Arguments should contain the following:
Logos- Appeal of logic (is your essay logical)
Ethos- Appeal of self
Pathos-Emotional appeal
Things That make a good persuasive argument:
Self-interest (what is your connection to the subject, why did you choose this topic) = Ethos
Expert Testimony (interviews, quotes, documentation with experts that back up your argument) = Ethos and Logos
Quality of Reasoning (can you offer facts, statistics or supporting details. This is research driven) = Logos
Facts, Supporting details (facts. dates, events, things that can it be refuted)
Flaws in Opposing Arguments (point out the flaws of your opposition,know both sides) = Logos and Ethos
What About Your Audience (appeal to audience self-interest)
Appeal To The Audience Self Interest (people will most likely believe your argument if there is something in it for them)
Benefits and Harms
benefits: the good things that will happen if the audience adopts your argument.
Harms: that bad things that will happen if they do not except your plan.
= Pathos
Make It New
Choose a topic or thesis that is new or radically different or new take on an old argument.
= Ethos and Pathos
Don’ts
1) Irrational Evidence
2) Generalities
3) Arguments that make little sense
4) Data that doesn’t back up your position
Avoid
1) Mud slinging
Do not persuade your audience by attacking your opponent’s character.
2) Emotional Persuasion
An Appeal of feelings and passions rather than logic.
3) Transfer of Emotions or ideas from sources that have little, if anything, to do with your topic.
4) Use of quotations from men and women who are not experts in the field of your argument. Do not quote famous people because they are famous.
5) Oversimplification
