unit 8 Reader’s Argument and Persuasion · PDF fileArgument and Persuasion ... and salty chips, ... overall rating than golden retrievers, whom many people view as the friendliest

Argument and PersuasionThink about the choices and decisions that you make in a single day. You might choose to volunteer at an animal shelter, buy a new pair of shoes, or cast your vote for student-council president. Which persuasive messages influence your decisions?
Part 1: What Is an Argument?When you hear the word argument, you may think of angry people shouting heated statements. In formal speaking and writing, however, a good argument is not emotional. It is a carefully stated claim supported by reasons and evidence. An argument is made up of two important parts.
The claim is a writers position on a problem or an issue. The support is the reasons and evidence that help to prove the claim.
A writer may include many kinds of evidence, including eye-opening statistics, compelling anecdotes, or examples. Support in an argument is usually for or against an issue. Study the support for the claim stated below. What is the authors viewpoint, or attitude toward the issue of teens using the Internet? Is the support for or against the issue?
Support
Using the Internet for research can help teens become experts at finding information. For example, looking up homework help and comparison-shop ping online both require savvy re search abilities.
Support Support Support
1 2 3
1 3SupportTeens are learning how to multi-task. One study found that 30 percent of teens do more than one thing when they are on the Internetfor instance, surf the Web and e-mail friends at the same time.
2
CLAIMTeens who use the Internet for different
kinds of tasks are developing important life skills.
Support
The immediate responses required by e-mails and instant messages can help teens learn to type faster and to process information quickly. These abilities are critical in school and in business.
unit 8Readers
Workshop
936 unit 8: information, argument, and persuasion
Included in this workshop:READING 10B Explain whether facts included in an argument are used for or against an issue. 11A Compare and contrast the structure and viewpoints of two different authors writing for the same purpose, noting the stated claim and supporting evidence. 11B Identify simply faulty reasoning used in persuasive texts.
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model: parts of an argumentThis article is from Humane Teen, a Web site intended to educate students about important issues involving animal rights and the environment. As you begin reading the article, look for the authors claim.
One person can do a lot for animals and the Earth. So, whats the point of starting a club? Thats simple. When people work as a team, they can accomplish much more. Heres why:
A group has more people to make calls, write letters, hand out flyers, and get the word out about pressing issues.
Trying to solve problems by yourself can be difficult and frustrating. But when youre part of a club, you get support and encouragement from other club members.
A group of people speaking with one voice often has more influence than a single person. People sit up and take notice when many individuals come together to champion an important cause.
A club taps the wide range of skills and talents of its members. If you have a flair for art, you could design animal-protection posters or environmental T-shirts. Another membersomeone who has a way with wordscould write public service announcements or letters to newspaper editors. Other club members might be dynamic speakers, thorough researchers, or good organizers. Your projects will be successful because of the efforts, experience, and creativity of all your clubs members.
Close Read 1. Look at the title of this
article and reread the first paragraph. What is the authors claim?
2. In your own words, restate two of the reasons that the author gives to support the claim.
Issues Message Board LinksMProjects
5
10
15
Power in NumbersWhy Student Clubs Are So Effective
Find Clubs Near You E-mail Article Print Article
3. One of the authors reasons has been boxed. What examples are given to back up this reason?
http://www.humaneteen.org
4. In your opinion, does the author include enough evidence to support the claim? Is the evidence for or against the effectiveness of clubs?
readers workshop 937

Part 2: The Power of PersuasionThe persuasive messages that have made a lasting impression on you have probably been based on specific persuasive techniques, or methods, that were used to sway your heart and mind.
The persuasive techniques shown in the chart can make strong arguments even more powerful. However, they can also disguise flaws in weak arguments because these techniques can lead to faulty reasoning. Faulty reasoning is a claim based on information that is incorrect, biased, or simply does not make sense. The examples below will help you be alert to common kinds of faulty reasoning.
Appeals by Association
Sell a product or an idea by linking it with something or someone positive or influential
BandwagonTaps into peoples desire to belong to a group
Dont miss the fundraiser that everyones talkingabout!
Emotional Appeals
Use strong feelings, rather than facts and evidence, to persuade
Appeal to FearMakes people feel as if their safety, security, or health is in danger
If a hurricane hit tomorrow, would your family be safe?
Appeal to VanityUses flattery to win people over
Were looking for talented athletes like you. Join our after-school running club.
Loaded Language
Relies on words with strongly positive or negative associations
Words with Positive AssociationsBring to mind something exciting, comforting, or desirable
Sparkling waters, silky sands, and breezy air all await you at Shongum Lake Park.
Words with Negative AssociationsCall up unpleasant images, experiences, or feelings
The calves were raised in cramped, filthy stalls.
As the lead singer of Destination Home, I know good sound when I hear it. Thats why I wont go anywhere without my FX portable music player.
TestimonialRelies on the backing of a celebrity, an expert, or a satisfied customer
938 unit 8: information, argument, and persuasion

Readers Workshop
model 1: persuasion in writingIn this editorial, the author discusses a serious problem facing your generation. What persuasive techniques does he use to win you over?
Picture this situation. Youve just gotten home from a long day at school. Youre not ready to start your homework, so you decide to kick back and watch TV. After seeing ads for greasy French fries, sugary soft drinks, and salty chips, you head to the kitchen to fix yourself an enormous (and unhealthy) snack. With the TV blaring in the background, you then waste hours on the Web.
If you think theres nothing wrong with this lazy lifestyle, think again. Todays teens are the most overweight and inactive generation in history, largely because of poor eating habits, lack of exercise, and exposure to mindless media. If teens dont break these damaging habits, they will increase their risk of developing life-threatening diseases, such as diabetes and hypertension.
model 2: persuasion in advertisingAs you examine this public service ad, think about how the creators want you to react to its message.
Close Read 1. What is the claim in
this editorial? What supporting evidence does the writer provide?
2. What emotional appeal does the author use?
3. Two examples of loaded language have been boxed. Find three additional examples.
5
10
A Recipe for DisasterWhy Todays Teens Need to Shape Up
Magazine editorial by Luis Frontera
Close Read 1. What claim does this ad
make? What supporting evidence is provided?
2. Identify the persuasive technique that is used in this ad. Why was this technique used to target teens? Explain.
3. How does the photograph in this ad help to enhance the message? Review the messages in models 1 and 2. Compare and contrast the viewpoints in the messages, as well as the structures used to make the claims. Which message is more persuasive, and why?
Campaign for Fit Teens America
These teens have taken their health and well-being
into their own hands.
Will you join them or sit on the sidelines?
readers workshop 939

Part 3: Analyze the TextsNow, youll apply what youve learned as you analyze two textsan editorial and a poster. Both texts are about pit bulls, but their similarities end there. As you read each text, notice the argument that is being presented and how each authors viewpoint, or attitude toward the subject, differs.
Close Read 1. Reread lines 16. What
is the authors claim?
2. Review the persuasive techniques listed on page 938. Which technique does the author use in the boxed sentence?
3. What reason does the author give in the third paragraph to support her claim? Explain this reason in your own words.
4. Reread lines 1924. In your opinion, does the author include enough evidence to support her claim? Why or why not?
5. Are the facts in this editorial used for or against the issue of keeping pit bulls as pets? Explain.
Editorial by Lisa

Documents

unit 8 Reader’s Argument and Persuasion · PDF fileArgument and Persuasion ... and salty chips, ... overall rating than golden retrievers, whom many people view as the friendliest