What is in an Argument?

Rhetoric is the ability to use language effectively.

Step One - What is an Argument?

In Google Drive, open a word processing document and title it "What's in an Argument?"  in order to record your findings. You will have a total of FOUR pages for this first document.  Click on the following link:

http://writingcenter.unc.edu/handouts/argument/

Read the main page carefully and thoroughly.  In addition, click on EVERY link and read all of the information found in all of the links (thesis, evidence, evaluating print sources, and reading to write).  On page 1 of your word document, center the title "What is an Argument?" and then write a TWO page, double spaced, 12 point font, Times New Roman paper that summarizes and effectively captures your understanding of an argument, claim, evidence, and counterargument based on your reading. This paper must incorporate all of the knowledge you have gained from your careful and thorough reading of this resource.   I expect it to take you two class periods to do the reading and two class periods to write the paper. You may need to do some of it at home. Take your time with this--and put in maximum effort.

This two page paper MUST BE COMPLETED BY:       Wednesday, May 11

Step Two - Understanding Appeals

In Google Drive, re-open your "What's in an Argument?" document to continue to record your findings. Click on the following link:

http://web.calstatela.edu/faculty/jgarret/3waypers.htm

On page 3 of your document, write and center the title "Ethos, Pathos, and Logos" and then define and summarize each of these persuasive techniques.

Next, begin page 4 of your document.  Search the internet for an advertisement using each of the techniques--1 ad for logos, 1 ad for pathos, and 1 ad for ethos. Record the URL for the advertisement and be sure to label which persuasive technique (logos, pathos, or ethos) is being used. 

After you have completed ALL of Steps 1 and 2, (3 pages), share your document with [email protected]. Be sure to choose "can edit." 

THIS 4 PAGE DOCUMENT WILL BE GRADED AND IS DUE BY:       Monday, 16 May

Step Three - Developing an Argument

 In Google Drive, open another word processing document in order to record your findings. Click on the following link:

http://www.washjeff.edu/users/kmcevoy/argumentation_tips.html

Read the instructions for developing a good argument. You will be developing a persuasive argument regarding the best attributes of ComTec Academy and/or Frazier Mountain High School. You need to think through what it is at the school we can be proud of and what can be improved upon through the efforts of the individual and the collective. Be sure that your argument takes into account all of the ideas listed on the "Tips" page. As you develop your argument, be sure to find credible evidence, using activities and student data to support your point of view. In groups, you will work together to develop a script for your argument.  Consider your audience and what sort of appeal would best establish your argument.  Once you have developed a script, you will either film the presentation or create a power point in google drive.  Each group will develop a three minute spot - via video or automatic powerpoint - that develops your groups argument for why ComTec and/or FMHS has some positive programs to offer. If you choose to do video, you will be editing the film via Windows MovieMaker or by adding WeVideo to your Google drive - you can Google tutorials for both of these programs or use their help menus.

Save your script as "FMHS Pride" on your Google drive and share it with [email protected]  ***YOUR SCRIPT (NOT THE MOVIE) IS DUE ON:   Wednesday, 25 May.

Here's a link to a moviemaker tutorial:

http://presentationsoft.about.com/od/powerpointfaqs/f/what_is_wmm.htm

Step Four - Final Product

Come up with a creative name for your project and save it to your Google drive under one group member's name. Submit the group member's name and the name of the project to your instructor. Your project may be highlighted at this year's Academy recruitment activity.

THIS PROJECT IS YOUR FINAL EXAM AND IS DUE ON:    Friday, 3 June