Thursday, January 29 2009
January 10, 2009
Today’s Agenda:
Last time, I introduced the concept of the précis to you, and over the past week you have been working on two précis drafts, one for “Those Unnerving Ads Using ‘Real’ Women,” and one for “The Oblivious Empire.”
How did the e-mail editing go for the “Unnerving Ads?” We will be doing much more of this. However, in the future, I am going to ask that you attach my e-mail to the files you send out, that way I can know when it is you sent out your work, and make sure that everyone is doing so in a timely manner.
I will, or have already, be e-mailing you back your précis for the Unnerving Ads.”
Today, we are going to focus again on what a précis is, and how it is we go about writing one. I wanted you to struggle a bit with the form before providing you with a good example. I find that, by doing so, you will become much more aware of how to structure these documents. We learn best through trial and error, even though it is not always comfortable to do so.
We are now going to take out our précis for “The Oblivious Empire.” I asked you to come to class with three copies today.
Class grade break down as of 10:13 a.m.
B+ 1
B- 1
C+ 3
C 3
C- 1
D+ 3
Let’s review how a précis is supposed to be organized:
The Précis (Pray-SEE)
There are three simple sections to a précis: Situation, Issue, and Thesis. In each of these sections we break down different parts of an argument.
While each section has its own rules and expectations, there are certain expectations you will have to follow all the way through the précis.
Each section should be titled as such. This is okay in a précis.
Situation
- We are going to begin with the MLA citation.
- It should lay out what the audience needs to know about the author, the full title (including subtitle), and whatever publication info you have in MLA style (except for the author’s name which should be done first name first). In this case, the MLA-style is that of a work cited entry for a work in an anthology. You will be responsible for locating this information.
- Next, you need to establish the basic context for the writing: who is writing it (what do we know about the author and or his or her position, profession etc), to whom are they addressing the piece (audience), when was it written, and whether there is any particular EVENT that has driven this response. Some arguments may have this, some may not. You can expect to take the better part of a paragraph to convey this information.
- Remember, you are situating the writing for an audience who WILL NOT READ THE FULL ARTICLE. What general information do they need to know about it?
Let’s begin to write a Situation section for the article we just read, “Those Unnerving Ads using ‘Real’ women.”
You will be able to draw off of some of your answers from our earlier writing to do this. You will probably also need to revisit the book.
The next section we need to consider is the Issue section. Here is how that portion of the s document works.
Issue
- The author may use technical jargon or academic lingo in the argument. You need to begin your ISSUE section by defining these terms for the reader. Clarify for the ready any terms or phrases you think may cause him or her difficulty. We do this in paragraph, as opposed to bullet point or list, form.
- Lay out the basic questions that the author addresses (NOT the answers).
- END WITH THE MAJOR ISSUE QUESTION. The major issue question is the question the author attempts to answer with his or her thesis.
Again, let’s try to answer as much of this as possible with the answers we generated at the beginning of class. You will probably also need to revisit the document for information you may have missed the first time through.
Once we have finished the Issues section, we can move on to the THESIS section.
Thesis
- Begin with the author’s THESIS appears (the answer to the major issue question.)
- It is also where the other claims and evidence for those claims (as well as the major claim) will appear.
- This is the lion’s share of the précis.
Common Errors I am seeing:
Errors in Basic Writing (mistakes that you should no longer be making as graduates of Eh 123):
1) Sentence-level errors (fragments and run-on sentences)
2) Paragraph errors
3) Word choice errors.
Errors in Structure:
1) Forgetting to begin with the MLA citation for a work in an anthology
2) Forgetting to leave your own opinion at the door
3) Forgetting how a paragraph works
4) Forgetting to CONTEXTUALIZE information
5) Forgetting to cite sources.
Common Errors, as noted on your drafts:
Now, let’s take out one copy right now and, on the back, I want you to write several paragraphs on what you like most, and dislike the most, about the document in its current form. Hold the document up against the example. How could it be improved? What’s missing? What needs to be added?
Proofread:
Situation:
5 Mins Mechanics and Grammar
5 Mins on Content
Issue:
5 Mins on Mechanics and Grammar
5 Mins on Content
Thesis:
5 Mins on Mechanics and Grammar
5 Mins on content
Give people back their papers.
Discussion of writing
Discussion of readings
Homework:
To make this course easier for you, I am going to be spacing out your assignments with a stricter schedule; this is to ensure that you do not end up having to do a lot of work all at once. While the schedule is a bit more strict, the work load for each due date is going to be significantly less than what I have been asking for in the past.
Over the next week, you will have assignments due on Friday(tomorrow), Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. Work can always be turned in early (unless it is a revision for a paper you have not yet written). Generally, I would encourage you to take your reading assignments on early, as they more you read, the easier your writing will become.
–
By the end of business (5:00 PM) on Friday:
You are to e-mail me a revised copy of your précis on “The Oblivious Empire.” I will be assigning you a grade on this document, and e-mail it back to you with comments.
BY the end of business (5:00 PM) on Tuesday:
Read: Chapter 4 “Arguments based in reason: Logos“. 78-101
Write a one-and-a-half page blog post on the following topic:
Clearly identify and describe in detail a logos-based argument that you have encountered recently. What was the argument? How was the argument designed to appeal to your reason? Did this appeal work? If so, why? If not, why not?
By Tuesday evening, I will have e-mailed you back a graded copy of your précis draft with notes.
By the End of Business (5:00) on Wednesday:
You are to re-submit your corrected draft of the précis to me by e-mail.
Before Class next Thursday:
Have read the following selections and completed the following blog posts.
Defining Speaker and Purpose. 102-115
Write a 1.5 page blog post on the following subject: So far, we have read about three basic kinds of arguments, pathos, ethos, and logos. Describe to me how understanding of audience and purpose can help you shape each of these kinds of arguments.
Adjusting for Audience. Required 115-136
Write a 1.5 page blog post on the following subject:
Describe to me how an understanding of rhetoric can improve your understanding of how a given argument is constructed. Be specific.
Advertisement
[...] Thursday, Jan 29 [...]
Tyla Crocker
Logos Argument
Adam Crowley
February 1, 2009
Logos Argument
Most of my life I knew I wanted to go to college. I had always thought that by going to college I would be enhancing my future. There were many people in my graduating class who were not going on to college. My friends and I were talking about what colleges we were going to and one of my friends said she didn’t see the big deal with going to college. She asked me why I had to college. In my argument I used logos. Logos is where evidence or logic is used to prove a point.
I told my friend that here are many benefits to going to college such as receiving a higher education, you meet new people, you become more independent, and you learn responsibilities. She didn’t seem to agree with me by telling me that college is just a waste of money and you can still get a job without going to college. She said that she was going to open up her own daycare. I explained that it would be expensive to open her own daycare. I asked how she would pay for it and once she opened it would she bring in enough money in a world where prices are increasing all the time. She couldn’t answer my questions.
I told her that in college you are requiring not only knowledge but skills that are important in good work ethics. It also gives you responsibilities that you will need when for your career. For example, in college your parents don’t wake you up for school or tell you when you should study, that relies on you.
Independence is big part of college. For once you can get the freedom you need. College is a place to find out what kind of person you are and what kind of person you want to be. Your also able to pick what you want to study and how long you want to go to college for.
Lastly, college also is where you can meet new friends. I told her that our high school has about two hundred students, most of whom we don’t even talk to because they are not in our grade. In college there are so many people, so the likelihood of finding someone who is similar to you is a good chance. These friendships can last a lifetime.
I think she started to think about college a little differently after I told her that it can truly be an amazing experience that can help toward the future. She still hasn’t changed her mind about going to college, but maybe a few years out of high school she will change her mind. I think the only true reason she didn’t want to appeal to my argument was because she would be away from her family who she is really close with. But maybe someday she will be able to become a little more independent and want what college has to offer.
Rachel Foster
Rhetoric and Comp. II
A. Crowley
January 29, 2009
Logos-based Argument:
Logos based arguments are often based on a yes or no, either or, right or wrong, black and white scenario, and when there is no immediate answer, one must dig deeper to reveal those answers. An argument of this kind that I have recently encountered was when I was in the process of gathering my leftover dining funds from the University of Maine. There were many answers to my problem that involved testimonies, facts, and most important, hard evidence.
In order for my leftover dining funds to be given back to me, I first had to explain and prove to the University of Maine’s dining and housing services that I did not owe any money on my account. Though it appeared on my account that I owed almost $1000, I had hard evidence showing that I didn’t owe anything. The hard evidence that proved my claim was in the Housing services contract. After I showed the Housing services that I did not owe any money, they cleared the charges from my account. Now all I had to do was explain and show this to the Dining services who would then reimburse me my money.
