Persuasion: Longman Reader Chapter 11
Jump to Chapter Review Notes, Assignment, Revision Suggestions
persuasion- tries to convince readers of a the soundness of a particular opinion on a controversial issue
Logic logos-soundness of the argument
pathos-emotional power of the language
ethos-credibility or integrity of the author or speaker
Know your audience
1. supportive can use pathos + logos
2. wavering needs ethos + logos
3. hostile logos (not pathos!)
Suggestions for Writing:
1. Identify the controversy and your position
2. Provide strong support (often including research)
3. Create goodwill
4. Organize-usually emphatically
5. Acknowledge dissenting views (accede opposition's valid points)
6. Refute differing viewpoints
7. Recognize logical fallacies (post hoc, non sequitur, ad hominem, either-or, faulty authority, begging the question, false analogy, red herring)
Assignment: Write a 800-1200 word persuasive essay that includes documentation from a minimum of 6 sources. Must have a title page and Works Cited. See research page for more information.
Revision Suggestions for Persuasion:
Focus
1. Does the thesis statement identify the controversy and the position?
2. Do the body paragraph topic sentences outline the basic arguments?
3. Are there any logical fallacies?
Support
1. Are quotes incorporated smoothly?
2. Is there documented evidence to back up reasons?
3. Are there at least 6 sources cited in the body of the paper?
4. Are the works cited entries done correctly?
Organization
1. Are there clear bridging sentences or transitions linking paragraphs?
2. Do the transitions used show proper relationships?
3. Where is the opposition recognized?
Conventions
manuscript format, short and long quotes, parenthetical references
Integration
persuasive, use of sources, no plagiarism