Argument vs Persuasion vs Propaganda

Evidence matters!

Learning TargetsArgumentative Reading UnitLT 1: I can analyze the impact of an author’s specific word choices on meaning and tone.

LT 2: I can determine an author’s point of view or purpose in a text.

LT 3: I can analyze how an author distinguishes his/her point of view from that of others.

LT 4: I can identify the arguments and specific claims presented in a text.

LT 5: I can evaluate the arguments and specific claims in a text.

LT 6: I can assess whether the reasoning in an argument is sound.

LT 7: I can assess whether the evidence is sufficient to support a claim.

LT 8: I can present claims and findings in a focused, coherent manner.

LT 9: I can use appropriate eye contact, adequate volume, and clear pronunciation in presentations.

+ 3When you think of argument, does it look something like this?

+ 4

How would you describe the argument you just saw?

ONE WORD...

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+ 5Next example-Background on the situation

This video was taken by a local parent when the family was in an airport on a trip. As part of routine security measure, the TSA official asks the parent if she can pat down the family’s 6-year-old daughter.

QuickTime™ and a decompressor

are needed to see this picture.

+ 6

The family’s argument…

+ 7

How does this argument compare the the first one we viewed?

THINKPAIR SHARE

+ 8

When is arguing a good thing?

When you’re…presenting reasons and evidence to reach a conclusionwhile remaining calmcomposed unemotional

Why You Should Know the Difference•Most college writing is ARGUMENT writing--you

need to support ideas LOGICALLY with EVIDENCE.

•If you do not analyze the writer’s purpose, you may get suckered into believing something that isn’t logical.

•If you do not recognize the manipulation of propaganda, you will fall prey to advertisements and political ads--then you will make a poor purchase OR cast a poor vote.

Essential VocabularyArgumentative Reading Unit

(copy these definitions on your paper)

specific word choices--the words and phrases an author uses to express a point of view

author’s point of view--the author’s opinion or viewpoint (indicated by his/her word choice and connotations)

author’s purpose--the specific reason an author writes a text

argument--the author’s overall position or stance on an issue

claims--the reasons or main ideas used to prove the argument

counterargument--the way an author addresses the opposing position; this is how an author distinguishes his/her opinion from that of others

evaluate, assess--judge the effectiveness or quality of

evidence (NOT textual evidence)--the specific details an author uses to support a claim (which is used to prove the writer’s argument)

reasoning--support for conclusions made through logical thought

sound evidence--evidence that is logical and true

sufficient evidence--using ENOUGH evidence to clearly and strongly support an argument

coherent--logically organized

What’s the Difference?

• An argument focuses on proving or disproving a point for the reader

• Uses logical reasoning and factual evidence to prove a point; based on research; considers others’ perspectives on the issue

• Includes a counterargument to address the opposing position

• Persuasion focuses on influencing/changing others’ beliefs and actions

•Uses a blend of facts and opinions to make others do or believe something; might consider others’ perspectives on the issue

•Only includes a counterargument if it helps the writer change someone’s mind

•Propaganda focuses on making others accept the writer’s beliefs without thinking

•Uses assumptions and biases to manipulate your emotions; uses little or no evidence or logic; only considers its own message

•Ignores all counterarguments; may even lie about them

Argument Persuasion Propaganda

Red = writer’s goalRed = writer’s goalPurple = techniques Purple = techniques

usedusedGreen = Green =

counterargumentcounterargument

Examples• Argument--“Mothers Against Drunk Driving”

• What is the ARGUMENT posed in this PSA?

• What facts are used as EVIDENCE to support this argument?

• Evaluate the evidence given in this PSA. Is it sound, sufficient, or both? Explain.

• Persuasion--2012 Romney campaign ad

• What is the PURPOSE of this campaign ad?

• What facts does Romney give? What opinions?

• Why does Romney talk about his opponent, Barack Obama?

• Is Romney’s evidence sound, sufficient, BOTH, or NEITHER? Explain.

• Propaganda--German Election poster from the 1932 Presidential Election

• Who is the targeted audience of this poster? What is the purpose of this poster?

• What claim does this poster use to accomplish its purpose? Evaluate the effectiveness of this claim. Explain your opinion.

• Does this poster give sufficient evidence to support its claim? Explain.

““German German Women Women Think of Think of

Your Your Children”Children”

““Vote Vote Hitler”Hitler”

From the

From the

1932 1932

German

German

Presidential

Presidential

Elections

Elections

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