Claims and Evidence 1.2 (2)

Overview of Types of Evidence in Argumentation

Purpose of the Lesson

• Discuss types of evidence and how writers utilize them to support a claim.

• Focus on rhetorical analysis essays but note that skills apply to other essays and multiple-choice questions beyond high school.

• Build upon the previous lesson regarding the basic components of an argument, emphasizing analysis of a writer's choices in argumentation.

Understanding Arguments

Components of an Argument

• Reasons or Claims

  • Analyze effectiveness of these components.

  • Characteristics of effective reasons and claims:

  • Interesting: Engage the audience without stating the obvious.

  • Evidence-Based: Should incorporate various types of evidence.

  • Awareness of Rhetorical Situation: Tailor claims to audience and context.

  • Organized: Structure matters in conveying the message.

Types of Evidence

• Evidence must be evaluated for effectiveness based on audience and message:

  • Facts and Statistics: Foundational support, often considered credible.

  • Personal Observations: Might hold less weight in academic contexts but can provide relatable insights.

  • Testimonies: Offers personal validation but variable impact depending on credibility.

  • Experiments: Empirical support can enhance argument's credibility.

Analyzing Organization

Methods of Organization

• Writers organize their arguments in various ways to convey messages effectively:

  • Chronological: Events are arranged in the order they occurred.

  • Comparison and Contrast: Examines similarities and differences.

  • Problem and Solution: Introduces a problem and provides potential solutions.

  • Logical Order: Based on reasoning and categories of importance.

  • Combination of Styles: Integration of multiple organization methods.

Evaluating Effectiveness of Organization

• When analyzing a piece, consider:

  • Is the chosen organization effective for the audience and purpose?

Case Study: Letter to Indiana University Press

Context

• Example of a personal letter requesting publication of a book about George Talaferro.

  • Audience: Indiana University Press, an academic publisher.

  • Main Idea: Argue for publication of the book.

  • Listed Reasons:

  • Talaferro as an NFL trailblazer.

  • His status as an elite professional football player.

  • Contributions to society outside of football.

  • Major contributions to Indiana University.

Analysis Questions

• When analyzing, consider:

  • Effectiveness of evidence for specific audience (Indiana University Press).

  • Possible better organizational strategy (e.g., prioritizing Indiana University contributions).

  • Most effective evidence: Facts and statistics for the academic audience.

  • Least effective evidence: Personal anecdotes, which may lack the required credibility.

Adjusting Rhetorical Analysis

Scenario Change

• Consider a different audience: NFL Hall of Fame selection committee.

  • Main Idea: Argue for Talaferro's induction into the Hall of Fame.

  • Re-evaluating Evidence:

  • Change in rhetorical situation necessitates different types of evidence and organization.

Key Takeaways

• In a rhetorical analysis essay:

  • Focus not only on listing rhetorical choices but analyzing them concerning the audience and purpose.

• Need for awareness of:

  • Rhetorical situation as well as elements such as word choice, sentence structure, and tone.

• Importance of continued learning in upcoming lessons.