THE CORE OF AN ARGUMENT

August 15, 2011

What does ethos mean to you? Page 62 in WA Ethos relates to the credibility of the

writer. Ethos is demonstrated through the tone

and style of the message, how the writer considers alternative views, and the writer’s investment in her claim.

What does pathos mean to you? Page 63 in WA Pathos focuses attention on the values

and beliefs of the intended audience. Pathos appeals to the audience’s

emotions and imaginations.

What does logos mean to you? Page 62 of WA Logos focuses on the clarity of the

argument and the logic of its reasons and support.

Logos appeals to reason and evidence.

What makes a good thesis statement? Page 67 of WA Does a thesis statement have to be one

sentence? Why or why not? How does a thesis statement relate to

claims and reasons? Why do information questions and

pseudo-arguments make for a bad thesis?

Issue: Taxes on the Super-Rich Where is the thesis statement in this

article? What kind of claims are made in this

article? How do the reasons connect to the

claims?

What If…

Warren Buffett asked how tax breaks work in France as compared to the United States?

Would this be an information question or an issue question?

What If…

Warren Buffett stated that anyone who was rich and did not want to pay extra taxes was a tyrant?

What kind of argument would that be?

How do you structure your essays? Page 61 WA What do you usually leave out in the

organization plan for a classical structure?

How does this plan relate to ethos, pathos, and logos?