English Composition

English Composition Study Guide

Chapter 5: Writing an Argument Objectives 1. To distinguish between persuasive and argumentative writing. 2. To recognize logical methods used to develop an argument and avoid logical fallacies. 3. To evaluate the different types of arguments and their applications. 5.1 Argumentative and Persuasive Writing Both argument and persuasion seek to convince the reader that the writer’s assertions are true. Each style uses its own method to sway the reader. Persuasion Persuasion’s goal is to convince the reader to think or act in a specific way. There are four steps the writer uses to convince the reader to accept a particular point of view: • Establish a fact • Assert the importance, meaning, or benefit of the fact • Connect that assertion to the reader’s current beliefs or values • Acknowledge any objections and refute them to create a stronger stance Consider the following example from a review of an emergency preparedness kit: The company tagline for this product is, “because you never know where you are going to be in an emergency.” No matter where you live, there is a chance you will face a major disaster at some point in your life. This kit contains everything you will need in an emergency. Considering all the products included in the kit, the $189.99 list price is reasonable. Depending on the size of your family, you may want to consider buying two of these kits. You could easily store one at home and the other in your car. No one likes to think about disasters, but deep down, we all know an emergency could happen to us. This emergency kit is something you should buy now so you can worry less. The first sentence establishes the fact that people worry about emergencies. The second line reminds the reader of the truth behind that worry. The third line tells the reader that buying this kit will give him or her less reason to worry. Next, the passage refutes concerns about the cost then reminds readers they should be worried without it. A persuasive writing’s purpose is to change the mind of the reader and convince the reader to think or act a certain way.

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