Let's get argumentative! Part 2
Natasha Thomas-Francis, Contributor

In last week's lesson we started our discussion on the persuasive (rhetoric) discourse. I left you with an extract from Dr Martin Luther King's 'I have a Dream' speech. Were you able to identify any persuasive techniques or devices?

Here are a few which are found in the extract:

• Repetition of "I have a dream". This was used to emphasize Dr King's vision of racial freedom and togetherness.
• Direct personal appeal - for example, his reference to "my friends" in the first line.
• Metaphor - for example, "table of brother-hood" to paint a picture of unity between the races in the context of a common understanding.
• Antithesis (the balance of two contrasting words, phrases, sentences or ideas) - for example, "a desert sweltering with the heat of injustice and oppression will be transformed into an oasis of freedom" and "...we will be able to hew out of the mountain of despair a stone of hope". Dr King makes a contrast between the oppressive situation of racial segregation and the freedom of racial liberation.

Now we move on to the steps which you should consider when writing your own argumentative pieces.

Do you recall that I gave you a list of persuasive techniques/strategies in last week's lesson? Well, please review these with your friends and ensure that you understand how each strategy works.

When organising a persuasive essay, you should observe the following:

Step 1

Begin by introducing the topic and making clear your position in an introductory paragraph.

Step 2

Develop each point in a separate paragraph. It is most effective to present your reasons in order of importance. Some writers begin with the least important reason and then lead up to the most important one. Others, however, start with the strongest reason and follow it with the lesser reasons. This section of your essay may consist of three to four paragraphs.

Step 3

Summariz e your argument in a concluding paragraph by restating your position and the supporting reasons for it.

Please note that a persuasive argument is presented in a most effective manner when it is based on valid and reliable evidence, sound logical reasoning and the writer's firm belief in the position he/she holds. So when you write your essays, be confident in your approach.

Let us now take a closer look at some of the strategies you must use in your persuasive essays:

Giving reasons

One of the major strategies in good arguments is the giving of reasons to support a writer's position, stance or point of view. Reasons can be valid or weak. In constructing your argument, therefore, it is always vital that you assess the reasons you offer in support of your position. What reasons can you give for the following statements?

• Violence and vandalism are rampant in our society today.
• Unemployment is the cause of many social problems in our society.
• There is a general breakdown in family life.

Generalisation and supporting statements

In putting your arguments together, you must present general statements (that is, topic sentences) with supporting evidence. See if you can write at least one supporting point for the following general statements/topic sentences:

• Television shows present false ideas about the world.
• Car accidents are caused by reckless drivers.
• Carnival is a waste of time, money and effort.

Evidence based on authority

In support of your argument, it is useful to draw on evidence based on recognised sources, such as research findings, personal experience or some authority in the particular field of knowledge. It is also helpful to use quotations from established sources. Consider the following examples:

• Television brings images of the world to the Caribbean. More precisely, it brings images of the United States. Some 75 per cent of television programming in the English-speaking Caribbean originates outside the region, primarily in North America.

In this example, the writer uses evidence of research to support his argument.

• According to CXC Report 1992, 27% of the students who wrote the English A examination attained either Grade 1 or 2.

In this example, the source is authoritative.

In next week's lesson I will give you a checklist for evaluating and revising your arguments.

Natasha Thomas-Francis teaches at Glenmuir High School. Send questions and comments to kerry-ann.hepburn@gleanerjm.com