How do we move from critical thinking to critical writing?

Argument and Persuasion

Discourse Instructor: Prof. Jeffrey Younger

Tuesday Feb 18, 2014

Agenda

Writing Tips Argument Persuasive exercise

Clutter is the disease of America writing. We are a society strangling in unnecessary words, circular constructions, pompous frills and meaningless jargon.
-opening lines from, On Writing Well by William Zinsser

Writing: 3 TIPS
TIP #1: Be direct -not passive.

A statement emphasizing the importance of government oversight was made by Teddy Roosevelt.

Writing: 3 TIPS
TIP #1: Be direct -not passive.

A mutually beneficial Public Private Partnership arrangement is urged by DiNapoli for negotiators working on behalf of the public.

Writing: 3 TIPS
TIP #2: Find the hidden verb; avoid nominalization.

Teddy Roosevelt made a statement emphasizing the importance of government oversight.

Writing: 3 TIPS
TIP #2: Find the hidden verb; avoid nominalization.

One of the most striking qualities of Roosevelts New Nationalism speech is its applicability to the current state of the country today.

Writing: 3 TIPS
TIP #3: Group noun, verb and object together:

In a study done in 1981, several thousand Galveston County employees in Texas opted out of the governments Social Security program and into a private plan for retirement.

Writing: 3 TIPS
TIP #3: Group noun, verb and object together:

In determining whether all parties benefit mutually from a P3 arrangement, thoughtful planning that may improve the quality of life is crucial .

Agenda

Writing Tips Argument Persuasive exercise

The Argument Clinic

Argument:
Argument:
a conclusion together with the premises that support it

Premise or Proposition:
a reason offered as support for another claim

Explanation:
a statement or set of statements designed to show why something is true rather than that it is true

Conclusion:
the claim being supported by a premise or premises

Is an argument presented? or not?

Complementary therapies are an increasingly popular supplement to other forms of treatment. Those who use these therapies argue that treatments such as reflexology, homeopathy and shiatsu complement the care provided by the medical profession. Indeed, some people claim that these therapies are more effective than traditional medicines. Anecdotal cases of miraculous cures abound and there are those who believe such methods can compete on equal terms with medical approaches. This just isnt convincing.

Is an argument presented? or not?

Bilingualism and multilingualism confer many benefits. Speakers of more than one language have a better understanding of how languages are structured because they can compare across two different systems. People who speak only one language lack this essential point of reference. In many cases, a second language can help people to have a better understanding and appreciation of their first language.

Agenda

Writing Tips Argument Persuasive exercise

Critical Thinking:
Rationality Distinguish between emotion and reason; require evidence, and look for explanations rather than the right answer Discipline Be precise, avoid snap judgments, and analyze attempts to manipulate thinking or use of irrational appeals Open mindedness Consider and evaluate evidence, inferences, and interpretations whether or not they are consistent with existing beliefs Judgment Recognize the merit of assumptions and perspectives that are different from your own, and seek supporting evidence Self awareness Recognize your own assumptions, biases, and frames of reference

Critical Thinking:
Please wonder. List the data you might want to truly make a decision.

Welcome to Newarks Wal-Mart Townhall

Build your argument

Q1. What issues concern your group the most? Q2. What are your positions and persuasive points of argument? Q3. What are your negotiation strategies?

PREPARE a 2 minute presentation to the group.

How do we move from critical thinking to critical writing?

Argument and Persuasion

Discourse Instructor: Prof. Jeffrey Younger

Tuesday Feb 18, 2014

Methods of persuasion
Facts Use statements of what is. Referring to an authority Use reliable experts for unbiased facts & information

Examples Use typical cases that relate to the argument

Predicting the consequences Help the reader visualize what will occur If or if not Answering the opposition Refute possible critics; respond in advance

Beware when persuading

Facts Avoid the vague Referring to an authority Avoid authorities who are not experts

Examples Avoid examples that are not typical

Predicting the consequences Avoid exaggeration; dont overpromise Answering the opposition Watch tone; attack ideas not character