Writing Arguments

720 Pages·2012·43.96 MB·English

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Writing Arguments
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Why Do You Need
This New Edition?
If you re wondering why you
0 New Toulmin Analysis charts represent complicated concepts
should buy this new edition of such as the Toulmin system of argument in a visual way,
helping you see the underlying conceptual structure of an
Writing Arguments, here are eleven
argument and make effective arguments in your course
great reasons! (Ch. 4, 11 15).
1 Thoroughly revised Chapters 11 15 (Part 4) on different
* A new full color design visually differentiates key ideas, mak- types of arguments have been rewritten to improve clarity
ing reading a user-friendly experienceand ensuring it is and ease of use,removing a language of mathematic vari-
easier for you to find important information. ables (x and y) and replacing it with simpler, clearer
instruction.
+ A new Chapter 8, Analyzing Arguments Rhetorically, shows
you how to read arguments critically so you will be able to 2 New illustrations of research sources show you where to
identify and explain the strategies writers use to per- find author, title, and publication information so that
suade their audiences. you can cite and document your research correctly(Ch.
17).
, New Writing Assignments in Parts 1, 2, and 3 on analysis,
invention, planning, drafting, and revising include both 10 Up-to-date MLA and APA citation examples, including exam-
instruction and samples to guide you as you build your ples of the most recent style changes, show you how to
argument skills. correctly cite and document sources in your research
papers(Ch. 17).
- New readings and visual arguments on current topics such
11 A dynamic e-book version of Writing Argumentsprovides
as immigration, video games, sports, and the connection
access to comprehensive writing, research, editing, and
between gender and math ability model the different argu-
grammar resources within MyCompLab to give you extra
ment types your instructor may assign.
practice with your writing skills.
. New student essays include several that are researched to
help you see how to integrate researched material into
your argument as well as how to cite and document it.
/ New Organization Plan diagrams for various types of argu-
ments show you how to introduce, develop, and conclude
your own arguments.
A01_RAMA8368_08_SE_FM.QXD 12/12/08 7:54 AM Page iii
Writing Arguments
A Rhetoric with Readings
Eighth Edition
John D. Ramage
Arizona State University
John C. Bean
Seattle University
June Johnson
Seattle University
Longman
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Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data
Ramage, John D.
Writing arguments: a rhetoric with readings/John D. Ramage, John C. Bean, June Johnson. 8th ed.
p. cm.
Includes bibliographical references and index.
ISBN 978-0-205-64836-8
1. English language Rhetoric. 2. Persuasion (Rhetoric) 3. College readers. 4. Report writing.
I. Bean, John C. II. Johnson, June, 1953 III. Title.
PE1431.R33 2010
808'.0427 dc21
2008036898
Copyright © 2010 by Pearson Education, Inc.
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted,
in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without the prior written
permission of the publisher. Printed in the United States.
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 CRK 12 11 10 09
Complete Edition
ISBN-13: 978-0-205-64836-8
ISBN-10: 0-205-64836-3
Brief Edition
ISBN-13: 978-0-205-66576-1
ISBN-10: 0-205-66576-4
Concise Edition
ISBN-13: 978-0-205-66577-8
ISBN-10: 0-205-66577-2
A01_RAMA8368_08_SE_FM.QXD 12/12/08 7:54 AM Page v
Brief Contents
Detailed Contents vii
Preface xxvii
Acknowledgments xxxviii
Part One Overview of Argument 1
1 Argument: An Introduction 2
2 Argument as Inquiry: Reading and Exploring 24
Part Two Writing an Argument 59
3 The Core of an Argument: A Claim with Reasons 60
4 The Logical Structure of Arguments 73
5 Using Evidence Effectively 89
6 Moving Your Audience: Ethos, Pathos,and Kairos 109
7 Responding to Objections and Alternative Views 124
Part Three Analyzing Arguments 145
8 Analyzing Arguments Rhetorically 146
9 Analyzing Visual Arguments 165
Part Four Arguments in Depth: Five Types of Claims 199
10 An Introduction to the Types of Claims 200
11 Definitional Arguments 210
12 Causal Arguments 237
13 Resemblance Arguments 264
14 Evaluation and Ethical Arguments 284
15 Proposal Arguments 310
Part Five The Researched Argument 343
16 Finding and Evaluating Sources 344
17 Using, Citing, and Documenting Sources 368
v
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vi Brief Contents
Appendixes 401
1 Informal Fallacies 401
2 Small Group Strategies for Practicing Argument Skills 409
Part Six An Anthology of Arguments 423
An Overview of the Anthology 424
Web 2.0 and Online Identity 428
Video Games and Their Influence 448
The News Media: Responsible Production, Responsible Consumption 467
Immigration in the Twenty-First Century: Accommodation and Change 486
Women in Math and Science 505
Finding Soldiers: The Volunteer Army, Recruitment, and the Draft 528
Wal-Mart and the Public Good 557
Sustainability and the Search for Clean Energy 578
Biotech Agriculture and the Ethics of Food Production 599
Argument Classics 623
Credits 659
Index 665
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Detailed Contents
Preface xxvii
Acknowledgments xxxviii
Part One Overview of Argument 1
1
Argument: An Introduction 2
What Do We Mean by Argument? 2
Argument Is Not a Fight or a Quarrel 2
Argument Is Not Pro-Con Debate 3
Arguments Can Be Explicit or Implicit 3
LOUIS W. SULLIVAN, M.D., Let the Facts Decide, Not Fear: Ban AB 1108 6
A former secretary of health and human services opposes a ban on a chemical that
makes toys soft and flexible.
