Chapter 11: Review Activity

Which of the following statements are true? Check all that apply.

✱ Taking time to research counterarguments will help ensure that your ideas are sharp and original. ✱ Opposing viewpoints should be countered in an honest and just way. ✱ Failing to include counterarguments in a composition can make your argument less credible than it would otherwise.

Value

Graham cracker-flavored ice cream is amazing.

Appeal to ethos

"As someone who has devoted her entire professional life to military service, I am well aware of sacrifices soldiers make every day." What kind of appeal is this?

An effective counterargument is one that provides a reasonable rebuttal to an opponent's position.

"I'm unsure how to tell the difference between an effective counterargument and an ineffective one. Do you know?" What would you say to help this student?

Appeal to logic

"In the wake of Hurricane Florence, thousands of homes in North Carolina have been destroyed. As of this weekend, more than 60,000 people had applied for assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for damages from Florence." What kind of appeal is this?

Because an appeal to pathos connects your argument to an audience's hopes, fears, sympathies, or desires, it can be an effective way to excite or inspire your readers.

"My friend Erica suggested that I use an appeal to pathos at the end of my essay about marriage equality. I'm not sure what the advantage of that kind of appeal is, though. Do you know?" What would you say to help this student?

Fact

The gerrymandering of congressional districts is eroding the foundation of our democracy.

That people or institutions should adopt a particular behavior, approach, or attitude

What do claims of policy typically argue?

Fact

Drivers who do not use turn signals pose a significant threat to public safety.

Value

It is wrong to assume that all tall people enjoy playing basketball.

Policy

Our society should invest more in education and health care.

In downtown, some citizens argue that people should receive a ticket for parking without a permit, but there are no signs indicating that a parking permit is required here. It is unfair to ticket someone under those conditions.

Which of the following counterarguments is more effective?