Transcript The Art of Argumentation - Deer Valley Unified School District

Getting Started…
• In
your notes (yes, we are taking some notes today) tell
me the difference between argument and
persuasion. Your response can be brief – three
sentences or so and you need to be prepared to share.
What an argument is not…

A quarrel or an angry exchange
“Spin” (the positive or biased slant that politicians
routinely use)

Propaganda (information or misinformation spread to
support a viewpoint)


Contradiction or denial of the opposition
An academic argument is defined as…
Taking a debatable position, presenting evidence and
using sound logic to convince the audience to accept (or at
least consider) your position.

Statements of fact or statements of personal preference
or taste are not typically suited for an academic
argument.

The Argument… in a nutshell
A solid argument will typically include three very
important things:

1. Claims
2. Evidence
3. Warrants
You will want to highlight the definition of each in your
notes 
Claims:
In argumentative writing the writer presents a claim
to the audience

Claim: a proposition that conveys the writer’s
interpretations or beliefs about something.

Claims are not facts but rather conclusions drawn
from facts.

The truth or validity of a claim can be argued by
others and there is always an opposing point of view

Claims:
Make sure that when you are developing a claim for a
paper, that the following conditions are met:

1. The claim actually conveys your interpretation and
is not a statement of fact.
2. The claim(s) can be supported by specific evidence
Claim Statements:
A claim statement is typically just your position on the
issue posed and a very basic “why” you think that.

Example: MRHS seniors are better than any other cohort
of seniors because they constantly push to be the best in
academics, athletics and the arts.

Evidence and Warrants:
Evidence: support or facts that are indisputable because
they are grounded in solid, academic, reliable research


Evidence is used to support the claim
Warrant:
logical connection between a claim and the
supporting evidence
Sometimes
the relationship between the claim and the
evidence will be obvious and the writer won’t need to
expound on the relationship between the two.
Sometimes
connection
you will need to show the reader the
Styles of Argumentation
• Rogerian
Argument: non-confrontational, collegial and
friendly tone. Respects others views and allows for more
than one truth. Seeks to achieve common ground, not to
fully convince someone.
• Classical
Argument: Simplest form of argumentation,
includes five parts. Respects others views but keeps in
mind that the audience may not be open to new ideas and
perspectives.
Styles of Argument Video
• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H_fS6M-wQxo
Thought for Food with Mr. Stephen Colbert!
What is the real deal with “Meatless Monday”?
1.
The US Department of Agriculture released and
internal newsletter to employees encouraging them to
“Go Green.” There were several tips on how one (should
they want to) could reduce his or her impact on the
environment. One of these tips suggested participating
in “Meatless Mondays.”
2.
What is meatless Monday?
What is the real deal with “Meatless Monday”?
Several US senators and representatives from states
where beef is the primary cash crop were appalled by
this statement and the media blew up with reports of
politicians slamming the USDA because this
statement appeared to be non-supportive of
agriculture in the US—most of which is connected to
the Beef Industry…

What is the real deal with “Meatless Monday”?
The USDA retracted their suggestion and
publically stated that it supports all Americans
in agribusiness and that their suggestion was
misinterpreted.

Okay, so what topics does Colbert pose some
sort of argument with?
1.
Vegetarianism Elite Complex
2.
PETA and animal rights groups
3.
Government agencies’ influence on the people
4.
The role of special interest groups on supposedly bipartisan and neutral government agencies
Questions to Ponder…
1.
Does being a vegetarian make one morally superior?
2.
Is there too much government regulation?
3.
Do activist groups go too far in attempting to shame
someone into supporting their cause?
4.
Did the media make this issue more of an issue than it was?
5.
Was the USDA out of line in encouraging employees to
think and act green?
6.
Have Americans become too sensitive and reactive to
opposing viewpoints?
Questions to Ponder…

As a group, discuss each question…

Write a claim statement for each question

Be prepared to share your group’s statements
Example…
1.
Being a vegetarian does not make one morally superior
because no one person is automatically better than another
simply based on what they eat.