Argumentation

Convinces reader to agree with you/do something

Essays to Reference: Health Clubs, 266; Pet Therapy, 101; Penny, 591; Part–Time, 541

Elements:

1. Target Audience:

· Don’t know, don’t care, or don’t agree

(What kind of audience does each author have?)

*If no controversy, no argument

2. Purpose: Inform audience who doesn’t know; convince audience who doesn’t agree; interest audience who doesn’t care; persuade audience who doesn’t do.

3. Narrowed Proposition/Thesis:

Claim that identifies what your reader should think/do after reading: Very specific!

· Male & female athletes should get equal pay.

· Ride the bus!

*How might the above topics be narrowed?

Support for Arguments:

Reason: Topic Sentence

Support: Evidence that “backs up” statement made in topic sentence

Types of support (from weakest to strongest):

Examples: Must be relevant & representative

(¶2, 591; Health Clubs; Pet Therapy; Part–Time)

Authorities: Opinions of recognized experts

(Which essay offers expert opinions?)

Facts/Statistics: Make sure they are solid

(Where does Safire offer facts and stats? Steinberg? Pechter? Whose are most credible?)

*You will use quotes & paraphrases for the latter 2