Essentials of Argument
3rd Edition
Published on 2. February 2011
Book
Paperback/Softback
336 pages
978-0-205-82702-2 (ISBN)
Description
This concise argument text presents a broad range of rhetorical theory while providing the clear explanations and examples to make it accessible to an exceptionally wide range of students.
Essentials of Argument, 3e, contains ten chapters, each accompanied by class exercises and writing assignments. Students using this text will learn to identify topics of personal and social consequence, to read and form opinions of their own, to analyze a potential audience, and to write persuasive argument papers. Research methods are introduced early, instructing students how to locate, print, and evaluate online materials and avoid plagiarism. Appendices teach MLA and APA styles, and provide a synopsis of the major ideas about argument in unique Summary Charts.
Essentials of Argument, 3e, contains ten chapters, each accompanied by class exercises and writing assignments. Students using this text will learn to identify topics of personal and social consequence, to read and form opinions of their own, to analyze a potential audience, and to write persuasive argument papers. Research methods are introduced early, instructing students how to locate, print, and evaluate online materials and avoid plagiarism. Appendices teach MLA and APA styles, and provide a synopsis of the major ideas about argument in unique Summary Charts.
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Content
PART I: Understanding Argument and Conducting Research
1 Recognizing Argument and Finding Issues
A Definition of Argument
Why Study Argument?
Recognizing Traditional and Consensual Argument
Evaluating Traditional and Consensual Argument
Distinguish between Ethical and Unethical Argument
What Is Your Personal Style of Argument?
Under What Conditions Does Argument Work Best?
Under What Conditions Does Argument Fail?
Engaging with Issues
Review Questions
ESSAY FOR ANALYSIS:
Chris Piper, "'A' is for 'Absent'"
A student argues against attendance policies in college that penalize students by lowering their grades for excessive absences.
2 The Rhetorical Situation: Understanding Audience and Context
Analyze the Rhetorical Situation When You Read an Argument
Use the Rhetorical Situation When You Write an Argument
Conducting An Audience Analysis
Review Questions
Class Activities and Writing Assignments
Worksheet 1: Rhetorical Situation
Worksheet 2: Audience Analysis
ESSAYS FOR ANALYSIS:
Charles M. Blow, "Welcome to the Club"
The author examines the issue of racial profiling, using facts and personal narrative
Prisna Virasin, "The Barbie Controversy"
This student issue proposal examines the controversy associated with Barbie dolls.
3 Learning More about Issues: Conducting Research
Begin with What You Know
Locating Sources for Research
Evaluate Sources and Select the Best
Create a Bibliography
Survey, Read, and Add Annotations to Your Bibliography
Develop a System for Taking and Organizing Your Notes
Avoid Plagarism
Review Questions
Class Activities and Writing Assignments
Worksheet 3: Research Plan
Worksheet 4: Research Evaluation
ESSAY FOR ANALYSIS:
Angela A. Boatwright, "Human Cloaning: An Annotated Bibliography"
This is a student-written annotated bibliography about human cloning
4 Writing the Exploratory Paper
What Is an Exploratory Paper?
How Do You Write Now?
Prewriting Strategies
Writing the First Draft
Break through Writer's Block
Revise the Draft
How to Write an Exploratory Paper
Submitting Your Paper for Peer Review
Review Questions
Class Activities and Writing Assignments
Worksheet 5: Exploratory Paper
ESSAYS FOR ANALYSIS:
Jeff D. Opdyke, "Kids and Chores: All Work and No Pay?"
This author considers different perspectives on how to pay children for doing the chores
Prisna Virasin, "The Controversy behind Barbie"
This student-written exploratory paper explains different perspecitves on the Barbie doll controversy
PART II: Using Argument Theory for Reading and Writing
5 The Toulmin Model of Argument: Understanding the Parts
The Parts of an Argument according to the Toulmin Model
Value of the Toulmin model for Reading and Writing Argument
Review Questions
Class Activities and Writing Assignments
ESSAYS FOR ANALYSIS
Military Advertisement
Practice finding the claim, support, and warrants in an advertisement for joining the military.
Cartoon: The Price of Oranges
Use the Toulmin model to analyze a cartoon
Editorial: Brother, Can You Spare a Word?
This author argues that words and their connotations are important.
Use the Toulmin model to write an analysis
Mohamed T. Diaby Jr., "Toulmin Analysis of the Price of Oranges Cartoon"
This represents a student example of a Toulmin analysis of a cartoon
Richard D. Rieke and Malcolm O. Sillars, "American Value System"
The authors argue that individuals have value systems that can be categorized and, thus, help with an understanding of value warrants.
