Rhetoric and Argument
ENG122: Composition II
An Introduction to Argument
English 122: Composition II
An Introduction to Argument
Argument and Rhetoric
An argument can take many forms. It is, at its root, a method for communicating a singular position with evidence, logic, and persuasion. There are essential elements to all valid arguments, though they may take different forms.
1. Claim
2. Evidence
3. Counterargument
4. Rebuttal
A successful argument depends upon the delicate balance between these elements. Imagine a teeter-totter at the playground. The claim is the basis of the argument, much like the base of the teeter-totter. A big opposing viewpoint, called the counterargument, is constantly pushing down on one side or the other. Balance can only be achieved by providing enough evidence to support the claim along with rebuttal of the counterargument.
Essentially, an argument depends on research (evidence) and finding flaws in opposing viewpoints (rebuttal). Each claim made in an argument needs this support to be valid.
Any time you begin to write, you must analyze the rhetorical situation. This means identifying the writer (Ethos), Audience (Pathos), and Topic (Logos). These three items form a triangle that will frame your project. Let’s take each item and apply it to an argument.
First, we will consider the writer. It seems obvious that you are the writer. However, who are you? Are you a student at a university or are you something else? When writing academic papers, try to set your other interests and behaviors aside and write as a scholar. This will make you a credible writer. Aristotle referred to the credibility of a speaker or writer as ethos. Ethos is very important when presenting an argument. To persuade readers to agree with you, writing must be credible.
Next, let’s think about the audience. For most papers, the audience will be Ashford University. How can you appeal to this audience? University students, faculty, and staff are educated, detail-oriented, smart, and play a
An Introduction to Argument
English 122: Composition II
An Introduction to Argument
Argument and Rhetoric
An argument can take many forms. It is, at its root, a method for communicating a singular position with evidence, logic, and persuasion. There are essential elements to all valid arguments, though they may take different forms.
1. Claim
2. Evidence
3. Counterargument
4. Rebuttal
A successful argument depends upon the delicate balance between these elements. Imagine a teeter-totter at the playground. The claim is the basis of the argument, much like the base of the teeter-totter. A big opposing viewpoint, called the counterargument, is constantly pushing down on one side or the other. Balance can only be achieved by providing enough evidence to support the claim along with rebuttal of the counterargument.
Essentially, an argument depends on research (evidence) and finding flaws in opposing viewpoints (rebuttal). Each claim made in an argument needs this support to be valid.
Any time you begin to write, you must analyze the rhetorical situation. This means identifying the writer (Ethos), Audience (Pathos), and Topic (Logos). These three items form a triangle that will frame your project. Let’s take each item and apply it to an argument.
First, we will consider the writer. It seems obvious that you are the writer. However, who are you? Are you a student at a university or are you something else? When writing academic papers, try to set your other interests and behaviors aside and write as a scholar. This will make you a credible writer. Aristotle referred to the credibility of a speaker or writer as ethos. Ethos is very important when presenting an argument. To persuade readers to agree with you, writing must be credible.
Next, let’s think about the audience. For most papers, the audience will be Ashford University. How can you appeal to this audience? University students, faculty, and staff are educated, detail-oriented, smart, and play a