I provided facts and hard evidence to the UMaine Dining services in an attempt to get my money back. First I stated that I had cleared the charges on my account and now was to be reimbursed what the school owed me. Those were the facts. The Dining services were not satisfied with simply my facts, so they went in search of hard evidence. By contacting the Housing services it was soon made clear to the dining services that I, in fact, did not have any outstanding charges on my account and was in the clear for reimbursement.
The people from both the Dining and Housing services made assumptions regarding my facts that needed to be clarified. As it mentions in our reading, it is an instinctive trait to question facts and all logic, as the UMaine did with me. But because I was able to testify and provide evidence I settled the case in my favor. My logos-based argument is yet another one that is very small on the scale of arguments but nonetheless is an logos-based argument that was solved in a traditional manner by giving a testimony, stating facts and providing evidence in order to prove the truth to the opposing party.
Bethany Beaulieu
A. Crowley
Rhetoric & Composition II
Logos
Logos are arguments based on facts and reason. When you make a statement, there must be strong facts to back the statement up. Sometimes working with facts can bring about more arguments. Some facts can be biased or untrue. In my case, I used logos for my argument. I had to create a speech to provide listeners understanding why genetically modified tomatoes were bad.
In my college preparatory Biology class, I was chosen to do research and present why genetically modified tomatoes were bad. I had never learned about genetically altered foods before; I knew that this was going to be a hard paper to write. I worked hard not to cite biased websites and books. Like newspapers, writers should try not to favor one party or another. Unfortunately some writers and news stations do favor one party over another and write the story from a different standpoint. I became more aware of what genetically modified foods were all about. I had learned both the positive and negative effects of these crops. I wanted to not only complete my assignment, but also give my peers and better understanding as well. The speech I typed up was written in compare and contrast format. That way, I can show the readers the different aspects of these foods.
By the time I gave my speech I was a genetically altered food professional. I knew my speech inside and out. After I gave my speech, I felt as though people could form their own opinion on the topic. I gave enough information to back up the statement that genetically modified tomatoes are bad.
Consequently, I have used logos to back up a statement. I looked beyond the headlines and read articles to back up my main point. It is important to remember there are biased writers out there. Finally, it is important in an logos argument to back up your writing with fact, evidence, or reason.
Jessica Munson
Rhetoric and Comp. II
A. Crowley
2-2-09
Logos
As far as arguments go, logos is an argument that is based on logic. It is designed to use dates, numbers, and facts to persuade the other person. The last logos argument I had was a couple months ago in the beginning of November. I got into an argument with the financial aid office at my old school.
Last semester the Financial Aid Office decided to tell me that I was not eligible for the scholarship that they had originally said I was. Without that scholarship I would not be able to afford to attend that school. What made me really mad was the fact that they waited to tell me after I had chosen to attend that school, after I was already on campus, and classes were already underway.
The argument got to the point that I had to write a letter to the dean pleading my case. I sent them copies of all the letters the school had sent me regarding my financial status and what I had for financial aid, what I had already paid and what I owed. With the help of these documents, which used facts and evidence, the board came to the conclusion that they could help me.
In this particular argument I chose to use the appeal of logos as my primary base because I knew that using facts would be more persuasive then appealing to their emotions or character. The letters and data I gave to the dean and the board showed them it was unfair to take away my grant that they had already given me. The information helped them to see and understand my side of the argument. This certain appeal worked in this situation because without the proof of documents I would have never proved my side and I would have lost my grant and probably would not have been able to return next semester due to financial reasons. Although I did end up transferring after that semester, it was not due to money issues.
Brittany Foss
Rhetoric and Comp. II
A. Crowley
February 3, 2009
Logo based arguments, are those arguments that you have good
evidence, facts or “logos” to support your side to the story. When you are trying
to argue your way for people to believe your side of the story it is always a good
thing to have good facts of why or why not the other person should believe what
you have to say.
Just recently I had to write a paper based on wether Obama or McCain
should be voted in to office. When writing my paper I made it clear to the reader
that I was for Obama being voted in to office. In my paper I used a lot of good
logos to support my decision, to point out why he should be voted in to office
over McCain and what he could do for our future.
In my paper I stated that Barack Obama has made a plan plan to get America back on track, by creating new jobs and offering middle-class tax cuts, also he plans to invest in early childhood education and alternative fuels. His health care plan will provide accessible, affordable coverage for all, and it will reduce health care costs for families, he plans to help end the war and bring troops home. These are all positive things that America needs and they were all very good logos to support my decsion in my paper.
In the rest of my paper I wrote about the differences between McCain and Obama and why or why not each one of the would be good, and details to support. In the end after I presented my paper, because of the evidence and fact that I showed I felt like I may have helped people think in a more positive way towards Obama.
In this paper there was no right or wrong answer but I was able to help people lean towards a yes or no to Obama by using detailed facts and evidence. This is a good example of a logo based argument because there was a lot of logos you could use for either side of the argument.
Kevin Adams
Logos Argument
Creating arguments with logos are split into two kinds. There are the arguments derived from hard evidence which are facts, clues, statistics, testimonies, witnesses, etc. The other arguments are based upon reason and common sense. Proving your argument can be tough and may take a long time to come up with facts and statistics to proof your argument, but on the other hand they provide solid evidence and can’t be argued. Arguments based on common sense and reason will provide evidence but may not include studies, photos or statistics to proof your point. These arguments will acknowledge that common sense and reason will be used to proof the point.
I’m going to go back to my argument that I had with my parents about me moving out west to snowboard. When I gave my argument about which is better (East coast or West coast) I compared snow totals at different mountains, I compared snow accumulation at different mountains on the East and West, and I even provided photographs that I had found on resort web pages and got daily pictures for the same day at each resort and I had a comparison of mountains on the East and mountains on the West. I provided statistics and numbers to proof that mountains on the West were better and then I provided photographs to help proof my point as the pictures of mountains out West were a lot better and had much more snow and terrain open.
With an argument based on common sense and reason, I’ll give an example of what some professors tell students or at least commuters. When the weather is bad in the winter and the conditions on the road are bad, professors tell students to use judgment when commuting to classes. When a student uses this excuse from classes, and given the student informs the professor via email or phone call, the student is creating an argument based on common sense and reason. The student presents his/her argument that the roads are in bad condition and the professor will use common sense and reason to apply to the student’s argument.
These two different types of arguments using logos may and will overlap because these arguments are used in everyday language to help proof point or statements. Common sense is used everyday whether it is a sign that is designed to provide a message to the reader in a simple symbol or phrase. Arguments based on hard evidence are also used everyday within court systems.
Bethany Nadeau
Rhetoric and Comp II
A. Crowley
3 February 2009
Recently I encountered a Logos-based argument while spending time with my friends. Football is not usually my favorite pass-time, but the Superbowl is always a “must watch” for my friends and I. This last Sunday, I was confronted with an argument about which team was the best and most deserving to win the Superbowl, the Steelers or the Cardinals. As an avid Steelers fan, I of course insisted the Steelers should and would win. Though I am not particularly studied on the subject of football and do not know the histories of either team, I still maintain this view. One of my friends, however, is in fact quite knowledgeable about either team and had come to the distinct conclusion that the Cardinals should win based on track records and the efforts each team had put into prior games. He quoted sources to prove his point, some that I had never even heard of before, and had clear points to back up his reasoning. He did what any classic logos-based argument entails. He started with a statement, that the Cardinals should win, and then backed it up with proof. Since I am not much for football besides this annual ritual, I could care less about the logistics of such an argument and though he conveyed a very reasoned standpoint, I failed to understand the significance and therefore was not swayed on my decision to root for the Steelers. His reasoning was effective, but the emotional ties I have to the team are stronger.
Ben Landry
2/3/09
Mr. Crowley
English 2
Arguments based on Logos
Arguments based on logos are arguments that work around logical facts and different types of statistics that can be proven by the sides engaged in the argument. These arguments can usually be either extremely easy to persuade someone over to your side or very hard if there is an equal amount of truth to both argument. As for an argument I was in just over a year ago all of the facts were against me. I had just chosen to repeat my junior year at Hebron Academy, a prep school in Hebron, Maine, to work on boosting my grades and also get another year in to develop as a lacrosse player so hopefully I could get some looks from different college teams. At prep school I was miserable, it was a very small community out in the woods of Maine that was extremely boring and like nothing I was used to in the past after going to a large high school the year before. The problem for me was knowing that the situation was nearly irreversible and that I would be at Hebron not only for the remainder of that school year but for the next year also. Things seemed as though they couldn’t get worse for me but then all of a sudden I caught a break.
