Reading and Writing Argument
Learning goal: Students will be able to read closely for elements of argument and logical
fallacies in order to write an analysis of an author’s argument or to write their own
arguments.
We are learning this by reading and writing about the arguments found in The Crucible
and other texts. There are a number of claims that many of the characters in the play
make in their attempts to persuade each other to think one way or another about the
probability of witches in Salem and the likelihood that someone is or is not telling the
truth.
You will be given an envelope with a type of logical fallacy or appeal on it. Mission
details follow.
1. Read and take notes on fallacies, argument, and appeals from your text books.
The Language of Composition
“An Introduction to Rhetoric”, chapter 1, pages 1-38
ethos (page 7), logos (page 11), pathos (page13), combinations (page 18)
Glossary of Rhetorical Terms, pages 36-38
“Analyzing Arguments”, chapter 3 pages 81-144
Glossary of argument terms and fallacies pages 140-144
and from credible online resources, gain an understanding of your fallacy, then as we
read the play find examples of the logical fallacies/appeals made by any of the characters
in the play.
40 Model Essays
“Arugment and Persuasion,” chapter 10, pages 305-317
2. Annotate The Crucible for appeals and fallacies. As you read the play, record any
examples you see of the fallacy/appeal on an index card and keep it in your envelope. Be
sure to record the act, scene, line number (and page number if possible) of each example
you note, so that you can easily access it again. Once the class reading of play is
completed, you will work with other members of your group who have the same fallacy
envelope to develop a presentation on fallacies and appeals used to support arguments
made by characters in The Crucible.
2. Create and present information to the class to teach us about your envelope fallacy or
appeal.
adapted from Letitia Hughes- Barren County High School
Your Presentation Must Include:




less than 6 words per bullet point and 6 or less bullet points per slide
a definition of the fallacy or appeal
a picture we can associate with the fallacy or appeal
an real-world example of the fallacy or appeal in action from a television
commercial or video clip (include citation)
 at least two examples of the fallacy or appeal in action in The Crucible. Each
example should explain the argument, the fallacy and the characters involved.
o What’s the argument?
o How is the character being fallacious?
o What type of appeal is the character using to persuade his or her audience?
Reading and Writing Argument Scale
4
3
2
I can go beyond teachings or expectations and can apply my knowledge of argument (both
reading for and writing of) to new situations in complex text.
With the text discussed and used in class, I am able to read closely for how an author uses crafts
his argument to achieve his purpose. I am able to analyze a writer’s argument in writing and, or
write my own argument.
 Annotate text for argument elements (claim, counter claim, evidence, appeals, logical
fallacies).
 Write claims and support them with textual evidence
 Interpret or comment on textual evidence used to support claims.
 Interpret, comment on, or analyze logical fallacies.
 Analyze how an author’s use of appeals establishes tone or achieves purpose.
I understand the basics of argument.
o I can define: a claim, evidence to support the claim, logical, emotional or ethical appeals
o I can define: claim, evidence, interpretation, types of appeals and logical fallacies
I may have difficulties analyzing a writer’s argument in writing or writing my own argument.
1
With teacher help, I understand what argument is and I can identify some basic elements of
argument. With help, I am able to write an analysis of an author’s argument or write my own
argument.
0
Even with help, I do not understand argument (reading or writing it). I am not able to analyze
appeals or basic elements of argument nor would I be able to write an analysis of an author’s
argument.
Elements of Argument
Appeals to…
Logical Fallacies
claim, evidence, interpretation of evidence, counter claims; defend (support
argument), challenge/refute (find fault with argument), qualify (analyze both
sides of argument)
reason or logic (logos), emotions (pathos), credibility/reputation (ethos)
ad hominem, appeal to false authority, bandwagon, begtging the question,
circular reasoning, either or (false dilemma), hasty generalization, post hoc,
straw man, oversimplification, nonsequitor
adapted from Letitia Hughes- Barren County High School