On review of the readings assignment, I have learned that the logo in argumentative writing is the blueprint. That is, it has to makes sense in the way it is laid out. The Toulmin system is the architect for the blueprint which contains four steps enthymeme, grounds, warrants, and backing. Adhering to these four steps will help you ensure have laid out a strong argument and incorporated anticipated rebuttals.
The Ethos part of writing an argument is the creditability you have on the subject. In order to give yourself creditability, you need to become what I call a SME, or Subject Matter Expert on the subject. One way to establish this is the effective use of evidence. There is also a good blue print for effective use of evidence. It is called STAR or Sufficiency Typicality Accuracy Relevance. There are different kinds of evidence; data for personal experience, surveys or questionnaires, field research, research, testimony, statistical data, hypothetical examples, reasoned sequence, and angel of vision. Most of these are self explanatory and the best way to incorporate the evidence is to check your angle of vision or perspective. This can be seen thru the following exercise. Place a pen in your left hand and put it above your head turning it in a circular close wise motion. Now while continuing to motion bring down below your waist. Now which way is the pen turning?
The last but certainly not the least important part of the triangle is Pathos. This is the emotion or feeling of the audience. Emotions and feelings are powerful drivers in human response. When you have an Alfa personality in a room full of people looking for answers, he can easily lead the room where he wants them to go by playing on their emotion. In addition, the use of images goes a long way for emotional appeal.
Work Cited:
Ramage, John D., John C. Bean and June Johnson. Writing Arguments: A Rhetoric with Readings. New York: Longman, 2010.
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