6 The Types of Claims: Establishing Purpose and Organization
Five Types of Claims
Mixed Claims
Claims and Argument in Real Life Situations
Value of the Claims and the Claim Questions for Reading and Writing Argument
Some Other Preliminary Questions to Help You Develop Your Claim
Review Questions
Class Activities and Writing Assignments
Worksheet 6: Claim Development
ESSAY FOR ANALYSIS
Peg Tyre, "Bringing Up Adolescents"
This author asks, When should adult children start paying their own way?
7 The Types of Proof: Supporting the Claim
The Traditional Categories of Proof
Types of Logical Proofs: Logos
Proofs that Build Credibility: Ethos
Types of Emotional Proof: Pathos
Value of the Proofs for Reading and Writing Argument
Logos, Ethos, and Pathos Communicated through Language and Style
How to Recognize Fallacies
Ethics and Morality in Argument
Review Questions
Class Activities and Writing Assignments
Worksheet 7: Proof and Language Development
ESSAYS FOR ANALYSIS
Anna Quindlen, "Undocumented, Indispensable"
This essay addresses the state of illegal immigration and undocumented workers in the United States
Rush Limbaugh, "Sexual Harassment and the Feminist 'Front'"
This author gives his views on feminism and sexual harassment
8 Writing the Argument Analysis Paper: Review and Synthesis
Reading for the Argument Analysis Paper
Writing the Argument Analysis Paper
Rhetorical Situation for "A Call for Unity: A Letter from Eight White Clergymen" and Martin Luther King Jr's "Letter from Birmingham Jail"
Focus Topics to Help You Analyze the Letters
LETTERS FOR ANALYSIS
A Call for Unity: A Letter from Eight White Clergymen
This letter, written by eight white clergymen in Alabama, prompted Martin Luther King Jr's famouse response
Martin Luther King Jr, "Letter from Birmingham Jail"
This is the letter King wrote in jail, justifying his participation in the civil rights movement. It is a classical argument.
Review Questions
Class Activities and Writing Assignments
PART III: Writing and Presenting Arguments
9 Analyzing and Creating Visual Argument
Recognizing Visual Argument
Why Visual Argument is Convincing: Eight Special Features
Using Argument Theory to Critique Visual Argument
Bias in Visual Argument
Sample Analysis of a Visual Argument
Add Visual Argument to Support Written Argument
Create Visual Arguments that Stand Alone
Class Activities and Writing Assignments
Worksheet 8: Visual Argument Development
VISUAL ARGUMENTS FOR ANALYSIS
Cartoon: Get Out!
A visual argument for analysis
Karen Hernandez, "Never Again"
A student explains and analyzes her visual argument.
Color Portfolio of Visual Arguments and Questions for Dicussion and Writing
Plate 1: Mexican Immigrants Crossing into the United States
Plate 2: Exploring an Issue Through Images: Walling Off Your Enemies: The Long View, 4 Images
Plate 3: Walling Off Your Enemies: The Long View, cont'd; 2 images
Plate 4: The Creation of Adam; Play Ball
Plate 5: Robot with Grappler Holding a Wounded Palestinian; Hands
Plate 6: American Soldiers; 2 images
Plate 7: People and Guns; 2 images
Plate 8: Two Student Examples of Visual Argument: Colalge and Installation
10 Writing the Rogerian Argument Paper
Achiviecing Common Ground in Rogerian Argument
Rogerian Argument as Strategy
Writing Rogerian Argument
Variations of Rogerian Argument
The Advantages and Disadvantages of Rogerian Argument
Review Questions
Class Activities and Writing Assignments
ESSAYS FOR ANALYSIS
Edward O. Wilson, "The Future of LIfe"
The author describes how to find common ground between two groups who usually disagree
Eric Hartman, "Let Those Who Ride Decide!"
This student Rogerian argument explains the tensions between those who advocate wearing motorcycle helmets and those who resist such a ruling
Elizabeth Nabhan, "Dear Boss"
A student Rogerian argument written in letter form to her boss to try to improve her job-related duties and responsibilities
11 Writing the Researched Position Paper
Classical Organization of Arguments
Classical and Modern Organization
Use Organizational Patterns to Help You Think and Organize
Incorporate Ideas from your Exploratory Paper
How to Match Patterns and Cross-Reference Your Notes
Incorporating Research into Your First Draft
Make Revisions and Prepare the Final Copy
Review Questions
Class Activities and Writing Assignments
Worksheet 9: Invention
Appendix 1: How to Document Sources Using MLA and APA Styles
How to Document Sources Using MLA Style
MLA: How to Cite Sources in the Body of the Text
MLA: How to Cite Sources in the Works Cited Page
Student Researched Position Paper in MLA Style
Prisna Virasin, "The Big Barbie Controversy"
A researched position paper in MLA style that claims Barbie is neither good nor bad, only a scapegoat.
