Analysis of an Argument and

Persuasive StrategiesActivity One

Write: • What was your best writing

experience? • What was your worst writing

experience?

Three Text Types• 1. Argument• 2. Informational/Explanatory• 3. Narrative

Argumentwriting that expresses a

position on a issue or problem

What are the reasons for making an argument?

Claim

Example: I am going to try to convince you that pizza is a healthy snack.

The author’s main point about an issue

SupportThe material that proves a

claim with reasons and evidence

This knife has his

fingerprints on it, and it proves he

is guilty!

1. Identify the author’s claim or position2. What support is given to the claim?

From Youth Voter ParticipationFeature article from Ad Council

The right to vote for the leaders of our state and

nation is a freedom that separates our country from so many others in the world. In order for democracy to work in America, people must exercise this privilege. Voting is a way to have a voice in our government— whether you want to ensure that your children receive the best education; or that you will collect your social security benefits upon retirement; or that your taxes will support research for life-threatening diseases. Our leaders, whether it be your local mayor or the President, make decisions that affect your life.1) Identify the author’s claim or position.

2) What support is given to support the claim?

Complete with a partner

Video Clip: Pee Wee Herman Adult or child?

Based on the information provided in the video do you think that the main character is an adult or child?

1. Use the chart to organize support/examples.

2. If you chose “child” go to the left side of room, if you chose

“adult” go to the right side. In your groups, you will create an

argument/claim share/provide evidence or support, that will be

written on large notebook paper, and presented to the other group.

Argument

Claim: (make sure you restate the question)

Support:

Counter argumentopposing (opposite) view

point

Counter Argument Example

Argument: Students are not responsible enough to

have drinks in class.

Counter Argument: Students are responsible and should be allowed to have drinks in class

Support : Students drink soda in the cafeteria all the time, and rarely is there a spill. There

also there could be a compromise where students

only bring in clear liquids. This would eliminate any

stains if there was a spill. A final reason is that

there could be a rule that all drinks had to have twist

on or snap on lids.

1) Reread the boxed text, in your own words explain what counter argument does the author expects.

2) What support does the author provide? Is it effective? Why or why not?

Why don’t people vote? Many people say that it’s because they don’t think it will matter. Imagine if everyone felt that way—we could never elect a president or a congressman. There have been many, many elections, locally and nationally, that have been decided

by less than 100 votes.

• 1776—One vote gave America the English language instead of German.

• 1845—One vote brought Texas into the Union.

• 1868—One vote allowed Andrew Johnson to escape impeachment.• 1920— The 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution gave women the• right to vote.

Activity One

Analysis of an Argument Persuasive Strategies

RhetoricActivity Two

Rhetorical Questions

statement that is formulated as a question,

but that is not supposed to be answered

Example:"How many

times have I told you not to chew

gum?" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cCK6wQ0BoxI

Loaded Language

wording that tries to influence an audience

by appealing to positive or negative emotion

Check for Understanding http://www.readwritethink.org/files/resources/lessondocs/30788_chart_1.pdf

www.ask.com/youtube?q=Loaded+Language+Ads&v=vhBub2fQmE0

Testimonial/Big Names

Example: Former U.S. president Bill Clinton thinks that junk food should be taken out of vending machines.

Important people or experts can make an argument seem more convincing.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uDO9hP-xKL8

Research

Example: A recent study found that students who watch TV during the week don’t do as well in school.

Using reliable research can help your argument seem convincing.

Pathos

Example: Your donation might just get this puppy off the street and into a good home.

Getting people to feel happy, sad, or angry can help your argument.(emotions)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=suE_WJWUEVs

Logos

A Snickers bar has 280 calories and 30 grams of sugar. That’s not very healthy.

facts, statistics, and information can be very convincing

One glass of Florida orange juice contains 75% of your daily Vitamin C needs.

Ethos

Example: Believe me! I’ve been there before. I’m just like you.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BpTb2RjbMn4

an appeal to credibility or character•often involves statistics from reliable experts•often, a celebrity endorses a product to lend it more credibility

http://www.readwritethink.org/files/resources/lesson_images/lesson1166/PersuasiveTechniques.pdf

Check for Understanding

Agree or Disagree

The Supreme Court was right this week to reverse the ban on the sale of violent video games to children.

1. Do you: Strongly Agree? or Strongly Disagree? Write about your feelings/opinion for 3 minutes.

2. If you “agree” go to the left side of room, if you disagree go to the right side. In your groups, you will create an argument/claim share/provide evidence or support, that will be written on large notebook paper, and presented to the other group.

Argument

Claim: (make sure you restate the question)

Support:

1)What is the claim?

2)What is the evidence?