Successful and Unsuccessful Arguments

Strong Evidence

Clear Claim

Logical Reasoning

Effective Rhetorical Appeals

Evidence

Reasoning

Claim

Counterargument

Personal opinions that support the author's viewpoint.

Facts, data, and examples that support the claim.

Emotional appeals designed to sway the reader.

A summary of opposing viewpoints.

It presents the main claim of the argument.

It provides emotional appeals to persuade the audience.

It explains how the evidence supports the claim.

It acknowledges and refutes counterarguments.

Presenting a statistic without explaining its relevance to the argument.

Including a personal anecdote that is not widely relatable.

Providing expert opinions from credible sources that directly relate to the claim.

Ignoring counterarguments to maintain a consistent viewpoint.

It creates a clear and logical case that is easy for the audience to follow and accept.

It allows the author to avoid addressing opposing viewpoints, strengthening their own argument.

It relies heavily on emotional appeals to sway the audience, regardless of factual support.

It presents evidence without explaining its significance, leaving the audience to draw their own conclusions.

Observing that several students who study regularly perform well on exams, and concluding that all students who study regularly will perform well.

Noticing that every apple from a particular tree is red and inferring that all apples from that tree are red.

Starting with the premise that all birds have feathers and robins are birds, concluding that robins have feathers.

Assuming that because a new policy was implemented and sales increased, the policy caused the increase in sales.

Inductive arguments start with general principles, while causal arguments start with specific observations.

Inductive arguments draw a general conclusion from specific observations, while causal arguments argue that one thing causes another.

Inductive arguments rely on emotional appeals, while causal arguments rely on logical reasoning.

Inductive arguments are always valid, while causal arguments are always fallacious.

Evoking emotional responses from the audience.

Using logical reasoning and factual evidence.

Establishing the speaker's credibility and authority.

Presenting a balanced view of opposing arguments.

"As a doctor with 20 years of experience, I can assure you this treatment is safe."

"If we don't act now, our children will suffer the consequences of our inaction."

"Studies have shown a 50% reduction in symptoms with this medication, demonstrating its effectiveness."

"Our nation was founded on the principles of freedom and justice for all."