3. Logos
• Effective presentation of the argument
• Quality of the thesis/claim, the
evidence, and the organization
• Logos relies on logic or reason
• Depends on the use of inductive or
deductive reasoning
4. Using Logic: Inductive Reasoning
• Scientific method
• Collect evidence on which to base a
generalization
• Specific Examples- General Statement
• Most common
5. Using Logic: Deductive Reasoning
• More formal & complex
• Generalization- Specific Conclusion
• Syllogism
– Major Premise
– Minor Premise
– Conclusion
6. Avoiding Logical Fallacies
• Oversimplification
• Generalization
• Post Hoc
• Circular Reasoning
• False Analogy
• Either/or thinking
• Non Sequitur
• Ad hominem
10. The president of a
corporation praises his
employees’ productivity
but then claims that the
conference room needs
more plants.
11. Romantic comedies are
the best type of movie
because romantic
comedies are better
than horror
movies, dramas, other
comedies,
and foreign films.
12. We need to continue
testing medicine on
animals. If we stop, we’ll
never again find another
cure for a disease.
13. Ethos
• Based on the character, credibility, or
reliability of the writer. Establish this by:
– Using only credible, reliable sources and cite
properly
– Respecting the reader by stating the
opposing position accurately
– Establishing common ground with your
audience.
– Disclosing why you are interested in this topic
or what personal experiences you have had
with the topic
– Organizing your argument in a logical, easy
to follow manner
– Proofreading the argument
14. Pathos
• Emotional appeal
• Appeals to an audience's needs,
values, and emotional sensibilities.
• Sources:
– Interviews
– Anecdotes
16. Claims
• Thesis Statement
• Position that the writer will argue for
• Appears in introduction
• 4 Types:
– Claim of Fact
– Claim of Value
– Claim of Policy/Statement
– Claim of Cause and Effect
17. Evidence
• Sources:
– Facts & statistics
– Examples & narratives
– Quotations
• Criteria:
– Accuracy: taken from reliable sources
– Representation: reflect reality
– Relevance: current
– Adequacy: sufficient and appropriate
19. Counterclaims & Rebuttals
• Consider and acknowledge well-
known opposing arguments. Why?
• Offer evidence that either negates,
disagrees, or weakens the
counterclaim. Why?
21. Choosing a Topic
• Ask yourself:
– Does the topic interest you?
– Is this idea generally accepted?
– Have you considered both sides?
– Is it appropriate in scope?
• If not, include specific
information, connections, and reasons. Try it
with these:
– American high schools do not adequately prepare
students for college.
– The drinking age should be changed.
22. Considering the Audience
What are the interests and values of your
audience?
Has your audience already established a
position?
What evidence or reasons will they find
compelling?
What is the temperament of your audience?
• Establish tone
• Establish common ground with your audience
• State positions that you have in common
• Designate areas of mutual
agreement/possible compromise
23. Organization
• Introduction:
– Set the context by reviewing the topic in a general way.
– Explain why the topic is important or why readers should
care about the issue.
– Present a clear, concise, and defined thesis statement.
• Body Paragraphs
– Each paragraph should be limited to the discussion of one
general idea
– Must have some logical connection to the thesis statement
– Explain how and why the evidence supports the thesis
• Conclusion
– Restate why the topic is important, review the main
points, and review your thesis.
– Offer a suggestion for future research and/or implications