Unit #2 --Rhetoric and why we should care

IN our first unit we talked about literacy language and schoolinghow language shapes our
identity and the challenges that confront different groups especially
Now we move from the questions of language to examining how language is used to persuade
and incite listeners to action. The study of persuasion is called rhetoric. We see it in action every
day. Central to understanding how rhetoric functions is to understand the ways to structure an
argument.
Arguments

Should be a practical response to an issue which is important to your audience and to you;
Be relevant and timely
Centered on what is practical and possible
Outline what the audience has to gain from your argument
Your argument should fit your purpose

Kinds of Arguments
Characteristics To Build
Toulmi
n

Six terms
Claim
Reasons
Support
Warrant
Backing
Rebuttal

Middle Summarize main

positions
Groun
Create a middle
d
ground between
extreme
positions

Rogeri Built on fair and

compassionate
an

presentations of
differing
viewpoints
Acknowledges the
other argument
without judgment
Importance of
listening
Works to create
positive dialogue
Focus on a person,
Micro
history event or place

State your position

Give Reasons
Provide Logical,
ethical and
emotional
supports
Emphasize shared
values
Introduce the
issue
Explain why a
moderate/middle
approach is good
now
Summarize other
positions fairly and
evaluate
Explain your
approach
Identify common
ground
Accurate bias-free
description of an
opposing view

Uses
Persuade the
audience of the
rightness of your
position

Good when groups

are far apart
Explores moderate,
practical claims

Tries to find
common ground
between your
position and that of
others
Needs to see other
points of view

Introduce the
subject of the
micro-history
Explain interest in
subject and
questions you
want to answer
Provide context of

Use when what you

have to say differs
from conventional
understanding of a
person, place event
you are studying

the person, event,

or place using
research
Show implications
Deliver claim at
end
Voice questions
and uncertainties

Three General Kinds of Support

Type
Definition

Logos
Appeal based
on facts,
statistics,
studies

Ethos
Appeal based on
ones authority,
expertise or
credibility (good

Pathos
Appeal to
emotion

sense, good moral

character, and goodwillAristotle)

How the arguer is

perceived by the
audience in terms
of trustworthiness
Examples

Stats Canada Personal

statistics
anecdotes/testimo
nials
Scientific
data
Expertise
(credentials,
Scholarly
recognition)
research
findings
Unbiased
consideration of
Physical laws
opposite ideas
tables
Careful
presentation of
support (accuracy,
concise, clean)

Anecdotesbrief, real,
and concise
Photographs
Graphics