The Argument

Based on “ The Lively Art of Writing” by Lucile Vaughan Payne

Three Text Types

• 1. Argument

• 2. Informational/Explanatory

• 3. Narrative

Debbie Dean

Purpose

Debbie Dean

Persuasion vs. Argument

Debbie Dean

Is it argument or persuasion?

1. Create a ThesisTopic to Opinion to Thesis

• Topic- Drag Racing

• Opinion- Drag racing is awesome.

• Thesis- Today’s drag racer is primarily an automotive engineer, as eager to test his theories as to win races.

2. Pro and Con Arguments

• Drivers become expert mechanics

• Pride in workmanship• Respect for the rules

of drag racing• Safety important

• Dangers of drag racing

• Drivers irresponsible• Destructiveness• Noisy

3. Introduction- Get to your point!

Open with a broad statement and then narrow down to your thesis.

The American buggy race is a thing of the past, but its spirit is not. It lives on today at thousands of drag strips in almost every part of the country. Drag racing is not only a test of speed, but of knowledge. Today’s drag racer is primarily an automotive engineer, as eager to test his theories as to win races.

The Body

1. Make the necessary concessions to the opposition as soon as possible.

2. Devote at least one paragraph to every major pro argument.

3. Save your best argument for last.

4. The number of body paragraphs depends on how many points you want to cover.

Admittedly, drag racing has a certain element of danger……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….However, ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

Con into Pro

Body Paragraph 1

Body Paragraph 2

Furthermore, the dedicated hotrod enthusiast takes great pride in his work…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

All Pro

Body Paragraph 2

In fact, the typical dragger probably knows more about safety devices and rules than …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

All Pro

Body Paragraph 2

Most important of all, …………………………….. ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

All Pro

Save your strongest argument for last!

Conclusion

• Your conclusion begins with the thesis and widens gradually toward a final broad statement.

• Restate your thesis in different words.

• Summarize your body paragraphs without repeating exactly.

▲

Conclusion

An automotive engineer, an expert driver, a specialist in safely- that is the real definition of today’s drag racer. The society he lives in has been shaped by the automobile, and drag racing is as natural to him as buggy racing was to generations past. Much can be learned from today’s drag racer.

▲

Your Assignment

• Write an argument essay taking the con position on drag racing.

Rhetoric in Action

• http://www.americanrhetoric.com/

• http://writing2.richmond.edu/writing/wweb/argument.html