COMMUNICATI ON STUDIES ARGUMENTATIV E WRITING WHAT IS ARGUMENTATIVE WRITING? An argument is the primary means of persuasion that uses a reason. A simple argument is a claim that is proposed and defended by supporting evidence or reason (McDermot, 2008). Argument: ▪ Argument is used to convince by appeals to reason/logic/the intellect ▪ Psychological to convince by using emotional/non-rational appeals ARGUMENTATIVE WRITING An argumentative essay may do the following: ▪ Argue for or against a topic ▪ Discuss the points for or against a topic without having to take a side ▪ Argue in a persuasive manner to convince your reader or listener to agree ▪ Purpose: to persuade, to convince, to win acceptance https://youtu.be/wB6QAfoyCS0 ARGUMENTATIVE WRITING Analyse the following video and identify the arguments that arise. https://youtu.be/w_RxkekW7sE STEPS IN THE CREATION OF AN ARGUMENT 1. Giving reasons- in order to develop a strong or good argument, it is necessary to give reasons to support a position, stance or point of view 1. Generalization and supporting details- in the construction of an argument it is important to present a general statement and support it with evidence. A good generalization is a statement that is true for all the details that lead up to it. This means that all the evidence presented should strengthen and support the generalization made. STEPS IN THE CREATION OF AN ARGUMENT 3. Evidence based on authority- in support of an argument it is useful to draw upon evidence based on recognized sources such as research findings, personal experience or some authority in the particular field of knowledge. It is also helpful to use quotations from established sources such as books, newspapers and journals. 4. Judging relevance- each piece of an argument should be relevant to the argument at hand and should have a direct connection or link to the main idea. ORGANIZATIONAL FEATURES IN ARGUMENTATIVE WRITING ⮚May be based on the principles of a logical relationship between a series of related ideas, reasoning and the presenting of proof for claims that are made. ⮚It may be based on an appeal to the emotions or passions in which case no logical proof is usually presented. ⮚It is arranged in such a way as to make the greatest possible appeal (intellectual or emotional) to the reader or listener. CLASS ACTIVITY In your groups, students will argue for or against any ONE (1) of the following topics: ▪ Private schools ▪ Co-curricular activities ▪ Jury Duty ▪ Subsidizing tertiary education fees ▪ Adult prostitution ▪ Performance based pay for teachers ▪ Extending the academic school year ▪ Vigilante justice ▪ Online dating ▪ Commissions of enquiry
