“The Greek philosopher Aristotle identified three fundamental strategies for persuading an audience—English teachers may call these strategies “rhetorical appeals.” Everyone who reads or writes arguments should be able to recognize these:
Logos is the appeal to logic or reason.
Ethos is the appeal based on ethics, which establishes the credibility of the author.
Pathos is the appeal to the emotions of the audience.”
You need a great thesis but you also have to focus on it throughout your essay. Learn how!
Read More Like pop songs or action movies, arguments have a pattern to them. Learn a pattern and use it to great effect!
Read More Selecting a few, specific key words then using them throughout your essay will help emphasize your thesis and create flow and continuity.
Read More “Many beginning writers, especially when trying to write argumentatively, will include only evidence that supports their thesis. This is a beginner’s mistake.
Any intelligent reader will think up competing (contradictory) evidence on their own. And even if they don’t, they will have to assume that if you ignore all opposing evidence you have either, a) not done a proper research job or are, b) willfully hiding unflattering facts.”