One evening after I got home from a long day at school I received a call from my mother who had some very exciting news. Earlier that day she had talked to the University of New England about their pharmacy program and they had said that my grades were fine and they would really like me to change my status to a senior and come for the upcoming school year. I was ecstatic, UNE was the school that I was nearly set on going to already even though I was a junior and the fact that I would be able to go there and already get started on the six year pharmacy program while playing lacrosse would be awesome. Then after this my mother added in that I would get the opportunity to finish at Lewiston High School where I went the year previously if Hebron wouldn’t let me change my status to that of a senior and that if Hebron would that we would have a decision to make on where I would finish. I was overly excited , the opportunity to transfer to Lewiston just a couple of weeks later and finish off high school with my friends came out of nowhere and in a matter of moments it was all I wanted.
The biggest problem I knew I would have with transferring back would be getting my father to agree because I knew how much he didn’t like the idea of me transferring back to Lewiston where I had slacked off the previous year. When we sat down at the table to make a family decision on the issue my father had a folder full of evidence on why I shouldn’t return to Lewiston. He pulled out report card after report card pointing out all the instances where he thought that I had slacked off and how all the facts showed that I shouldn’t go back. “Dad” I said, “I really want this, please let me transfer back and I promise I will make sure my school work comes first. I really want to go back to Lewiston”.
After some convincing my father finally gave in to the barrage of pleas from my mother and I and decided to allow me to go back to Lewiston. I was extremely happy with my father and for letting me go back to Lewiston and it really showed me that he stands behind me and really wants me to just be happy where ever that may be. It showed how my parents just want me to be successful and have a good time while I find out where that is. As for how I did at Lewiston I did prove to my father that my school work comes first and I ended my senior with much better grades than I had my junior year.
Matthew Nash
A. Crowley
February 3, 2009
Logos Based Argument
Logos based arguments are arguments in which it is based on facts, evidence, or reason. We take this evidence and apply our own emotion to it and come up with a rational conclusion. A logos based argument that recently occurred to me was when I was deciding if I wanted to spend my recently earned money on a new TV or save my money and be able to spend it in a more spread out manor.
I had been saving my money for quite a long time, wanting to save up for something that I would use a lot. After many hours of hard work, and sacrificing other things that I could have spent my money on, I finally had saved enough to purchase a TV. Before I went to the store to buy it though, I tried to rationally think about my near future purchase. Although I did have enough money to buy it, if I chose to spend this money on more, less expensive things, I could enjoy more of them. But if I bought the TV I would have this for a long period of time and would be able to enjoy it for longer. After contemplating both sides and weighing the pro’s and con’s I decided to go with what I really wanted, which was the TV. It seemed more rational for me to go for this because I could enjoy it for longer, and that was what I started out saving my money on. This was a good logos based argument because I was presented with facts and then used my emotions to make a rational decision about them.
Jill Sarno
Rhetoric and Composition II
2/2/09
Logos Argument
The term logos is referring to a logical based argument taking place between two parties. One, or both, parties uses factual based data, quotes, and/ or logic to prove their point. A logos based argument can occur between people in the work force, politics, and even friends. Famous logos are “Men Behaving Badly” by Margaret Talbot and “Teacher Power, Student Pedagogy” by Christian Zawodniak. These two women were trying to prove their points by using different logos methods. Logos based arguments are also valid through surveys and polls, facts, hard evidence, and analogies. All of which are methods to proving points and some of which I used in my argument against smoking
The most recent logos argument I came across was between me and my friend Joanna. Our logos argument was on the topic of smoking. She and I were discussing the influence it had on young adults and its harmful effects. We both know and understand the effects of smoking, but we were unclear of what extent cigarettes have on our society.
Our argument began with Joanna lighting up a Marlboro cigarette. Jokingly, I informed her that the cigarette would kill her. She quickly defended herself and said she smokes because of stress and one simple cigarette would not kill her. My rebuttal was that the toxins found in one cigarette include rat poison, embalming fluid, and some illegal drugs. All of these harmful chemicals are extremely deadly and it is very possible that one cigarette could lead to death. Joanna, the optimist that she is, did not believe that these harmful chemicals were rolled into one little cigarette. I explained to her that through personal experiences, I have found that smoking causes lung cancer. Much of my family had contracted lung cancer which was fatal in every instance. Truthfully, Joanna knows that smoking as bad for ones health and can cause harmful effects. Not only had t.v widely shown the causes of cigarettes consumption, but school has also brought the facts to our attention. Though we were both aware thats smoking is bad, we did not know how bad it is.
To further prove my point on the harmful effects of smoking, I Googled smoking for statistics. I printed out my findings and brought my facts to Janna’s attention. She thought that I was ridiculous for taking the time to look up and prove to her smoking effects. I explained to her that I am in no way trying to control her, but rather look out for a friend and point her in the right direction. I showed her the statistics of how young an adult dies when they begin smoking at a young age. I could tell that this struck a cord with Joanna and she could not argue factual dada. What seemed to be a little argument was not so small. I was merely helping a friend understand that what she was doing was not all right. It may be accepted my society, but her body would not be so forgiving. The resolution from this argument was very positive in that she realized she could not keep poising her body and not having any consequences for her actions.
Brianna Ward
February 3, 2009
EH 124
Logos-Based Argument
Logos-based arguments are arguments that are based on facts, evidence, and reason. These kind of arguments are truth and logic based. Logos-based arguments show the difference between right and wrong, and helps opens people eyes to the truth. People use these kinds of arguments to prove a point, prove they are right, and prove others are wrong.
A logos-based argument that I have encountered lately happened before Christmas when I wanted to go to Portland shopping with a friend. My mom tried to argue that the weather channel said there was a 40% chance of it snowing that day, and of course like any other mother she did not want me driving if it was suppose to snow. I used facts, recent events, and reason to prove to her that the weather forecast is usually wrong. That the past couple of times the weather channel had said it was going to snow, it never did. I used reason and facts to show her that you cannot always believe what you hear on the news.
Even though logos-based arguments are based on facts and statistics, you still need to use those facts to be persuasive in your argument. You use this kind of argument to prove a point, like any other kind of argument, but this time it is backed up with cold hard facts and data.
Emily Gala
2/2/09
Rhetoric and Comp. II
A. Crowley
So far in class we have read several different types of arguments. This includes Ethos, Pathos and Logos. The primary reason for all of these arguments is to grasp someone into what they are trying to say. Persuading, or getting a group of people to listen to what’s been written or voiced. I have learned a lot about each of them. Over the course of the class, I wrote my own personal encounters with these types of arguments. Ethos, Pathos and Logos are everywhere and are used throughout peoples writing and speeches, to voice there arguments and opinions.
First I will discuss a Pathos. Pathos based- arguments are those from the heart. They appeal to readers emotions and feeling. Some in fact, play a role in winning the reader over with something. I truly believe that with emotion, it truly can add a lot more depth to ones own argument. In doing so the emotions are raised and you can truly see the anger, sympathy, fear, envy joy, or love that’s being offered throughout the argument.
They all fall in the same category of persuasion, however a bit different. The second type of argument in the reading I stopped on was Ethos. Ethos are arguments that primarily study the evidence of these traits. “Does the writer have experience?” “Are sources being documented?”, and so forth. This are much of technical than a Pathos. Ethos need knowledgeable facts, and cold-hard evidence, in what the writers trying to argue.
The last basic argument I read was Logos. A logos is based on facts, evidence and reason. It is similar, and yet commonly different to an Ethos. An Logos has facts to back it up, where Ethos make the appeal for the reader. When reading about Logos everyday we have them brought up. In the news especially, and magazines we have facts, evidence to reason, dicesions, discussion, and above all arguments.
Emily Gala
2/3/09
Rhetoric and Comp. II
A. Crowley
Adjusting to Audience
Once understanding the rhetoric, it helps tremendously in understanding how a given argument is constructed. First of all the writer must find a topic. This topic is usually assigned, or works for the argument itself. After picking a topic those writers must find some evidence and good research to back up those arguments present. Once research is found, the hardest part is to be answer. Do you as the writer disagree or agree argument? What side are your going to be leaning toward? Is this going to be shown in the work? After much thought you must have a proposal, this includes pictures, photographs and so on. This indicates what background information is being given. Finally after this is out of the way it is now time to make sure what you wanted to be said is in full affect. This means, it is well organized, it flows and includes the most important elements of the piece. Once all is done, and well thought out, the finally steps are getting the grammar, format, spelling and documentation down. When you finally get this completed, you will have a well-written informative argument.
