Argument Analysis

Are You Ready For English III?

If Not, let's get you started with Argument Analysis

What is Argument analysis

• A method for annotating while reading challenging texts. 
• There are several ways to master argument analysis
• It includes the rhetorical triangle, appeals, figurative language
• and plethora of techniques

So, how is it done?

• Usually, when given a speech or any challenging text
• we use argument analysis to approach it.
• We read the text and thoroughly annotate it for the following.
• You can annotate for audience, purpose, speaker
• You can annotate for techniques like plain-folks appeal...

Why?

• We use this method of annotating to get a better understanding of the text.
• We also use this method to acquire the facts to determine how effective 
• the argument is.

After you are done annotating, you should refer to the rhetorical triangle

Rhetorical triangle

Specific techniques to look for while annotating

Ethos, pathos, logos

• Ethos=rhetorical appeal which creates credibility in speaker
• Specific techniques that build this appeal
• Experience, tone, testimonial, facts, plain folks appeal, 
• and building relationships with audience.
• Pathos= rhetorical appeal which shows emotional response from audience

Ethos, pathos, logos cont.

• Specific techniques that build this appeal:
• Name-calling, appeal to fear, appeal to flattery, cause/effect, simile 
• metaphor, imagery, diction, plain folks appeal, appeal to guilt, etc. 
• Logos= rhetorical appeal which brings a logical response in audience.
• Specific techniques that build this appeal:

Ethos, pathos, logos

• facts, statistics, reasoning, experiences, rhetorical questions, simile,
• metaphor, cause/effect scenarios, evidence, analogy

Figurative Language

Figurative language includes simile, metaphor, imagery, personification, etc.

The End