Writer’s Tools: Use them to prove your point!
Manipulating MOOD (Pathos) – Use words and examples that manipulate feelings in the reader
Diction that sticks:
Alliteration – Using words with the same beginning sounds. Helps your reader remember the sentence.
Parallelism – Using similar syntax (word order) in sentences to show they connect
Connotation – Using words with strong connections
Rule of Three – using words, examples etc. in sets of three, they are more memorable that way
Repetition – Repeating words, phrases or ideas
Rhetorical Question – Asking a question that makes your reader think.
Paint a picture:
Metaphors and Analogies – help the reader understand by comparing to something they know
Imagery – Use sensory language to help the reader “see” and remember your view
Logical ORGANIZATION (Logos)
Main Claim:
Evidence (multiple): Organize your evidence logically to best convince your reader
Explanation of how evidence proves the claim:
Counterclaim:
Rebuttal:
Final Call to Action:
Strong EVIDENCE (Logos/Ethos)
Timely – Evidence is new enough to matter
Relevant – Evidence is relevant to the argument
Valid – Evidence is true and proven
Reliable – The evidence is the best and most accepted on the point, it’s repeatable.
Credible - The evidence comes from a believable source
Evidence must not commit a fallacy!
Rhetorical Fallacies
Illegal tricks of argument – Don’t let anyone get away with them!
LOGOS
Fallacies – Tricks and Twists
Authority out of
context
Ad Hominem
Genetic
Fallacy
Guilty by
Association
Using a connection to generalize
The quarterback was drinking,
therefore the tight end must also
have been drinking.
Proving something based on it’s
background.
His father was a criminal, so he
must be also.
Attacking the opponent, not the
argument
My opponent is a fat racist.
She knows nothing about the
topic.
Using an authority’s words out of
context.
My doctor said I need more rest,
so I am sleeping through school.
You said you’d support me in
whatever I choose.
Stereotypes
and
generalization
s
Appeal to
Nature
Uses loaded words directed at
the audience or opponent
He is a tyrant and a pig.
Only idiots and sheep would
disagree.
Suggests that money, fame, or
other ‘fanciness’ makes their
position better.
For the elite only.
Top CEO’s agree that…
Makes the audience feel guilty
for disagreeing
Only the heartless would disagree.
You would do it if you loved me.
Attacking the audience’s
memory or ability to think
critically or independently
If you remember correctly, this is
the correct way…
You wouldn’t know any better.
Using an extreme exaggeration
for emotional effect
*Look for absolutes: never,
always, best, worst etc.
We are the best product on the
market.
The world will end if you do not…
False
Dilemma
You can either starve or eat meat.
You either date me or no one.
Lie
Everyone agrees that…
Don’t be the last to choose…
Only giving some of the choices so
theirs looks best
Just straight up false crap.
Red-Herring
Flattery
Wear this makeup, because you’re
worth it.
A smart man would understand
me.
Makes the audience feel that
everyone else agrees.
It worked for Jon, it will work for
you.
In a study of 100 people…
Pitbulls are vicious killers, therefore
they should be banned.
Kids that listen to rap do drugs.
Slippery Slope
Supporting the death penalty is
just supporting murder.
Use Squikyclean, it’s all-natural.
Don’t wear clothes, no animals
wear clothes.
Citing a Small Sample Size, single or
very few examples or anecdotes
Using a stereotype or generalization
as fact
Hiding
Evidence
Over simplifying or wrongly
summarizing an opponent’s
argument.
Uses the “goodness” of nature to
persuade
False
correlation
Most people think boys are
smarter, therefore they must be.
Don’t go swimming, you’ll be
eaten by a shark.
If you do __, I will ___
Ad Nauseam
Straw Man
Appeal to
Popular
Belief
Using a common belief as truth.
Bandwagon
It’s the right way because it’s the
way we’ve always done it.
Uses fear to persuade
Often a threat
Flatters the audience
Name-Calling
Using tradition or common
practice as evidence
Appeal to
money, fame,
or fanciness
Lady Gaga recommends this
pasta…
Appeal to
Guilt
Authority or fame has no true
connection to the evidence
Brainwashing
Studies show… It has been proven
that…
Hyperbole
Appeal to
Tradition
False
Authority
Anonymous
authority
An unnamed or vague authority
“Cherry
Picking”
PATHOS
Fallacies – Tricks and Twists
Appeal to Fear
ETHOS
Fallacies – Tricks and Twists
Focusing on something that isn’t
relevant.
I am right! Remember that one time
you forgot to pay me back.
We should go to war. Those people
don’t believe in God.
Claiming that if you start at A you
will end up at Z.
If you go to a party, you will drink,
then do drugs and end up dead.
If you question him, he’ll think you’re
needy, then he’ll break up with you.
Only acknowledging favorable
evidence
A study showed that ketchup is
America’s favorite condiment.
Claiming there is a cause-effect
relationship where there isn’t
The sun came up the day he died. He
must have died from the sun.
He was drinking when he hit her.
Alcohol caused his violence.
Repeating an idea over and over
until the audience ‘gets nauseous’
Sham-Wow!
“Ms. Sellers, please?” “No” “Please?”
“No” “What if I __?” “No” Please?” “NO”