All of these steps truly help you when constructing a argument. With out knowing the steps of Rhetoric’s, and the importance it has in your written, things can become blurry and not very well-written at all. When having a sort of format, it truly shows the importance it has, when writing an argument. This set-up and purpose of rhetoric’s allows us to write, in the sense of how the argument should be looked at. In doing so, you get you’re point across, as clear and precise as possible. An argument as said before is broken into many different segments. When understanding the rhetoric’s it allows you to put it all down in a way that the readers will be intrigued, and understand where you coming from. All through well- researched, factual, organized pieces of writing.
Chris Howland
Comp. & Rhet.
Adam Crowley
02/02/09
Logos Based Arguments
A Logos Based argument is an argument based on facts, evidence, and reason. The Unique thing about logos is that in order to create or win a logos based argument you must have hard facts. A Hard fact is evidence which comes from facts, clues, statistics, testimonies, and witnesses. I have found over my years of experience, that court room arguments and trials must use logos based arguments to resolve a problem. I have experienced this type of argument recently and after reading chapter 4 found that without logos based arguments, I wouldn’t have come out on top with the truth prevailing.
Last summer I was hanging out with some of my friends at one of those friends parents house. We were playing basketball and swimming in the pool all day. We all were having a blast at this party type of environment when all hell broke loose.
It started when my friend Luke and I were facing two of my other friends we will call Jake and josh, in a basketball game. We were about half way through what would have been a game to eleven, win by two, when josh went up for a layup. I was responsible for guarding josh and was under the basket trying to block his shot, so I went up when he did. We were both in the air when I tried to swat the ball out of his hands, I missed. I not only missed, my finger poked him in the eye. It was a complete mistake, but he didn’t think so. Josh thought I hit him in the eye on purpose. The rest of my friends were standing on the sidelines watching the whole game. Well, josh began to cuss at me while yelling to no certain person profanities which everyone began to laugh at. Josh thought that I was laughing because I hit him. What ensued became the subject of a logos based argument. He came at me with his fists clenched and punched me in the face. I backed up and kept laughing because it didn’t really hurt and I knew instead of punching back, it would make him feel even worse if I just laughed it off. This infuriated him and caused him to run towards me, fists clenched again. Well this time I was not going to let him sock me in the face again so I ducked when he swung and punched him in the stomach, then kept hitting him so he wouldn’t get up and hurt me. After a total of three punches the fight was broken up by everyone else who was watching. Josh didn’t get up.
After about 30 seconds of josh laying on the ground we called Lukes parents, whose house we were at, outside to help. Josh came to, and finally got up right when Lukes parents came out to where we all were. He told Lukes parents that I sucker punched him and to call the cops because he had a black eye and wanted to press charges. I tried to plead for them not to call the cops, arguing that I didn’t sucker punch him. Before I could explain myself the cops showed up, came up to me and handcuffed me. They questioned me in the back of the police car. I told them that I accidently poked josh in the eye while playing ball, he got mad, punched me, I laughed, he came back at me to hit me again, swung at me, I ducked and protected myself. My argument was in fact appealed. After explaining myself, my argument was appealed by the police officers. Now, this wouldn’t have been a valid logos based argument if I didn’t have proof. But, I had witnesses and a bloodied, fat lip as facts to the crime. What ended up winning me this logos argument was the witness testimony. I told the police officers to go and ask the witnesses, so they did. They went and interviewed the people who saw the whole thing one by one. They all ended up having the same exact recollection of what happened. The police realized that I was protecting myself, and my argument was the truth. They came back to the car, uncuffed me, and asked if I wanted to press charges, I said no.
So all in all, my appeal did work, because it was true. If I had been lying I would have been arrested. The only reason I did win the argument was because I had the facts. I had facts, clues, and testimonies from witnesses. I was happy that justice prevailed and that my logos based argument was won. At the time I had know idea that the whole situation was actually a logos based argument, but after reading this chapter, I understand much more about it and can relate to this type of argument.
Rachel Foster
Rhetoric and Comp. II
A. Crowley
February 2, 2009
Thinking Rhetorically
Knowing the general character of an audience that an author is approaching is the first step to “winning the argument.” In many cases “winning the argument” is an advertisement, and the word advertisement is not confined to the ads that are seen on television or billboard signs. A company promoting their new security cameras to a high school could be considered an example for advertisement.
The first of many things that the company must take into consideration is why would the school want to purchase the product? They would do so for safety and security obviously. The next step is to provide a presentation that offers what the audience is looking for: safety and security.
By using logic, displaying the appropriate character and appealing to the emotions of the audience the presenter can gain a favorable attitude towards the product from the audience. This is also known as logos, ethos and pathos based arguments. In order to achieve this, the presenter must know his audience, and in this case the audience would be all parents, students and faculty alike. Parents, teachers and other faculty provide a diverse audience with many different concerns.
Shaping the argument, or presentation, to favor all in the audience could be done so in a variety of manners. In order to connect with the concerned and protective parents, the presenter would present the security cameras as a way to provide additional protection for their children. To adhere to the faculty’s concerns, the presenter could approach the idea that security cameras are an offense to accompany the defense of the school’s discipline. Once the audience has their attention more focused, the presentation could shift towards a more logos-based argument and then proceed on to an ethos-based one.
Knowing and understanding an audiences wants, needs or concerns is vital when making a good argument. As in the case of the security cameras, it is often helpful to make use of a variety of arguments. When in a situation with an audience of opposing views, one must be creative when providing a persuasive argument that captures the attention of the audience while at the same time convincing them to see the truth behind the argument.
Rachel Foster
Rhetoric and Comp. II
A. Crowley
February 2, 2009
Understanding Rhetoric
There are all types of rhetoric out there, all providing a diverse example for the use of language. When writing prose, the style of language used is just as important as when writing verse. If the audience is knowledgeable enough to understand the type of rhetoric in an argument and the content of the language used, they will be more apt to understand the key concepts and ideas that the argument is putting forth.
Being able to understand how an argument is constructed makes it easier for the listeners in an audience to fully recognize and appreciate the material presented. Another benefit to understanding rhetoric is being able to see past all of the catchy language and focus on the raw message that is presented. The particular construction of an argument is how most arguments are won; the more critique that is put into an argument, the more likely it is that the audience will not fully understand the construction, or rhetoric and thus be convinced by the argument.
Because there are different tactics used in constructing an argument, it is beneficial to be aware of these. Studying rhetoric and language styles can help to make the understanding of any argument clearer. As stated above, the more complex that an argument is, the more likely that the audience will be convinced, but being able to see past the complexity and being able to deconstruct an argument provides for a clearer, better understanding of the proposed argument. Thus, having an understanding of rhetoric provides a foundation for interpretation of language, making one a better communicator, listener and writer.
Bethany Nadeau
Rhetoric & Comp II
A. Crowley
4 February 2009
Knowing the purpose and the audience is of utmost importance when shaping an argument. There are several techniques used when relating to the audience and establishing a purpose while using the three basic kinds of arguments, pathos, ethos, and logos. In pathos, or arguments of the heart, an appeal is made to the audiences’ emotions, whether genuine or a ploy to distract them into making a particular decision. When analyzing the purpose of the argument where pathos is used, it is sometimes hard to find the true purpose because emotions cloud judgment. This is a sly technique for authors who want to “trick” their audience into making a decision that underlies the surface argument. It is important, however, to judge the audience in these cases. Is the audience perceptive enough to see through the argument? Would they be insulted by the deception or will they remain distracted long enough to make the decision? These all must be taken into account when shaping an argument based on pathos.
When judging an argument of ethos, or based on character, it is important to consider the audiences’ expectations. Being respectful is a must and it is imperative to be honest, wise, and trustworthy. An audience will believe such an author. When considering the purpose of writing using ethos, the author needs to judge tone and even word choice to decide what the argument is supposed to convey and how it is to be conveyed.
Finally, the use of logos, or arguments based on facts and reason, requires the audience to decide if the argument poses a plausible claim and offers evidence to support it. When writing an argument, the author needs to establish how to make an impression on the audience. If their purpose is to persuade the readers, then using logos is perhaps the most rational strategy that is backed up with indisputable facts. The audience must also be established to the point where they will understand the points brought up by the author in their reasoning. Will the audience be able to follow the author’s train of thought? These are all important factors when considering purpose and audience.
