Composition
Argument 1
Mrs. Kirk
TASK: Compose an argument to a specific audience about a topic that is
personally relevant to you. Have a very specific purpose (what you would like
your audience to do, think, believe) as this argument will be relatively brief. (This is
not the paper in which you should address a large social issue)
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Audience: Whoever is most likely to disagree with your stance. Write
to/for REAL people: your peers, your sister, your mom, your teacher, your
coach, your boss, your neighbor…
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Format: A speech or letter, about two double-spaced pages in length
We will be following the “classical” model of argument construction—more
details to come.
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Goal: Successfully employ the three appeals and various rhetorical
strategies to convince your audience of your point:
ETHOS: Establish your credibility and decency
Connect to the values of the audience
Use pronouns with careful intention
Concede to the opposition where appropriate, showing that you are fairminded
PATHOS: Pinpoint your audience, their values, beliefs, assumptions
Carefully choose which emotions to call upon
Use powerful language and images that will elicit these emotions
LOGOS: Make certain the intention of your argument is clear
Choose your supporting ideas and development pattern wisely
Anticipate, concede, refute opposing arguments
Avoid faulty logic: bandwagon appeals, circular reasoning…
Note:
Your diction, syntax, and tone will help craft these appeals, so choose your
words carefully!!
Possibilities:
Convince the student body to accept a controversial school rule or policy
Convince your parents to allow you to do something they would typically prohibit
Convince a friend to break up with his/her significant other
Convince your teacher to assign more extra credit
Convince your sister to switch rooms with you
Convince sophomores to be kind to the freshmen