Everything’s An Argument
What is argument? Not an emotional conflict, but, rather, an attempt to
“open up” a subject, not close or limit it. Good argument attempts to
broaden a subject by validating a new or unique perspective. It’s not
about winning or defeating….
1. We argue about 3 Basic Categories:
a. Arguments or Claims of Fact
b. Arguments or Claims of Value
c. Arguments or Claims of Policy
2. We argue for 4 Major Purposes:
a. To assert, inform, explain, influence
b. To call to action, call for change
c. To inquire, investigate
d. To negotiate differences
3. We use 3 Basic Appeals: recognize as reader; master as writer
a. Logos- direction out
b. Pathos- direction out
c. Ethos-- direction in, towards rhetor
Different premises or ways of looking at an argument:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Political
Legal
Historical
Values: ethical/moral/ religious
Scientific
Psychological
Economic
Pragmatic
Sociological
Example: Capital punishment
1. Political: Recent polls show that Americans support candidates
who support the death penalty
2. Legal: The laws in ______ states support it/don’t support it. The
law provides for__________________
3. Historical: It has/has not worked in the past
4. Values: It is right (eye for an eye/ justice). It is not right (thou
shalt not kill; two wrongs don’t make a right; answering violence
with violence
5. Psychological: Most prisoners on death row were abused
children; it would have a deterrent effect
6. Economic: It’s too expensive; it’s cheaper than life without parole
7. Pragmatic: It doesn’t work; it’s an ineffective/ effective deterrent
8. Sociological: A disproportionate number of the poor and people of
color are on death row
9. Scientific: can’t think of one…
The task when constructing an argument:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Take a position
Determine your evidence
Tell why evidence is relevant
Help your reader to make connections/follow your line of
thinking
Good argument essentials:
1. Define your terms so you and your reader are on the same page
2. Deal with opposition
--anticipate the opposing point of view
--acknowledge its merits
--dispense with its claims
--make a “harmless” concession
3. Quality evidence
Basics when dealing with an AP prompt
1. Take a position that
--defends
--challenges
--qualifies
2. Support your argument with appropriate from your
--reading
--observation
--experience