Brianna Ward
February 5, 2009
EH 124
Defining Speaker and Purpose
When writing an argument you most always keep the main audience in mind. If you are trying to write to a certain group of people, you must write in a way that appeals to such a group. Success of writing to a certain audience is based on how well the writer’s strategies, content, tone, and language meet the expectations of that audience. In order to be successful you must identify and connect with that audience, find things that will push their buttons and pull their strings.
Pathos-based arguments are those that appeal to people’s emotions. They are the ones that pull at people’s heartstrings and make them feel some kind of emotion towards the topic presented. An example of a writer understanding its audience and targeting their emotions would be when their main goal is to get people to contribute funds for children in Africa so that they can afford food to eat. The writer would give a sad story about a starving child in Africa, and how “your” donation could save that child’s life. The writer knows that this story will make their audience feel devastated and sadden, and will make them want to contribute to the cause.
Ethos-based arguments are those that are based on character; it’s the presentation of self that a writer brings to an argument. The way that a writer of an ethos-based argument would target their specific audience would be make connections with them. The writer must understand that they must affirm their identity and make ties, such as shared values and beliefs, with their intended audience. These writers must also let their audience know that they have self-confidence; this will reassure them that the writer knows what they are talking about and will listen more attentively.
Logos-based arguments are those based on facts, reason, and evidence. Writers of these kinds of arguments must understand that they need to present to their audience their credentials in order for their audience to believe anything they are saying. The writer can appeal to their audience by giving proof and reason behind all their claims. However, they must respect their audience and not go overboard by making their argument seem too harsh.
Like any argument the writer must establish credibility. An effective way for them to do this is to respect their targeted audience. Respect is a very important element when trying to persuade or invoke an audience who may not agree or be well educated on the issue being presented. Whether it is a pathos, ethos, or logos-based argument, the writer must always keep their audience in mind in order to capture their attention and try to get their point across.
Jill Sarno
Rhetoric and Composition
2/4/09
Defining Speaker and Purpose
These three arguments are all valid in the proper context and proper use of the parties that are arguing. Depending on the audience, one form of arguing is better than the other. We use the types of arguments, ethos, pathos, and logos, to connect and relate to the audience. A logical thinker will connect more to a logos based argument because they base their opinions on facts and data. An emotional person would connect more with a paths argument because their emotions and feelings guide their ideas in the “right” direction. Finally, a person who is skeptical would believe more of an ethos argument. This is because that type of audience needs to believe the presenter and be certain that they are qualified enough to give the information. If one is trying to convey an idea or point, they need to understand their audience to fully prove the topic at hand.
Ethos based arguments are ones that are presented by people who are qualified to argue for or against a subject. For example, a chef would not be qualified to argue over nuclear physics. However, a professor qualified and certified in the understanding and teachings of nuclear physics would be the one to trust. The audience in this type of argument would want to hear the information presented from a qualified person who has the authority to speak the issue, one who is trustworthy, and one who has good motives for addressing the subject.
Pathos arguments are ones that purely trigger peoples emotions. The presenter must make a very good case, picture, or argument in order to effect someone’s feeling so much they sway in the presenters favor. This is used a lot by lawyers talking to the jury. Many lawyers discuss their clients family, feelings, or reasons to make the jury feel sympathy for the defendant and find him not guilty. Also, ads use this type of argument when they want society to donate money for Africa, Aids, or some other relief fund. In many cases ads post children in horrific conditions in order to get the reader’s or observer’s sympathy and support the cause. In any case, this is a very popular way for one party in the argument to get the other party to cave and agree on the topic.
Logos arguments are those that are presented by people that have facts, data, quotes, surveys and polls, and statistics to prove a point and win the argument. Parties usually use hard evidence as a way for the opposing party to fail and not have a rebuttal for the disagreement. Logos arguments are commonly found in forensics as shown in the text book. Here, scientists use DNA to prove a person committed or did not commit a crime. Mostly skeptical people or stubborn people are followers of logos arguments. These people need to be proven wrong or right in order to believe the subject discussed.
Jessica Munson
Rhetoric and Comp. II
A. Crowley
2-4-09
Audience and Purpose
In arguments there are three basic components; logos, pathos, and ethos. Logos appeals to the audience’s sense of logic. It makes them consider the facts and base their opinions on the specifics that are given to them. Pathos deals with the audience’s emotions. This appeal is designed to target a person’s feelings. It also clouds their judgment and toys with their mind-set. The appeal ethos is used with the intention to relate to the audience’s character. The author must present themselves as honest and trustworthy along with showing respect.
The usage of these appeals all depend on the audience. An author must judge the audience and then decide if they will relate better to a logical approach, emotional approach, or an approach using character. If the author’s goal is to persuade the audience then a logos appeal would be most ideal. However, before deciding there are factors to consider such as: Will the audience be able to understand the facts given? It is important to make your argument clear when using a logos appeal so that the audience will get the point that is being made.
When making the decision to use a pathos appeal it is vital to determine whether the audience is going to be perceptive to a play on their emotions. As the author, you must show sensitivity and heart in order to get the audience to relate to your point. This form of argument was made to make the audience feel things such as sympathy, pity, and remorse. Pathos, in a unique way, tricks the audience into understanding your purpose for the argument.
When wanting to appeal to the audience’s judgment and character then the best form of appeal to use is ethos. Ethos is meant to get the audience to think and contemplate your point based on their pervious knowledge of right and wrong. The author first needs to determine whether they think the audience will relate to argument that gets them to make a decision based on who they are.
These appeals are very important when it comes to any type of argument because without these appeals it would be much harder for the author to get their point across to their audience.
“Logos based argument”
Many arguments in life, require more than just a blunt opinion. Logos-based arguments provide the appropriate detail that is needed to present a well developed argument. Logos-based arguments also help to clarify certain ponits of an argument, with sufficient evidence. Logical reasoning is an essential part of this type of argument as well. I personally have experienced Logos-based arguments first hand, and consider them a necessity for all.
I have recently had a logos-based arument with a very close friend of mine. My friend had accused me of voting for president barack obama, simply because he was an african-american. At first, I listened to the reasons why he thought that senator John Mccain should have been elected. After he finished his point, I began to explain to him why I had voted for senator Obama. I described to my friend why I thought that senator Obama’s economic ambitions were the key to a successful future. Then i provided him with factual evidence, deriving from quotes senator Obama had spoken during debates, That really shocked him. Although I wasn’t able to convince my friend that President Obama’s economic and political plans were best for the country, I was able to convince him that my reasons for wanting senator Obama in office were valid.
My friend made an early assumption about my decision to Vote for president Barack Obama. I knew that from the start of the argument, I would have to present facts to support my claim. I also used logical reasoning in my argument. The combination of actual facts and logical reasoning helped me reach a pleasureable conclusion in my logos-based argument!
Brittany Foss
Rhetoric & Comp. II
A. Crowley
February 5, 2009
Throughout the reading so far, we have learned that arguments are mainly based on three different things depending on the audience within the argument. These three things are called Ethos, Pathos and Logos. Each of these are very different in certain ways, and each can be used to get the point across of the subject that they are argueing for. The person that is leading that argument would have to know that audience to be able to know wether or not to use ethos, pathos or logos to make there audience believe what there argument is all about.
The first of the three I will describe is Pathos. A Pathos based argument is appealing to the audience emotions, by playing with the readers emotions it can make them believe what you want to get the point across about. When using excessive and over the top emotions like hope, happiness, desire, fear, love, shame and so on, it shows that you really care about the subject that you are dicussing and it will make your reading want to care as well.
Next is Ethos. Ethos based arguments are little bit more complex then Pathos. In Ethos the person who is leading the argument should have facts and information on the topic that they are arguing, the reader or audience will look to see if the leader is experienced with the topic or choice, and if they are it will make them believe that they know what they are talking about because of experiance.
The last one is Logos based arguments, there are a lot of steps that you have to take within this agurment to get your point across. Your audiece is going to be looking for facts and evidence of the topice and there is going to be a lot of discussion to figure out if what is being is told is the truth. Together decisions will be made based on the facts given and those facts and evidence will help build that side of the argument.
In all there are different things used within different arguments but you must know your audience for these things to work and to gain your readers or audiences attention and feedback.
