ARGUMENT,

PERSUASION, PROPAGANDA
Argument

Persuasion

Propaganda

Goal: Discover the "truth"

General Technique: Offers good reasoning and evidence to
persuade an audience to accept a "truth"
Methods:
* uses logos - an appeal to logic
* considers counter-arguments - other perspectives on
the issue
* offers facts - information that is objectively true - that
support the reasons
* predicts and evaluates - examines or judges carefully -
the consequences of accepting the argument
Goal: To convince the reader to accept an opinion - a
personal view, attitude, or judgment - as truth
General Technique: Uses personal, emotional, or moral
appeal to convince an audience to adopt a particular
point of view
Methods:
* uses pathos - an appeal to emotion, or ethos - an appeal
to right and wrong (ethical appeal)
* may consider other perspectives on the issue
* blends facts and emotion to make its case, relying often
on opinion
* may predict the results of accepting the position,
especially if the information will help convince the reader
or listener to adopt the opinion
Goal: To spread ideas, information, or rumor for the
purpose of helping or injuring an institution, a cause, or a
person
General Technique: Deliberately manipulates logic to
appeal to the emotions of the audience
Methods:
* focuses on its own message without considering other
positions
* relies on the audience's bias - subtle negative or positive
feelings or slant toward a topic - and assumptions and
may distort or alter evidence to make the case
* ignores the consequences of accepting a particular
position - a claim or stand on an issue

Key Terms:
Argument / Position: The claim the author establishes. Arguments should
be supported with valid evidence and reasoning and balanced by the
inclusion of counterarguments that illustrate opposing viewpoints.
Bias: The subtle presence of a positive or negative approach toward a topic.
Counter-argument: Support for opposing viewpoints; other perspectives
on an issue
Defense of a Claim: Support provided to mark an assertion as reasonable.
Elements of Nonfiction: Traits that mark a work as reportorial,
analytical, informative or argumentative (e.g., facts, data, charts, graphics,
headings).
Opinion: A personal view, attitude, or judgment.
Propaganda: Information aimed at positively or negatively influencing the
opinions or behaviors of large numbers of people.
Propaganda Techniques: Propaganda techniques and persuasive tactics
are used to influence people to believe, buy or do something. Some common
propaganda techniques and persuasive tactics are listed below:
Name-calling is an attack on a person instead of an issue.
Bandwagon tries to persuade the reader to do, think or buy
something because it is popular or because everyone is doing it.
Red herring is an attempt to distract the reader with details not
relevant to the argument.
Emotional appeal tries to persuade the reader by using words that
appeal to the readers emotions instead of to logic or reason.
Testimonial attempts to persuade the reader by using a famous
person to endorse a product or idea (for instance, the celebrity
endorsement).
Repetition attempts to persuade the reader by repeating a message
over and over again.
Sweeping generalization (stereotyping) makes an
oversimplified statement about a group based on limited
information.
Circular argument states a conclusion as part of the proof of the
argument.
Appeal to numbers, facts or statistics attempts to persuade the
reader by showing how many people think something is true.