How to Document Sources Using APA Style
APA: How to Cite Sources in the Body of the Text
APA: How to Cite Sources in the References Page
Student Researched Position Paper in APA Style
Darrell D. Greer, "Alaskan Wolf Management"
Appendix 2: Summary Charts
Trace: The Rhetorical Situation
The Toulmin Model
Types of Claims
Types of Proof and Tests of Validity
1 Recognizing Argument and Finding Issues
A Definition of Argument
Why Study Argument?
Recognizing Traditional and Consensual Argument
Evaluating Traditional and Consensual Argument
Distinguish between Ethical and Unethical Argument
What Is Your Personal Style of Argument?
Under What Conditions Does Argument Work Best?
Under What Conditions Does Argument Fail?
Engaging with Issues
Review Questions
ESSAY FOR ANALYSIS:
Chris Piper, "'A' is for 'Absent'"
A student argues against attendance policies in college that penalize students by lowering their grades for excessive absences.
2 The Rhetorical Situation: Understanding Audience and Context
Analyze the Rhetorical Situation When You Read an Argument
Use the Rhetorical Situation When You Write an Argument
Conducting An Audience Analysis
Review Questions
Class Activities and Writing Assignments
Worksheet 1: Rhetorical Situation
Worksheet 2: Audience Analysis
ESSAYS FOR ANALYSIS:
Charles M. Blow, "Welcome to the Club"
The author examines the issue of racial profiling, using facts and personal narrative
Prisna Virasin, "The Barbie Controversy"
This student issue proposal examines the controversy associated with Barbie dolls.
3 Learning More about Issues: Conducting Research
Begin with What You Know
Locating Sources for Research
Evaluate Sources and Select the Best
Create a Bibliography
Survey, Read, and Add Annotations to Your Bibliography
Develop a System for Taking and Organizing Your Notes
Avoid Plagarism
Review Questions
Class Activities and Writing Assignments
Worksheet 3: Research Plan
Worksheet 4: Research Evaluation
ESSAY FOR ANALYSIS:
Angela A. Boatwright, "Human Cloaning: An Annotated Bibliography"
This is a student-written annotated bibliography about human cloning
4 Writing the Exploratory Paper
What Is an Exploratory Paper?
How Do You Write Now?
Prewriting Strategies
Writing the First Draft
Break through Writer's Block
Revise the Draft
How to Write an Exploratory Paper
Submitting Your Paper for Peer Review
Review Questions
Class Activities and Writing Assignments
Worksheet 5: Exploratory Paper
ESSAYS FOR ANALYSIS:
Jeff D. Opdyke, "Kids and Chores: All Work and No Pay?"
This author considers different perspectives on how to pay children for doing the chores
Prisna Virasin, "The Controversy behind Barbie"
This student-written exploratory paper explains different perspecitves on the Barbie doll controversy
PART II: Using Argument Theory for Reading and Writing
5 The Toulmin Model of Argument: Understanding the Parts
The Parts of an Argument according to the Toulmin Model
Value of the Toulmin model for Reading and Writing Argument
Review Questions
Class Activities and Writing Assignments
ESSAYS FOR ANALYSIS
Military Advertisement
Practice finding the claim, support, and warrants in an advertisement for joining the military.
Cartoon: The Price of Oranges
Use the Toulmin model to analyze a cartoon
Editorial: Brother, Can You Spare a Word?
This author argues that words and their connotations are important.
Use the Toulmin model to write an analysis
Mohamed T. Diaby Jr., "Toulmin Analysis of the Price of Oranges Cartoon"
This represents a student example of a Toulmin analysis of a cartoon
Richard D. Rieke and Malcolm O. Sillars, "American Value System"
The authors argue that individuals have value systems that can be categorized and, thus, help with an understanding of value warrants.
6 The Types of Claims: Establishing Purpose and Organization
Five Types of Claims
Mixed Claims
Claims and Argument in Real Life Situations
Value of the Claims and the Claim Questions for Reading and Writing Argument
Some Other Preliminary Questions to Help You Develop Your Claim
Review Questions
Class Activities and Writing Assignments
Worksheet 6: Claim Development
ESSAY FOR ANALYSIS
Peg Tyre, "Bringing Up Adolescents"
This author asks, When should adult children start paying their own way?
