english chapter 20, reading arguments

reasons

a reason is a general statement that backs up any claim.

refutation

a refutation is also called a rebuttal , recognizes and argues against opposing viewpoints. a refutation involves finding a weakness in the opponent's argument.

appealing to values

a value is a principle or quality that is considered important, worthwhile, or desirable such as freedom, justice, loyalty, friendship)

Argument

an argument is a claim and offers a reasons and evidences in support of the claim. an argument can be a heated exchange of ideas between two people.

the issue

an argument is concerned with the issue--a controversy, a problem or an idea about which people hold different points of view.

claims of policy

are statements offering one or more solutions to the problem. Often the verbs should, must, or ought appearing the claim. e.g. the motion picture industry must accept greater responsibility for the consequences of violent films.

claims of fact

are statements that can be proved or verified. e.g. Global warming has taking a serious toll on the environment.

claims of value

are statements that express an opinion or judgement about whether one thing or idea is better or more desirable than other things or ideas. e.g. Doctor-assisted suicide is a violation of the Hippocratic oath and therefore should not be legalized.

there are three types of claim

claims of fact claims of value claims of policy

emotional appeals

emotional appeals evoke the NEEDS or VALUES that readers that readers are likely to share.

if an opponent argument is too strong

if an opponent argument is too strong to refute, most writers will ACKNOWLEDGE an opposing view by simply stating it. They ACCOMMODATE an opposing view by noting that it has merit and modifying their position or finding a way of addressing it.

arguments in many cases

in many cases an argument also recognizes or refutes(argues against) opposing view points.

effective argument

is a logical, well-thought-out presentation of ideas that make a claim about an issue, and supports that claim with evidence. An effective argument must clearly state an issue, make a claim, and offer support.

appealing to needs

people have both physiological needs(food,drink,sex), and psychological needs (a sense of belonging or accomplishment, self- esteem, recognition by others)

while you read

read first for an initial impression. read a second time with a pen in hand. check your comprehension by summarizing or drawing a graphic organizer. write notes. develop a summary from your notes. develop a summary from your notes.

three common types of support

reasons evidence emotional appeals

the claim appears

the claim appears as part of the thesis statement, in some essays, however, is implied rather than stated.

The claim

the claim is the point the writer tries to prove, usually the writer's view on the issue.

evidence

the evidence provided in an argument usually consist of facts, statistics, examples, expert opinions, and observations from personal experience.

the support

the support is an argument consist of the ideas and information intended to convince readers that the claim is sound or believable.

basic components of an argument

the writers purpose. the intended audience. the writers credibility. suport: reasons and evidence. definition of key terms. appeal to values.

before you read

think about the title. check the author name and credentials. look for the original source of publication, and identify its slant and its audience. check the publication date. preview the essay. think about the issue before you read.