Thursday, March 17, 2011

Recap

Today in class:

1. Freewrite on-line

2. Argumentation--video (handout from Diana Hacker's Rules for Writers (pp. 344-368 5th Ed; 371-380 6th Ed.) Read handout for homework. You do not have to do the exercises on the last two pages. We will complete the exercises in groups in class.

3. The Known World - Homework, Find a published review of the book using a library database. Bring the article to class. Post a summary after class. Handout from book (Author interview and a list of characters). Read it.

4. Cyber-Assignment due before class:
Post a response to Argumentation video. What is argumentation? Discuss 4 points about argumentation you learned, that perhaps you were unaware of.

What is another term (one word) for argumentation? What is an objective argument?

Discuss 4 points made that mirror those already discussed in WLTC. Be specific and use page numbers from WLTC.

Why is audience important? Why did Norm need an example? How did Fred's need for a new van help explain how to write an argument?

Summarize the key points of the discussion on argumentation.

3 comments:

  1. Sandahl von Sydow
    Professor Sabir
    English 5
    March 21, 2011


    Another word for argument is debate.

    I've taken critical thinking classes before, so arguments and the different methods of argumentation are not new to me. There wasn't anything in the video that I haven't come across before. The only thing new were the more technical terms associated with arguments, such as syllogism.

    The movie does detail the basics very well. Even if the acting was bad. An argument is a very useful tool that can be used by a variety of people in a variety of professions. They used the character, Fred, and his need for a van as an example of constructing an argument.

    The character's started out by determining who Fred's audience was. In his case, it is the Board of Finance. They then had to go through the evidence Fred had to support his argument. A lot of the process dealt with weeding out his personal opinions on his situation. Fred did provide a useful piece of evidence for himself in the form of an estimate from a licensed mechanic. The group also formulated a counterargument and refutation that addressed Fred's audience's financial concerns.

    Fred's situation helped Norm out by giving him an opportunity to construct an argument that he could later use as an example in his presentation. Throughout the process of constructing his argument, Norm's beloved technical terms, like syllogism, came up without having to be explicitly defined.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Andrea Giang
    Professor Sabir
    English 5
    20 March 2011

    Argumentation is when someone makes a point and backs it up with evidence. Terms are secondary in an argument. The most important part is to try to get your ideas across to your audience. The person making the argument has to present the argument in the best possible way. In an argument, deductive reasoning is when you use general statements to conclude something specific. Inductive reasoning is when you use specific statements to prove something general. A key point in arguments is to anticipant what your opponent will say. If you spend more time trying to figure out what your opponent will say, you will be ready to argue against them.

    Another word for argumentation is syllogism. This is a three-step argument that leads from premises to a conclusion. An objective argument is when an argument is based on facts and supported by facts.

    A few points that mirror Writing Logically, Thinking Critically are that there are two forms of reasoning, deductive and inductive. Deductive reasoning is when an argument moves from general statements to a conclusion that is specific. Inductive reasoning is when an argument moves from specific statements to a conclusion that is generalized. The person arguing should anticipate what their opponent will say and know how to respond to those points. If you cite an expert, you have to make sure that they know what they are talking about.

    An audience is important because they are the ones the debater is trying to persuade. The side the audience chooses is based on how well the arguer presented his or her points and evidence. Norm needed an example to understand how to form an argument. Fred’s need for a new van helps explain how to write an argument because it allowed everyone to participate in writing one. They could form the reasons why a new van is needed and concede the opponent’s points but refute the other side’s argument.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Andrea Giang
    Professor Sabir
    English 5
    20 March 2011

    Argumentation is when someone makes a point and backs it up with evidence. Terms are secondary in an argument. The most important part is to try to get your ideas across to your audience. The person making the argument has to present the argument in the best possible way. In an argument, deductive reasoning is when you use general statements to conclude something specific. Inductive reasoning is when you use specific statements to prove something general. A key point in arguments is to anticipant what your opponent will say. If you spend more time trying to figure out what your opponent will say, you will be ready to argue against them.

    Another word for argumentation is syllogism. This is a three-step argument that leads from premises to a conclusion. An objective argument is when an argument is based on facts and supported by facts.

    A few points that mirror Writing Logically, Thinking Critically are that there are two forms of reasoning, deductive and inductive. Deductive reasoning is when an argument moves from general statements to a conclusion that is specific. Inductive reasoning is when an argument moves from specific statements to a conclusion that is generalized. The person arguing should anticipate what their opponent will say and know how to respond to those points. If you cite an expert, you have to make sure that they know what they are talking about.

    An audience is important because they are the ones the debater is trying to persuade. The side the audience chooses is based on how well the arguer presented his or her points and evidence. Norm needed an example to understand how to form an argument. Fred’s need for a new van helps explain how to write an argument because it allowed everyone to participate in writing one. They could form the reasons why a new van is needed and concede the opponent’s points but refute the other side’s argument.

    ReplyDelete

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