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Argumentation – Persuasion Study Guide

Directions:
Copy and paste the following to a word processing document and then begin responding.

Responses for this study guide can be found in the following textbooks:

  • The McGraw-Hill Guide: Writing for College, Writing for Life: Chapter 14 "Using Strategies for Argument."

  • Explain what the word argument means.

  • Explain what the word persuasion means.

  • Explain what the word denotation means.

  • Explain what the word connotation means.

  • Explain the difference between a convincing argument and a personal opinion.

  • What makes a good arguable thesis or claim?

  • Explain inductive reasoning (induction).

  • Explain deductive reasoning (deduction).

  • Explain the difference between validity and truth.

  • Why must a writer consider the purpose and audience at some point early in the process of developing an argument?

  • The modern classical argument has five parts; however, not every part is essential in every case and it may be useful to rearrange or combine the parts. List the five parts and explain each.

  • Name the three parts into which Toulmin divides a typical argument, and explain each part.

  • List three other components of an argument that are considered optional.

  • Explain each of the following individually: logos, pathos, and ethos.

  • The primary goal of any argument is to make the best case. Explain the three basic ways to make a case.

  • What is a fallacy?

  • What is a non sequitur?

    • Explain each of the following fallacies and give an example.

  • Appealing to irrational fears

  • Appealing to pity

  • Appealing to prejudice

  • Appealing to tradition

  • Arguing from a lack of knowledge or evidence

  • Attacking the opponent's character

  • Attributing false causes

  • Bandwagon appeal

  • Begging the question (circular reasoning)

  • Complex question

  • Either-or reasoning

  • Faulty Analogy

  • Guilt by association

  • Overgeneralization

  • Oversimplification

  • Red Herring (non sequitur)

  • Slippery Slope

  • Stacking the deck

  • Straw Person

  • Universal statements
    • Explain the following structures to develop an argument.
  • Classical Structure

  • Problem and Solution Method

  • Rogerian Structure

  • Narrative Structure

  • Discovery Structure