Tyla Crocker
Audience and Arguments
Crowley
February 4, 2009
Audience and Arguments
The point of writing is to get your thoughts down on to paper and so that others can read and disagree or agree with your argument. But how do get them to agree with your opinion? It is actually not that hard. In order to get the audience to agree is to find out what age group you are trying to send your message to. Once that is figured out, a common to is to use an Aristotle method which uses logos, pathos, and ethos.
By knowing what your audience wants to hear and how they can be persuaded is essential for the audience to understand the argument. If one uses evidence to back up the argument, then this is called logos. This is where people are more likely to believe an argument because there is evidence or proof to back it up. Logos can also mean to logical, if an argument doesn’t seem logical or is way out there, then it is probably less likely that the audience will agree with the argument.
Arguments may also be in pathos form. Personally, I feel that pathos is one of the strongest methods to get the audience to agree with the argument. Pathos is when the writer or speaker uses emotions to persuade the audience. By using emotions, it can make the reader feel sad, happy, or angry, basically any emotion. I believe one of the most affective is the feeling of sadness because people do not want to feel sad, so when they see an ad or article that was written in pathos they really think about the argument.
Lastly another Aristotle way to write an argument pertaining to a certain audience is when the writer or speaker uses ethos. Ethos is when the writer or speaker uses ethics to persuade the audience to their side. Ethos usual uses morals to gain the audience. If one feels that the writer or speaker has a good set of moral, then it’s more likely that they will agree with them.
Audience is a huge part of getting an argument across. The more people that agree, the more widespread the argument becomes and the best way to do this is by using logos, pathos, and ethos.
Tyla Crocker
Rhetoric
Crowley
February 4, 2009
Rhetoric
Rhetoric is used to convince and audience on the argument that is presented. Rhetoric is a major part of getting the audience to agree. By using rhetoric it is more likely that the argument not only will be taken seriously, but that people will believe it.
By using rhetoric some things to remember are what will appeal to the audience. If one is making an argument to young children, it probably isn’t going to be understood by them if one uses language that’s used in The New York Times. By knowing the audience and its age group is important because the reader or listener must be able to understand the argument. In the book Everything’s an Argument, asks this question to help make sure the argument pertains to the audience, “Is the style suited to the subject and appropriate to your audience? Is it too formal? Too casual? Too Technical? Too bland?”
A good point brought up by Everything’s an Argument by acknowledging, “even a coherent argument flush with evidence may not connect with readers if it’s dull, off-key, or offensive. Readers naturally judge the credibility of arguments in part of how stylishly the case is made—even when they don’t know exactly what style is.” In order to appeal to the audience they must like the style that one writes or speaks because no one wants to read or listen to a boring, dry argument.
By knowing the audience, one can know what they will most likely agree with. For the argument to be taken seriously, the writer or speaker must know the odds of their claim and if it will persuade others. Unfortunately it can be difficult to make sure that one knows the audience well, Everything’s an Argument it states that “Is the claim significant enough to interest readers?”
Lastly another way for the audience to agree with the argument is by making sure it is organized. No audience wants to read or listen to an argument that is scattered everywhere and doesn’t make sense. By using evidence to back up points, make sure they are organized and clear. Everything’s An Argument uses these questions to ask the writer or speaker if their piece is written persuasively, “Will readers understand the relationships among the original text you’re analyzing, the claim(s) you’re making, your supporting reasons, and the evidence you’ve gathered—both from the text you’re analyzing and any other sources you’ve used? If not, what could be done to make those connections clearer? Are more transitional words and phrases needed? Would headings or graphic devices help?”
By using rhetoric in an argument it is more likely that the audience will not only agree with it, but that they will also be able to clearly understand it by the effectiveness of the piece. Using these tools in writing makes it professional and easy to understand and agree with.
Jill Sarno
2/5/09
Rhetoric and Composition II
Adjusting for Audience
An understanding of rhetoric is vital when trying to convey one’s ideas to an audience. Rhetoric is defined the effective use of language and the art of influencing the thought and conduct of an audience. When a presenter is trying to pur-sway the audience they must make clear that they are educated to do so. By showing that one is educated they must display proper language that will make the audience listen. Thus, causing the opposing party to agree with the subject or disagree, but know that the presenter has an understandable point on the matter.
There are many ways to show that one understands the use of rhetoric in an argument. The shape of an argument is one example. Aristotle claims that if and argument contains statement and proof then there is no arguing the matter and the issue is resolved. Though this may be true, not every piece of writing work is in this fashion. Some writers are blunt and tell their point of view first and give evidence, others may add in some background information, some writers decide to take the audience down a long explaining path to a conclusions, and others write stories to show their idea. In any case, the shape is important when explaining one’s ideas because it is what pulls the audience into the conversation or article.
Also important in an argument is the style in which it is presented. Even the best argument full of evidence will not be taken seriously if it is dull, off- key, or offensive to the audience. Thus, judging the credibility of the presenter and not taking the argument seriously. The argument must be entertaining and interesting in order to keep that audience’s attention, much like the examples shown in the book. The opening line in Dave Barry’s argument on voting was funny and kept the reader interested in what he had to say. Humor and irony seem to be the main selling points to audiences as well as the use of contractions when writing. This gives the observer and underlying feeling of closeness to the one presenting the argument. The audience begins to lose interest when the argument includes difficult vocabulary that the every day person would not understand. Also, a pompous attitude is not welcomed by those who feel the argument is not accurate, so the audience decides to no longer listen to the presented argument. The style of the given subject is vital when displayed to an audience. There must be something in the argument that seizes one’s attention, maintains that attention, allows the audience to comprehend the material, includes hard evidence, and is presented by a qualified person.
Bethany Beaulieu
A. Crowley
Rhetoric & Composition II
Thinking Rhetorically
The understanding of who is apart of the audience and purpose of an argument is important in which you find an argument that appeals to an audience. The important part to analyzing any argument is understanding who is making the argument. It is important to know how to analyze a pathos, ethos, and logos argument. In any case, paying attention to details is important in shaping each of these arguments.
To get a better understanding of the argument, it is crucial to ask what the purpose is. Pathos based arguments are arguments that come from the heart. These should appeal to the readers emotions. A good example are the commercials on the television which promote to living above the influence. The commercials show viewers that smoking marijuana is something that you should not give into. It appeals to your emotions because it brings out the fear of some viewers from ever trying it. Next, when examining an ethos based argument, you judge the character. The questions asked involves whether or not the speaker or writer is trustworthy, wise, and honest. To look into the ethos based argument deeper, the attention to details like word choice and physical appearance helps readers and viewers analyze the argument. The argument based on fact, also known as logos based argument, should give the reader logical statements to back up the writers thesis. The reader should receive a clear and concise idea of what the writer wants the reader to know and comprehend. Logos based arguments should be written based on fact not opinion.
Every argument should be backed up by legitimate evidence. In sum, the understanding of who is apart of the audience and purpose of an argument is important because it should appeal to the audience.
Brianna Ward
EH 124
February 5, 2009
Understanding of Rhetoric
Rhetoric is the use of language in everyday life. A writer, in particular, needs to know how to use rhetoric in order to properly write any kind of piece. It helps to create flow and structure within that piece. For a writer who is going to create an argument, however, knowing what rhetoric is and how to use it is crucial.
The main structure of a logical argument is essentially broken down into two parts: statement and proof. Writers need to establish credibility in their piece in order for their audience to believe and listen what they have to say. They make a bold statement or fact, so they must back it up with some proof and reason. Every claim that a writer makes must be backed by sufficient evidence.
The writer should know however, that their entire argument will not just be composed of claims and evidence; this would bore their audience. Writers understanding oh rhetoric will help them to add cultural context, personal stories, and opinions into their arguments to liven it up and add character. Readers and all audiences base and judge the writer’s argument on their credibility. The writer’s personal stories need to seem believable, and their opinions factual. The writer must not only have good evidence to back up their claims, but their arguments must also have style.
Manipulating style enables the writer to make their audience respond to their ideas in a certain way. In rhetoric there are many different styles of writings, and the writer must decide how they want their audience to perceive them. They can write their argument in a way that brings humor to the issue, or they can be completely serious and strong minded about the issue at hand. Either way, the writer must keep the audience in mind and try to appeal to what they would want to listen, hear, or see.
Rhetoric is the way a piece of writing is composed, but it is also how something should be written in order to appeal to what the audience will like, that a writer should be focused the most on. Writers need to know what techniques, such as humor or using personal anecdotes, they should used in order to really capture their audience and prove a point. Rhetoric can be about statements and proof, but style is also a large factor used in composing a well-written argument.
