pathos-an appeal to the emotions

9. Elaboration
• Elaboration is like the skeletal system of the
body. Without it, your paper is just a blob of an
idea.

10. Three Supporting Paragraphs:
• Use each of the main arguments you used in
your introductory paragraph and expand on
each giving facts and reasons.
• In our example, you would write one
paragraph on how fast food increases weight,
one paragraph on how it causes high blood
pressure and one on how it leads to
sluggishness.

11. You’ll Need to Show “The Other Side…”
• How many of you have been in a discussion with
someone and you remember saying, “Yeah, that’s
true, but…” This is called a counter-argument. It’s
the “other side” of the argument.
• You’ll need to tell your reader what the counter-
argument is and prove why it shouldn’t matter.
• Let’s take a look using our example of fast food…

12. The Other Side of the Story
• This is where you should explain why your opposition
believes what they believe.
• For example:
• “A fast food company wouldn’t agree with the points in
this essay. They would have lots of reasons why fast food
is good. They may say…”it’s convenient” or “It’s fine if
eaten in moderation.” These arguments just don’t hold up
when you take all the facts into consideration!

13. Don’t Forget…
• Make sure to read over your
work and edit for mechanics and
spelling.
• Use transitions for fluidity.
• Write neatly!
• Include detail and great
vocabulary.(strong verbs & vivid
adjectives).
• Follow proper format:
Indent between paragraphs, no
slang, formal tone.

14. What are the purposes of
argument writing?
• To change the reader‘s point of view
• To bring about some action on the reader’s
part
• To ask the reader to accept the writer’s point
of view on a concept, issue, or problem

15. Understanding