Classical Argument Test Review

Hostile

opposition, already disagrees with you

Hostile format

Order changes: counterargument (longest) after narration, before partition & argument, exordium establishes connection w/ writer and audience

Hostile Tone

respectful and calm

Sympathetic

primed to support you, agrees or is likely to agree with you, have knowledge of the topic

Sympathetic format

Traditional order, simple exordium, little exigence, simple counterarguement

Disinterested OR uneducated

don't know enough about the topic to have an informed opinion

Disinterested OR uneducated format

Traditional order, exordium needs to create interest/establish ethos, needs lots of background info, strong argument, anticipate opposition on counterargument

Disinterested OR uneducated tone

inspiring & concerned but measured

Exordium

introduces the audience to the subject and the speaker, job is to hook the audience - typically uses ethos so the speakers credibility is established to the audience

Narration

 gives the background and context to your argument, key facts leading up to this moment, the exigency - uses appeals of pathos OR logos depending on the audience or subject (think: what does your audience need to know/be aware of to best achieve your argument)

Partition

1-2 sentences, states the CLAIM you are making AND previews how the rest of the paper will be structured 

Confirmation (ARGUMENT)

presents and develops the reasons for your position and provides evidence to support each - uses appeals of logos, though pathos is an option (“meanest” part of your essay)

Counterargument or refutation

typically employs both logos and ethos

Concession

acknowledges that one point of the opposition has some validity (agree with)

Refutation

proves that the claims of the opposition are wrong (disprove/discredit)

Rebuttal

Proves that the opposition's point is weaker, shows how our argument is stronger (a different perspective)

Peroration (CONCLUSION)

summarizes the rhetor's most important points, and has some apples to feelings or values, and may include a call to action

Argument

can refer to the main idea, OR can refer to the whole text in which you make a claim and support it

Claim

main idea that the author is trying to prove

Reasons

ideas and beliefs that the author presidents to back up the claim

Evidence

supports the reasons, can be real world examples, facts, data, etc

Call to Action:

directly asking the audience to do something in response to the argument

Objective

not influenced by personal feelings, neutral and unbiased

Subjective

influenced by personal feelings or preferences

Bias

personal preference that can influence one's judgement

Fact

can be verified and proven true

Opinion

often based on a person's observations and experiences, but also influenced by emotions and other factors. They can be challenged or debated and should be supported with evidence

Preferences

a person's likes or dislikes, reflect individual tastes, values, driven by emotions. More subjective

The best-selling car of all time is the Toyota Corolla.

fact

It is probably a continual best-seller because it is a comfortable car and a great value for the money.

opinion

I have had a Corolla for years, and it is by far my favorite car.

preference (technically, fact then preference)

I just learned that Corolla means "little crown."

fact

Toyotas come in much better colors than Hondas do. #facts!   

preference

Corollas are dependable and safe, too, which probably increases their popularity.

opinion

Chick Fil A makes more money per location than any other restaurant. 

fact

Chick Fil A is the best fast food restaurant because of their superior service and quality food. 

Opinion

Chick-Fil-A has the best chicken sandwiches.

Preference

Most people in Houston think Chick-Fil-A has the best chicken sandwiches.

Opinion