Matthew Nash
A. Crowley
February 5, 2009
Purpose and Audience
Throughout this semester we have come across three big types of arguments; Ethos, Pathos, and Logos. All of these arguments have a basic goal, which is to persuade the reader into siding with you, through each type of arguments different characteristics. We have written about our own personal experiences with each of these and through them, have learned without even knowing it, the effects that a well developed argument can have on the audience.
Pathos based arguments are arguments that have a purpose to appeal to the emotions of an audience. By appealing to the correct emotions of the audience, one will come away with a successful argument. People tend to be affected much stronger by their emotions, and due to this, pathos based arguments can be some of the strongest arguments there are.
Ethos based arguments are those which are based on character. An audience responds well to a speaker who seems to have a strong moral character and their speech follows these traits as well. An example of this was the recent presidential election, many people felt that President Obama had a strong moral character, and his speech’s followed this argument. This is why he was so successful in his candidacy.
The final type of argument was Logos, which is a type of argument that is based on facts and evidence. These arguments are usually tailored for a much more sophisticated audience, who can see past the fake stuff, and wants to get down to the facts. Many of these arguments are much more direct and to the point. When the argument is much more to the point, then the audience responds and it is usually a very successful argument.
Ben Landry
2/3/09
A. Crowley
EH 124
Understanding Argument Purposes
Arguments come in all shapes and sizes and can be orchestrated to relate with the other person who is I part of the situation. For the person stating their argument this is key, they need to state their case in a way that will hook their audience and make them relate to their argument on a personal level and that’s why it’s important to know your audience; because you are able to use techniques that will help you to project your argument and entice them to join your side. You will understand their mindset on the particular argument and can use different strategies that will get them to understand where you are coming from and why you feel the need to stand behind the cause.
Understanding your audience and having a goal in mind sets you up to convey your argument to the projected target and effect them on a personal level that hits something they hold dearly in their heart. If your goal is to get your audience to understand your argument and see it favorably then a good way to influence them is to use a pathos based argument and target things that they feel very strongly about and will make them want to join your side and become a believer in your argument or whatever you are a part of. A large pathos argument from recent times would have to be the issue of war in the past election. While former president Bush felt the need to keep the war going and us overseas President Barack Obama argued that we did not need troops overseas anymore and that it was time to pull them out of certain areas around the globe where we are currently fighting. This resonated with voters who wanted to see the troops coming home, the war is so widespread that nearly everyone in our country is affected and knows at least one person who has gone overseas and families are worried sick over their loved ones. They want nothing more than to see their family member come back home to them so that they know they are safe and sound and Barack Obama used this to relate to the people and really gain a tremendous amount of support from the voters who want the war to be over with.
Another type strategy that can be used to target an audience is the ethos argument, better known as the argument based on character. Usually this argument is between two parties and it is intended to get more people to side with a particular party and it is usually done by calling forth specific instances in a party’s history that qualifies them for support and shows people what the party really stands for. In the 2004 presidential campaign, Democratic nominee John Kerry addressed the Democratic convention with a military like greeting and solute. This helped to formulate John Kerry’s defense as a decorated war veteran with three purple hearts and made President Bush’s military record stick out like a sore thumb because it was very debatable and made people wonder if he even tried to serve. John Kerry made sure to play this difference between the two candidates up significantly to hopefully give himself an edge towards being the next commander and chief.
The last technique that can be used to help persuade people towards your side is the argument of Logos, or fact based argument. With this argument style a lot of time shocking facts are used to influence the ideas of the projected audience and they can get people on your side a lot of the time depending on how they are used. Sides choose to portray these facts in an argument because they are extremely shocking ones that no one really knew about or stats that are much more significant than anyone thought. Logos techniques normally can affect a much larger target audience because the facts surround a general idea and are 100% true so they are not debated by people of different religions and ideas which really unites everyone together usually behind these facts.
Matthew Nash
A. Crowley
February 5, 2009
Rhetoric and Comp II
Rhetoric In Arguments
The dictionary defines rhetoric as the ability to use language effectively. It is used in everyday life and is extremely crucial in an argument. One of the most important things to a successful argument is choosing your words correctly, and trying to be as effective with these words as possible. In an argument, when a person “beats around the bush,” they typically start to lose the audience. This however does not mean one must blatantly spill all the facts; this would most likely bore the audience and would then become a very unsuccessful argument. When the dictionary says the ability to use language effectively, it means finding a balance between entertainment, and facts.
The ability for the writer to add a personal touch to the argument is extremely important. It doesn’t necessarily need to be a personal story, but something of cultural context. An effective addition to an argument is the writer’s own opinion. All of these however require the use of rhetoric in adding it into the piece.
Most important in writing a composing an argument is style. If the audience is knowledgeable enough to understand the creative use of rhetoric in the piece, then it is more likely to be a successful argument. By understanding rhetoric better, the audience can see past all of the nonsense in an argument and can decipher the facts, so you can take the appropriate side of the argument.
Brittany Foss
Rhetoric & Comp II
A. Crowley
February 5, 2009
Rhetoriclly thinking….
When thinking rhetorically it is always very important that you know of the audience that you are speaking to. In creating an argument it crucial that it is entertaining and something that people want to hear about, something that is boreing is going to make people turn aways and not listen anymore.
It is imprortant that you know what you should and should not use to get them listening and their attention, something that will make them want to keep listening to what you have to say. Something that will keep you reader wanting to keep reading is good use of language, this shows your reader that the writer is well educated on the topic of what is choosen and that you know what you are talking about, audience is also important when figuring our the language of your article, for a middle school class you wouldnt want to use difficult language because it may be something that they dont understand and could cause you to loose their attention. If a paper or article is bland and written with all the wrong language a reader may think that it is made up or fake and think it is a waste of time to keep reading.
In all cases of an argument some amount of fact and evidence should be available to the reader so that they know what you are talking about, but too much of fact and argument can be overwhelming to a reader and cause them to loose interest and forget what you are trying to make the poing of because there was just so much to remember. So it should have good supporting details but not too much.
The main importance of a paper is the way that you set it up, the total design of your discussion or paper. It is important what goes first straight throught till the end, what do you present first? In some cases this is depending on your presentation and who you are presenting it to. The structure of your paper or can be done in many different ways, you could have all you fact at the beginning and then your purpose, you could have your thought on it at the beginning and continue on with fact and reasoning. It is however you want to set it depending on what you think will keep you readers on their seats.
Chris Howland
Composition & Rhetoric
Adam Crowley
02/04/09
Understanding Your Audience
While writing or reading a paper, debating, explaining, whether to yourself in your bedroom or on a stage in front of thousands, you need to know who you’re talking to. When I write a paper, or start to rebut in an argument, it is of the utmost importance to have a clear understanding of who my audience is. The only way I can establish tone and content is through research of audience. I certainly cannot talk to a child the same way I would speak to a college professor. Not only is who I am talking to important in an argument, but why I’m talking to that audience. The purpose of my argument must be figured out early on, or I will have no real chance of coming out on top.
When I am talking to a well read, intelligent adult, I must do my homework if the time is granted. The only way I feel comfortable arguing with an intelligent person, is to be very keen in the subject we are debating. The points I make during the debate must be valid, backed up with facts. The person I’m talking to is just waiting for me to be wrong so they can jump all over my mistake. Even if I’m not great in the subject of debate, I must have a direct tone which at least makes me sound like I know what I am talking about. The confidence in tone while speaking is a huge factor. My strategy for argument does not stay the same when changing audiences.
I do not treat a debate with a younger, inexperienced kid the same way I would treat a debate with a peer or elder. The age of who I am talking to is a big factor, because with age comes knowledge. Although there are some exceptions, younger kids are not as well read or active in as many subjects as their elder. I play to this when talking to younger people. I make sure I use what I think they would find surprising and might not know before hand. I usually feel the upper hand if I am more experienced than my counterpart. I know I have more of an information arsenal, so I’m prepared to engage in the argument.
Knowing who you are going to talk to before you actually talk to them is probably one of the largest advantages you could have from an argument stand point. Having knowledge of what they know and what experiences they have helps you decide if you should use a harsh tone or a light tone. I believe that audience is right up at the top of the list when it comes to arguments. The reason is simple. If you know who you are talking to you can adjust to appeal to them and create a constructive speech, or debate. If you go into an argument preparing to talk to a 10 year old girl and end up finding a 60 year old man as your audience, you will not do well. You don’t talk to these two people the same way, and that is what I mean by knowing your audience. To conclude, know your audience, it will help you in any argument for sure.
