Exordium: The writer tries to win the audiences attention.
Naratio: The writer puts the argument in context by explaining facts.
Partitio: The writer explains the order divides up the subject.
Confirmatio: The writer used logical reasoning and factual evidence to support the claim.
Refutatio: The writer acknowledges and refutes the opposing claim.
Peroratio: The writer summarizes the claim then explains the action to take place.
Many pieces of wiring use this technique to explain and argue a claim, from the writing a student does in class, to the Declaration of independence. Sometimes the reader doesn't even notice these strategies were used. Another important term is Rogerian arguments. This is when a person should stop and listen and comprehend the argument being presented before jumping into conclusions and arguing. There is also a Toulmin argument which is a system of reasoning that starts with a claim.
Some techniques in developing claims are as follows:
Personal Experience
Anecdotes
Facts
Something I thought was interesting as well as entertaining in this chapter was the section on making sure that one fully understands an argument before diving into either defending or opposing it. This is something that can be very embarrassing if it is in a serious situation. The example the text used was a humorous environment, Saturday Night Live. There was a skit where Gilda Radner plays a character who mishears a word and argues on about it. When Chevy Chase corrects her, she then just simply says " Never Mind." I thought this was funny because this happens to people sometimes in real life as well.
This relates to real life because it is very common for some people to jump to conclusions without having full knowledge of the situation. This can be in all sorts of situations, but some people just always have to be right. It is a really good skill to have to be able to wait and fully comprehend as well as fully listen before diving into an argument.
I thought your discussion on understanding arguments before diving into them was right on the money. Many people have beliefs and positions on arguments simply because that is what they think they should feel about the topic, and not because they have thought about every piece of the argument and decided what is logical. I think the most common example of this is in politics. It is very common for teenagers and young adults to take their parents' political stance on a situation simply because they think that what their parents believe is probably right. This is ok when minors are forming their political leanings, but when it comes time to understand political situations and act on your beliefs, it is important that you know what those beliefs actually are.
ReplyDeleteHowever, understanding arguments thoroughly is also important in school. I have to write detailed and specific argumentative papers for one of my classes, and I often spend as much time mapping out the complex argument that I am going to be writing about as I do forming my own argument. Nothing is worse than getting half way through a paper and realizing that the side you are arguing against actually makes more sense to you than the one you’re arguing for. This often happens because the obvious support for an argument isn’t always the most persuasive, and there are many layers and facets that make an argument completely foolproof. Understanding these layers is the key to an effective argument.
When I read this chapter I felt like I understood just "enough" of it, but after reading your blog I really feel like I understand it completely now. I really love the way you set up all of the definitions in order to explain it. You highlighted the important parts by indenting and making it a different color which often times helps reader (especially me) remember the actual meaning of things. I believe those techniques are highly effective, well for me at least. You have a lot of voice in your writing and that really helps as well. The picture is like the cherry on top, I love blogs that have some sort of visual to help prove whatever point you are trying to make. Plus it makes doing our homework a little fun.
ReplyDeleteNot only did you have a strong way of deliberating your subject, but you also did a good job on explaining it. You pointed out that you found it interesting how it is important to fully understand an argument before diving into it. I completely agree, I feel like many times people find themselves arguing the same thing just in different ways. (personal experience) Also, you talked about Regerian arguments which is the the when people stop and listen before making up their own conclusion. Not only is that important in an argument, but everything period. Over all, good job o your blog I truly enjoyed reading it :)