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Leslie D. Hannah Department of English University of Oklahoma
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Unit Five: Argument In this final unit, students shall gain a foundational understanding of the Toulmin Schema of argumentation. This will be of great benefit in English 1213. The essay for this unit shall be an in-class Bluebook essay examination during the scheduled final examination period. The students shall argue for the grade they feel they have earned during the semester. A list of grade criteria shall be distributed to the students immediately before the examination begins. Readings for this unit shall be chapters 16, 17, 18, and 19 from The St. Martins Guide to Writing The Aims of Argument Argument is NOT fighting. Argument (the assertion of a claim, an opinion, supported by a reason or reasons) is not an end in itself; rather, we construct arguments to achieve something else. The major ends or aims of argument are as follows: Inquiry- forming our opinions or questioning those we already have. The purpose of inquiry is to find and articulate what is true for us. Genuine classroom discussions are good examples of argument as inquiry. Convincing - gaining assent from others through case-making. In inquiry we look for reasons that convince us; in convincing we look for reasons that will gain the assent of our audience or readership. Good examples of convincing are a lawyer's brief or the justification a newspaper offers for supporting a political candidate. Persuasion - moving others to action through rational, emotional, personal, and stylistic appeals. Persuasion is convincing plus; that is, it uses reasons integrated with the other forms of appeal. Political speeches, sermons, and advertising are instances of arguing to persuade. Negotiation - exploring differences of opinion in the hope of reaching agreement and/or cooperation. The aim of negotiation is to build consensus, usually by making and asking for concessions. Argument as negotiation is typical of diplomacy, labor relations, and organizational decision-making. It is also common between friends and family members. |