Ben Landry
2/3/09
A. Crowley
EH 124
Constructing an Argument using Rhetorical Skills
An argument is a very complex collation of ideas that are all bridged together to stand behind a point and they are not always easily interpreted. It takes a lot of different points to fuel an argument and to gain full attention from your target audience you must intertwine enough interesting information that makes them want to support your side of the argument. While doing this it can be extremely tough to keep up with all of the ideas you are addressing and you run the risk of confusing your audience. While keeping a lot of key points out for show it is also important to keep everything clear, concise and easy to follow for your audience to follow. This makes rhetorical skills so important because they help you to keep everything concise and entertaining to your audience.
Within an argument it is critical to have rhetorical skills because they help you to settle your argument down and present it in a clear and concise manner. Once you have your audience targeted you must find different things that they enjoy and things that would entice this audience so you are able to get their support for your argument. This could be anything from a particular, enticing new look from a clothing company that makes its supporters feel as though they must have it to a speech from a possible presidential hopeful who draws people in with their mighty voice and talks of hope and working as a country to change things.
With proper rhetorical skills it would be easy to organize an argument as though it is a story and develop it through the text with proper details and back up of ideas with facts and everything that a proper paper should have. The argument could unfold to the audience and would be able to give them a clear and concise picture of the issue at hand from the start of the general statement of the idea all the way down to the minor issues of the campaign. A great example of this is Barack Obama’s campaign. He did a great job reaching out to his target audiences giving all of the specific groups the key points that they felt were important for him to become president. After a long and hard campaign Obama cruised to victory over John McCain whose campaign was terribly run and did not go into very much detail and it was almost as if he was swarmed and immersed by Obama’s booming speeches about what he would do if he were president.
Chris Howland
Composition & Rhetoric
Adam Crowley
02/04/09
Rhetoric In Arguments
While talking to people you use a certain tone of voice, certain words, and a certain order in which you exude your comments. The easiest way to get your point across to an audience is to have rhetorical intelligence. I know if I can use certain words with emphasis , it will help me get what I’m feeling out into the conversation. Without good rhetoric you cannot fully explain what points you are trying to make in a certain argument.
When in the middle of an argument, you can gain credibility by using rhetoric to your advantage. If you know how to state facts with the proper tone and emphasis you can truly persuade your audience. The best points are made through fact driven statements. The only way you can have these statements is if you are well educated and well read. Everything you use to help prepare yourself has to do with rhetoric. If you read up on the subject, you will have examples and some words that you may not have used if you had not read anything about the subject. All of this is rhetoric. Being able to explain to your audience several different points with the proper rhetoric is what will cause you to win an argument because when people hear factual points they are confident in supporting your claims.
All in all, you must have good rhetorical skills to engage your audience and create a great argument environment. Without this rhetorical knowledge you will not be able to explain the thoughts in your mind. The way we convey what we feel is through rhetoric, and the success of your thoughts coming out into an argument depends solely on how well you can use rhetoric.
Kevin Adams
Understanding Purpose and Audience
When reading and making arguments based on pathos, ethos, and logos it is very important that you understand the purpose of the argument. Identifying the arguments purpose seems obvious sometimes and other times may seem a little hard to figure out. It all depends on the how the writer expresses it. Identifying who the writer’s intended audience is can be tricky as well but is generally fairly easy to spot. The tough part in appealing to audiences is that not just your intended readers or audience will hear your argument. People who share and don’t share your point of view will happen to hear your argument.
Once you understand the concepts of understanding purpose and audience you can start to look at different arguments to examine. When examining pathos (arguments from the heart), the argument is meant to appeal to the readers emotions and feelings. Emotions and feelings can really add strength to an argument and can either work wonderfully or make you realize that the argument is completely bogus. Appealing to emotions and feelings I feel is either a hit or miss.
Taking a look at arguments based on character now (ethos). When shaping ethos based arguments it can be a little harder to figure out if the writer is being honest and is trustworthy. When examining ethos base arguments you need to ask yourself a few questions. Does the writer have the experience or authority to write on this subject? Are the claims qualified reasonably? Are sources documented? And does the writer sound trustworthy? When diagnosing these arguments you may need to take a close look at details and even word choice used by the writer. The most important thing when examining ethos based arguments is the fact that the details you use to determine the questions above need the reader’s interpretation.
With logos based arguments, which seem to be everywhere, it is really important that you know how to judge the quality of sources that the writer uses within an argument. When examining these arguments you must be able to link all the claims and propositions within an argument to a general thesis. Also assess the information by looking at the data and information and determining if everything seems reliable, and the sources are fully documented. This will help determine whether the argument is knowledgeable and can be trusted or just full of junk.
Kevin Adams
Understanding Rhetoric
With a good understanding of rhetoric, you are well on your way for understanding arguments and how they are generated from a simple statement. Understanding the parts that go into an argument can help me improve the understanding of how an argument is given by really diagnosing an argument’s statement and proof. Thinking rhetorically about an argument will raise many questions and within those questions you must figure out if the answers are reliable, reasonable, biased, and so on.
In order to have a good understanding of rhetoric and thinking rhetorically, you must begin exploring certain issues of an argument. You will explore these issues by questioning the argument and those questions can be anything from what the purpose of the argument is, who is making the argument, who and what is the argument trying to appeal to, and what kind of language and style is used to persuade the audience.
While you are answering and thinking about these questions, you will find that you are almost working backwards from the point of which the argument is given and finding the original source or idea which started the argument. I like the example in the book where Seth Stevenson explains a Victoria Secret commercial featuring Bob Dylan. As it should, many of the viewers are clearly confused as to why Bob Dylan is in a Victoria Secret commercial. Stevenson takes this argument and does exactly what we are talking about. He works backwards to find out the real reason to why Bob Dylan was used in the commercial. He provides reasons for his argument and actually tries to talk with the Victoria Secret CEO to find out why. In the end, Victoria Secret had nothing strong to say and really recognized their mistake. Stevenson understanding of rhetoric helped him prove his argument against the Victoria Secret commercial.
Being able to find where mishaps could have happened within the construction of given arguments will ultimately help me in my ability to write arguments. Being able to think rhetorically about an argument will in turn, lay out the guidelines for writing an argument and rhetorical analysis’s.
Bethany Nadeau
Rhetoric & Comp. II
A. Crowley
5 February 2009
Adjusting for Audience
An understanding of rhetoric gives way to several possibilities in constructing an argument that will capture the audience’s attention. At the very basis, an argument is made up of a statment and proof to back that statment up. But that is merely the “skin and bones” of the writing. After considering your audience, the shape and style of the writing comes into effect. Based on what messege the author is trying to get across will vary the style and shape of the argument’s structure.
An argument can take on many forms. The author may choose to spill all their ideas right from the get-go, while others may lead their audience through a series of reason-based experiences that ultimately conclude with their main point. Others may interrupt their argument with background information to provide the readers with better understanding of the subject. The last thing the author wants to do is lose their audience, both in understanding or interest. Telling stories or providing anecdotes displaying their point are other methods of grabbing the attention of their audience. An author may even adhere to contrary arguments within their writing, showing that they are aware of opposing views, but they do not agree for the following reasons. This is smart, showing the audience that they are not oblivious to the obvious contradictions. In all of these circumstances, the author must be sensitive to their audience’s needs and desires. There is no singular right way to present an argument. It is all based on what that particular situation calls for.
Considering style is also of utmost importance when considering the audience. An author writing to a group of high scholars would likely want to use more adept language while if they were addressing the everyday “average joe”, they may consider a more humorous, less intelligent approach. Just providing an argument with facts that simply shows a coherent understanding may not be enough to attract their audience to stay in-tune with the rest of their argument. An author can have all the best evidence in the world but lose their audience because the presentation of that evidence is not interesting and appealing. Style is also a means of letting the reader know what the rest of the article will be like. It tells them what to expect so that they are not caught off guard or rudely awakened. Manipulating the style is a tool writers use to shape the responses of their audience to the author’s ideas. Prudent style can stir sympathies for or against an idea, depending on what the author is aiming for. The same style, as effective as it was to start out with, cannot be used solely throughout an entire piece. It must be modulated to rise and fall with the argument. This keeps the reader interested. If the same style were used throughout an entire argument, the audience may become bored and eager to stop reading. Varying the styles in a piece keeps the readers on their toes and urges them on.