7 The Types of Proof: Supporting the Claim
The Traditional Categories of Proof
Types of Logical Proofs: Logos
Proofs that Build Credibility: Ethos
Types of Emotional Proof: Pathos
Value of the Proofs for Reading and Writing Argument
Logos, Ethos, and Pathos Communicated through Language and Style
How to Recognize Fallacies
Ethics and Morality in Argument
Review Questions
Class Activities and Writing Assignments
Worksheet 7: Proof and Language Development
ESSAYS FOR ANALYSIS
Anna Quindlen, "Undocumented, Indispensable"
This essay addresses the state of illegal immigration and undocumented workers in the United States
Rush Limbaugh, "Sexual Harassment and the Feminist 'Front'"
This author gives his views on feminism and sexual harassment
8 Writing the Argument Analysis Paper: Review and Synthesis
Reading for the Argument Analysis Paper
Writing the Argument Analysis Paper
Rhetorical Situation for "A Call for Unity: A Letter from Eight White Clergymen" and Martin Luther King Jr's "Letter from Birmingham Jail"
Focus Topics to Help You Analyze the Letters
LETTERS FOR ANALYSIS
A Call for Unity: A Letter from Eight White Clergymen
This letter, written by eight white clergymen in Alabama, prompted Martin Luther King Jr's famouse response
Martin Luther King Jr, "Letter from Birmingham Jail"
This is the letter King wrote in jail, justifying his participation in the civil rights movement. It is a classical argument.
Review Questions
Class Activities and Writing Assignments
PART III: Writing and Presenting Arguments
9 Analyzing and Creating Visual Argument
Recognizing Visual Argument
Why Visual Argument is Convincing: Eight Special Features
Using Argument Theory to Critique Visual Argument
Bias in Visual Argument
Sample Analysis of a Visual Argument
Add Visual Argument to Support Written Argument
Create Visual Arguments that Stand Alone
Class Activities and Writing Assignments
Worksheet 8: Visual Argument Development
VISUAL ARGUMENTS FOR ANALYSIS
Cartoon: Get Out!
A visual argument for analysis
Karen Hernandez, "Never Again"
A student explains and analyzes her visual argument.
Color Portfolio of Visual Arguments and Questions for Dicussion and Writing
Plate 1: Mexican Immigrants Crossing into the United States
Plate 2: Exploring an Issue Through Images: Walling Off Your Enemies: The Long View, 4 Images
Plate 3: Walling Off Your Enemies: The Long View, cont'd; 2 images
Plate 4: The Creation of Adam; Play Ball
Plate 5: Robot with Grappler Holding a Wounded Palestinian; Hands
Plate 6: American Soldiers; 2 images
Plate 7: People and Guns; 2 images
Plate 8: Two Student Examples of Visual Argument: Colalge and Installation
10 Writing the Rogerian Argument Paper
Achiviecing Common Ground in Rogerian Argument
Rogerian Argument as Strategy
Writing Rogerian Argument
Variations of Rogerian Argument
The Advantages and Disadvantages of Rogerian Argument
Review Questions
Class Activities and Writing Assignments
ESSAYS FOR ANALYSIS
Edward O. Wilson, "The Future of LIfe"
The author describes how to find common ground between two groups who usually disagree
Eric Hartman, "Let Those Who Ride Decide!"
This student Rogerian argument explains the tensions between those who advocate wearing motorcycle helmets and those who resist such a ruling
Elizabeth Nabhan, "Dear Boss"
A student Rogerian argument written in letter form to her boss to try to improve her job-related duties and responsibilities
11 Writing the Researched Position Paper
Classical Organization of Arguments
Classical and Modern Organization
Use Organizational Patterns to Help You Think and Organize
Incorporate Ideas from your Exploratory Paper
How to Match Patterns and Cross-Reference Your Notes
Incorporating Research into Your First Draft
Make Revisions and Prepare the Final Copy
Review Questions
Class Activities and Writing Assignments
Worksheet 9: Invention
Appendix 1: How to Document Sources Using MLA and APA Styles
How to Document Sources Using MLA Style
MLA: How to Cite Sources in the Body of the Text
MLA: How to Cite Sources in the Works Cited Page
Student Researched Position Paper in MLA Style
Prisna Virasin, "The Big Barbie Controversy"
A researched position paper in MLA style that claims Barbie is neither good nor bad, only a scapegoat.
How to Document Sources Using APA Style
APA: How to Cite Sources in the Body of the Text
APA: How to Cite Sources in the References Page
Student Researched Position Paper in APA Style
Darrell D. Greer, "Alaskan Wolf Management"
Appendix 2: Summary Charts
Trace: The Rhetorical Situation
The Toulmin Model
Types of Claims
Types of Proof and Tests of Validity