What is the main purpose of an author's argument in a text?
To persuade the reader of a particular viewpoint or claim.
What is the significance of the author's choice of words in a persuasive piece?
Word choice can convey emotion, bias, and influence the reader's response.
What is the importance of integrating multiple sources in research?
It provides a broader perspective and strengthens the credibility of the conclusions drawn.
A group of teenagers vandalized the park downtown. Teenagers are irresponsible and destructive.
Hasty Generalization
How can you identify an author's claim in an article?
Look for clear statements of opinion supported by evidence.
Explain the effect of figurative language in arguments.
Figurative language can create vivid images or convey strong emotions to persuade the reader.
Describe how to evaluate the credibility of a source.
Check the author's qualifications, the publications reputation, and the evidence presented.
If you don’t stop smoking cigarettes, then you are going to start shooting heroin.
Slippery Slope
Describe how an author might support their argument through specific details.
Author's use facts, statistics, examples, and expert opinions to support their claims.
How does the structure of a text impact its effectiveness?
A well-structured text guides the reader through the argument, making it easier to follow.
What role do citations play in supporting an argument?
Provide evidence for claims and allow readers to verify the information.
The school is in bad shape. Either we tear it down and put up a new building, or we continue to risk students’ safety. Obviously, we shouldn’t risk anyone’s safety, so we must tear the building down.
Either/Or
What role do counterarguments play in persuasive texts?
They address opposing viewpoints, strengthening the author's position by refuting them.
Compare the effectiveness of an anecdote versus statistics.
Anecdotes provide relatable examples, while statistics offer factual support - both can be effective.
Explain how using information from various sources can enhance the understanding of a topic.
It helps create a comprehensive view that incorporates diverse perspectives and insights.
A: “Let’s go to the movies tonight”
B: “No, thank you, I’d rather not today”
A: “You never want to have fun!”
Straw Man
Analyze how the tone of a text influences the reader's perception of the argument.
The tone can evoke emotions and shape how the audience responds to the argument.
Evaluate how different types of evidence (expert opinions vs. personal experiences) influence an argument.
Expert opinions lend credibility, while personal experiences can create emotional appeals with readers.
Evaluate the ethical considerations of using information from various sources in your own writing.
It's essential to give credit to original author's and avoid plagiarism to maintain integrity.
Candidate A will not maintain his electoral promises: he cheated on his wife!
Ad Hominem