We will be examining the characteristics of:
A) devices typical of logical argument
B) devices typical of persuasion
The writer uses a number of devices to persuade or convince the readers that what he has written or is saying is true.
Logical Argument Devices
1) Evidence: factual evidence is the strongest type since they can be verified
2) Authoritative Opinion: opinions of experts or authorities are also valid
Devices characteristic of Persuasion
1) Repetition: the writer repeats words and phrases to emphasise his point and convince the readers
2) Rhetorical questions: this question doesn't need an answer; it is obvious what the answer will be. This is used to dramatize the argument and get the readers' attention.
While all of these seem in a way to be positive appeals, persuaders are not beyond using appeals to fear or making us feel guilty in order to persuade us about something.
A new study concludes that television ads for prescription drugs offer limited educational value and use emotional appeals to suggest to consumers that a medication would help them regain control over some aspect of life. ...
Check the comments below.
Also check your e-mail and listen to the Environment audio.
See how many devices you can identify.
USING
ReplyDeleteSTATISTICS
A WELL-PLACED STATISTIC CAN BE VERY HELPFUL in convincing an audience of the validity of your argument. Knowing how people are often cowed by a writer with math at her command, it is, in fact, tempting to overwork the power of statistics. A little arithmetic can go a long way.
CITING
AN AUTHORITY
Citing an authority with an established reputation is better, of course, than citing someone whose credentials are not so lofty. Perhaps we assume too quickly that the opinion of someone with degrees after her name and someone who works for a prestigious university should have more weight that the opinion of good old Uncle Ronnie, but the writer should learn to take advantage of that assumption.
USING PERSONAL
ReplyDeleteEXPERIENCE
USING THE IMPACT OF PERSONAL EXPERIENCE may not have scientific merit or statistical clout, but it can be very convincing. Still, citing personal experience is seldom enough to make a truly compelling and convincing argument. If personal experience is all we have to go on, our argument could be dismissed as being merely anecdotal or idiosyncratic. Personal experience can accompany or reinforce an otherwise sound argument, but it is seldom entirely persuasive in itself.
ANTICIPATING
ReplyDeleteTHE OPPOSITION
WRITERS OF AN ARGUMENTATIVE ESSAY must consider what others will say to refute their argument. (That's why it's called an argumentative essay!) This is the source of energy for this kind of paper. Raising the objections of your opposition and then — carefully, kindly, perhaps even wittily — showing how your way of seeing things is better reveals you, the author, as a thoughtful, reasonable, thorough individual.