An Argumentation, Essay Example

An argumentation is defined as the use of clear thinking, which is logical and evidence based for the purpose of, convincing a person to adopt a specific opinion. On the other hand, persuasion is the use of emotional language and dramatic appeals to values and beliefs so as to motivate a person adopt an opinion and take the necessary action. Therefore, when argumentation and or persuasion are combined together, they form a convincing case that is rationally and emotionally based. This type of writing seeks to discover the truth regarding an issue, and promote the desired opinion on a particular position, which is rooted in the truth.

When writing an argumentation- persuasion essay, there must be the use of emotional appeals and positive language in order to reach a consensus with the audience. Rogerian argument based on Carl Rogers work in philosophy assumes that a willing writer can find common ground about a problem with a willing reader. The approach used in a Rogerian essay ends by not only asking readers to give their own position on the problem, but by also showing them the benefit of agreeing with the writer’s position regarding the problem. According to Aristotle’s book ‘the rhetoric’, argumentative persuasion contains three elements identified as Ethos, Logos and Pathos. Ethos, which is the personal character of the speaker or writer, pathos is the effect of the writing or speech on audience emotions while logos is the intellectual content in the essay or speech that appeals the audience’s power of reasoning (cited in Orsinger 3). A good argumentative-persuasive essay should have established facts so as to support the argument, clarification of relevant values for the sake of audiences perspective, prioritization, edition and sequencing of facts and values for building an argument, a formed and stated persuasive conclusion that is based on the agreed facts and shared values.

Bibliographic Annotation

1. Orsinger, Richard R. “The Role of Reasoning in Constructing a Persuasive Argument.” Constructing a Persuasive Argument 1 (2011): 71. Print.

The journal provides an insight on the importance of a speaker’s credibility and the emotions of the audience as part of the persuasion. In addition, it explains the role of reasoning in a persuasive argument shows the rational parts of the argument and elaborates on the different ways to look at a reason-based argument.

2. “What is Rogerian Argument? (Kiefer).” Welcome to Writing@CSU. Colorado State University, n.d. Web. 12 Sept. 2012. <http://writing.colostate.edu/guides/teaching/co300man/com5e1.cfm>.

The article is a guide that helps students in identifying the various ways of writing arguments. It is used as a tool for encourage students identify the purpose of audience in a publication and the rhetorical analysis of the text. It also gives a detailed explanation of the Rogerian argument together with Toulmin analysis.

3. Stay, Byron L. A guide to argumentative writing. San Diego, CA: Greenhaven Press, 1996. Print

The book explains in depth the purpose of arguments and explains how to analyze arguments, write an evaluation, oral presentation or proposal and how to understand ones audience. Authors’ present examples given on different persuasive writings from diverse fields. Clear distinction has been given for individuals to follow on good writing skills in English composition and thus, this book is relevant for students to use. It provides an understanding of steps undertaken.

4. Wood, Nancy V. Writing argumentative essays. 2nd ed. Upper Saddle River, N.J.: Prentice Hall, 2001. Print.

The unique rhetoric aids readers develop strategies for critical thinking, reading, researching and writing materials that help them argue convincingly and clearly. It shows how to identify and develop arguments, analyze audience and seek a common ground.

5. Eemeren, F. H. Van. Exploring argumentative contexts. Amsterdam: John Benjamins Pub. Co., 2012. Print.

The book consists of a broad variety of essays that examine argumentation as it occurs in seven communicative domains. It provides an insightful view regarding recent developments in strategic maneuvering research, which is prominent in argumentation study.