The Defining Features of Argument 10
Argument Requires Justification of Its Claims 10
Argument Is Both a Process and a Product 12
Argument Combines Truth Seeking and Persuasion 13
Argument and the Problem of Truth 15
A Successful Process of Argumentation: The Well-Functioning
Committee 18
GORDON ADAMS (STUDENT), Petition to Waive the University Mathematics
Requirement 19
A student accepted to law school but delayed by a remaining math requirement argues
to be exempted.
Conclusion 23
2
Argument as Inquiry: Reading and Exploring 24
Finding Issues to Explore 25
Do Some Initial Brainstorming 25
Be Open to the Issues All around You 25
Explore Ideas by Freewriting 29
Explore Ideas by Idea Mapping 29
Explore Ideas by Playing the Believing and Doubting Game 30
vii
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viii Detailed Contents
Placing Texts in a Rhetorical Context 32
Genres of Argument 32
Cultural Contexts: Who Writes Arguments and Why? 32
Analyzing Rhetorical Context and Genre 37
Reading to Believe an Arguments Claims 38
JOHN KAVANAUGH, Amnesty? 39
A Roman Catholic priest and philosophy professor asks anti-immigration groups
to see the human face of undocumented immigrants and to support a path to
amnesty.
Summary Writing as a Way of Reading to Believe 40
Practicing Believing: Willing Your Own Belief in the Writers Views 43
Reading to Doubt 44
Thinking Dialectically 45
Questions to Stimulate Dialectic Thinking 46
FRED REED, Why Blame Mexico? 47
A conservative freelance journalist uses irony to attack illegal immigration, calling it a
self-inflicted crisis brought on by Americans love ofcheap labor.
Three Ways to Foster Dialectic Thinking 48
Conclusion 50
Writing Assignment:An Argument Summary or a Formal
Exploratory Essay 50
Reading 52
MICHAEL BANKS (STUDENT), Should the United States Grant Legal Status to
Undocumented Immigrant Workers? 52
Examining articles and films, a student narrates the chronological development of his
ideas as he searches for his own position on illegal immigration.
Part Two Writing an Argument 59
3
The Core of an Argument: A Claim with Reasons 60
The Classical Structure of Argument 60
Classical Appeals and the Rhetorical Triangle 62
Issue Questions as the Origins of Argument 64
Difference between an Issue Question and an Information
Question 64
How to Identify an Issue Question 64
Difference between a Genuine Argument and a Pseudo-Argument 66
Pseudo-Arguments: Fanatical Believers and Fanatical Skeptics 66
Another Source of Pseudo-Arguments: Lack of Shared Assumptions 66
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Detailed Contents ix
Frame of an Argument: A Claim Supported by Reasons 67
What Is a Reason? 68
Expressing Reasons in BecauseClauses 69
Conclusion 70
Writing Assignment:An Issue Question and Working
Thesis Statements 71
4
The Logical Structure of Arguments 73
An Overview of Logos:What Do We Mean by the Logical Structure
ofanArgument? 73
Formal Logic versus Real-World Logic 73
The Role of Assumptions 74
The Core of an Argument: The Enthymeme 74
Adopting a Language for Describing Arguments: The
Toulmin System 76
Using Toulmins Schema to Determine a Strategy of Support 80
The Power of Audience-Based Reasons 84
Difference between Writer-Based and
Audience-Based Reasons 84
Conclusion 87
Writing Assignment:Plan of an Arguments Details 87
5
Using Evidence Effectively 89
The Persuasive Use of Evidence 89
Apply the STAR Criteria to Evidence 89
Use Sources That Your Reader Trusts 91
Rhetorical Understanding of Evidence 91
Kinds of Evidence 91
Angle of Vision and the Selection and Framing of Evidence 94
Examining Visual Arguments:Angle of Vision 95
Rhetorical Strategies for Framing Evidence 98
Special Strategies for Framing Statistical Evidence 99
Gathering Evidence 101
Creating a Plan for Gathering Evidence 101
Gathering Data from Interviews 102
Gathering Data from Surveys or Questionnaires 103
Conclusion 103
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x Detailed Contents
Writing Assignment:A Microtheme or a Supporting-Reasons
Argument 104
Reading 105
CARMEN TIEU (STUDENT), Why Violent Video Games Are
Good for Girls 106
A student argues that playing violent video games helps girls gain insight into
maleculture.
6
Moving Your Audience: Ethos, Pathos,and Kairos 109
Ethosand Pathosas Persuasive Appeals: An Overview 109
How to Create an Effective Ethos:The Appeal to Credibility 111
How to Create Pathos:The Appeal to Beliefs and Emotions 112
Use Concrete Language 113
Use Specific Examples and Illustrations 113
Use Narratives 114
Use Words, Metaphors, and Analogies with Appropriate Connotations 115
Using Images for Emotional Appeal 115
Kairos: The Timeliness and Fitness of Arguments 116
Examining Visual Arguments:Logos, Ethos, Pathos, and Kairos 117
How Audience-Based Reasons Enhance Logos, Ethos,and Pathos 119
Conclusion 122
Writing Assignment:Revising a Draft for Ethos,Pathos,and Audience-Based
Reasons 123
7
Responding to Objections and Alternative Views 124
One-Sided, Multisided, and Dialogic Arguments 124
Determining Your Audiences Resistance to Your Views 125
Appealing to a Supportive Audience: One-Sided Argument 127
Appealing to a Neutral or Undecided Audience: Classical Argument 128
Summarizing Opposing Views 128
Refuting Opposing Views 129
Strategies for Rebutting Evidence 131
Conceding to Opposing Views 132
Example of a Student Essay Using Refutation Strategy 132
MARYBETH HAMILTON (STUDENT),From First Place: A Healing School for Homeless
Children 133
A student who does volunteer work in an alternative school for homeless children
refutes the arguments of those who want to shut off the schools funding.