Download Parts of an Argumentative Essay Test Review

Parts of an Argumentative Essay Review
Parts of an introduction paragraph:
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Grabber/Hook
o Gets the reader’s attention
Description of issue
Thesis Statement: the writer’s position or point of view on an issue
o Subject
o Claim
o 3 Supporting ideas
Transitional Sentence
Body paragraph(s):
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Explains the supporting detail(s)
Gives evidence, like details and examples, to support
o Reasons: the points or opinions the writer gives to show why the claim should be accepted.
o Evidence: a more specific type of support that usually draws from or quotes a primary or
secondary source.
Opposing Claim/Counterclaim:
o Adds to a writer’s credibility because it shows that he or she is knowledgeable about the issues.
o When writing a counterclaim, a writer first recognizes an opposing viewpoint and then argues
against it
*Sometimes people believe that their reasons should be sufficient to win an argument, but
arguments without evidence don’t often succeed.
Parts of a concluding paragraph:
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Restate Opinion
Summarizes supporting details
Closing statement or call to action
Ethos, Pathos, and Logos:
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Aristotle, a Greek Philosopher, created the concept as tools for persuasive language.
Ethos:
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Greek word meaning ‘character’.
It is an appeal to authority and credibility.
Convincing an audience of the reliable character or credibility of the speaker/writer, or the credibility
of the argument.
It is an important tool of persuasion because if you can get your audience to see you (or your
argument) as credible and trustworthy, it will be much easier to persuade them.
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Example:
o "As a doctor, I am qualified to tell you that this course of treatment will likely generate the best
results."
Pathos:
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Greek word meaning ‘suffering’ or ‘experience’,
Used in persuasive speech as an appeal to the emotions of the audience.
The way of creating a persuasive argument by evoking an emotional response in the audience/reader.
Use pathos when trying to persuade, by appealing to an audience’s hopes and dreams, playing on their
fears or worries, or appealing to their particular beliefs or ideals.
Example:
"If we don’t move soon, we’re all going to die! Can’t you see how dangerous it would be to stay?"
Logos:
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Greek word meaning ‘a word’ or ‘reason’.
It is an appeal to logic and reason
Used to persuade an audience by logical thought, fact and rationality.
Can be a useful tool of persuasion because if you can ‘prove’ an argument through logical and sound
reasoning, your audience is more likely to be persuaded.
Example:
o "The data is perfectly clear: this investment has consistently turned a profit year-over-year,
even in spite of market declines in other areas."
Practice thesis statement:
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Should community service be a requirement for graduation from high school?
Subject:
Thesis:
Claim:
3 Supporting Ideas: