Chapter 16- What Counts As Evidence

In chapter 6 titled “What Count as Evidence,” the textbook talks about the different types of evidence that are successful in an argument. There are two main categories of evidence. The first one given is firsthand evidence and research. Under this category you will find observations, interviews, surveys, questionnaires, experiences and personal experience. In my opinion, the one that is least affective to me is questionnaires. Even though most questionnaires are completely random, it doesn’t mean that the people giving out the survey have a definite variety. All the people that they interviewed could all have had the same views on certain topics. I think the most effective use of evidence under this category is experiments. By performing an experiment, you can find out information that is valid and also some personal experience such as what you believe. Experiments can be done anywhere. They could be done in a science lab, or even on the side of the road. Personal experience, I think, is also very important. Personal experience helps us understand the topic or argument a little bit better if we can relate. The other category given in chapter 6 is secondhand evidence and research. Under this category you will find library sources and online sources. I think most of us can agree that these types of evidence are most trustworthy. Whenever you have a question, or need to research, you normally look it up on the web such as google. In the chapter, it does mention that a library database is completely different than the Internet web, which is true, but either way you go to the computer to look up information. Its also funny the different types of people we trust for accurate evidence. We all know it’s easier to trust a professional than someone who is uneducated.

Chapter 13- Style In Arguments

The reading for this week, chapter thirteen, Style In Arguments was mainly about how to use certain techniques to get an argument across. The main topics of this chapter were sentence structure, punctuation and figurative language. I found a lot of it very helpful, and it made me think deeper into writing and how much the little things do matter. But in my opinion, a lot of it was self explanatory, and I already knew the information. A lot of the tips the book gave we learned in grade school already. We all had to do those activities in school about punctuations and where you are supposed to put them in a sentence. I do agree with the book when they say that punctuation helps to enhance style. Punctuations make all the difference. And to relate to my life, punctuation in texting is important. Imagine getting a text that says “can’t wait” rather than “can’t wait!!!.” I feel like the first one is more sarcastic than the second, and the second shows way more excitement. But that could be just me. I always found similes and metaphors interesting. In grade school, I always enjoyed doing the activities on similes and metaphors; I always found them so fun. A simile is a comparison of two things using the words “like” or “as.” A metaphor is just simple a comparision between two things. For an example, a simile would be “Tory’s laugh is like a hyena.” And a metaphor would be “Ally is a pig when she eats her meals.” The part I also found interesting was the analogy part. In school, whenever a teacher gives an analogy on a topic, it always helps me learn better. So besides improve and spicing up your writing, an analogy can be a learning tool as wel. The chapter as a whole was extremely helpful on writing my paper on my definition of the word “need.”

Chapter 9- Arguments of Definition

             Chapter nine, titled Arguments of Definition pretty much makes the reader think more in depth of definitions. Never, before reading this chapter, did I ever really think about definitions, and how there are so many different definitions for a single word. Its crazy though how one word can completely change. I can think of so many words with multiple meanings especially this day in age. For an example, the word sweet has many different meanings. The word sweet could be a personality, a taste, and a word describing something awesome. Chapter nine explained why definitions matter, different types of definitions, how to craft definitions, and how they are used in our everyday lives. In this chapter, three different definitions are given that are used for arguments; the first is formal definitions, which are definitions that are found in dictionaries. The second type of definition given is operational definitions. I will later discuss these. And last but not least, definitions by example define a class by listing its individual members.

            The part of the chapter that I found most interesting and enjoyable was the operational definitions. As the book said, operational definitions identify an object or idea by what it does or by what conditions creates it. The example the book gave was about harassment and whether or not something should be accounted for sexual harassment if the interest was mutual. The example that immediately came to mind was temperature and even more in depth, the word “cold.” I am from Buffalo, NY so cold to me is like 30 degrees. But people here in Arizona think 65 degrees is cold while I’m laying out trying to catch a tan. Or the word “hot” is a good operational definition, also. Some people who hate the sun think that 60 degrees is hot. People like me, who love the sun, think that 100 degrees is hot. There are many different examples out there that can help explain operational definitions.

Chapter 2: Arguments Based On Emotion

 

Chapter 2, titled Arguments Based on Emotion: Pathos was about how pathos has an important role in arguments. From my opinion, any argument I see that has pathos is the strongest. It just makes me feel more connected to the problem. The most obvious emotions visible in a visual argument are happy and sad.  You can simply look at the subject and immediately tell the emotional state. Ads not only have to appeal to your emotions, but they could also intrigue you or persuade you to like a product. Companies do this by marketing. For an example, picture a good-looking male or female using a diet plan that is being advertised.  Most people think that if the diet plan works well for that person, then the viewer thinks he will look like that. Using pathos verbally is also very strong. Most public speakers are very well in using words that really get the listeners attention. For an example, Barack Obama started his campaign for president by using the single emotion of hope. There are also special techniques to use in writing to persuade the reader emotionally. You can make them feel pity toward a certain situation, make them feel an impact, by, say, telling a moving story. But too much pity isn’t always good. Sometimes its could make a reader feel awkward or insecure. Another very important part of pathos is humor, and the happy side of feeling emotion. I feel like if something is funny to someone, they will remember it better. As told in the textbook, it’s hard to say no when you’re laughing. Using humor puts readers, viewers or listeners in ease and makes them understand the argument better. But not all humor is good. Too much or too strong of humor could be ridicule and offending. I posted a picture of an example of a strong emotion. It’s hard to not feel bad for this innocent infant who is crying.  

Chapter 14- Visual Arguments!

 

There seems to be visual arguments pretty much wherever you go. Whether its turning a page in a magazine, drive down the highway, or walking on campus, you can always pick out some type of advertisement trying to send a message. Many people might think that a visual argument is just simple a picture with some words, but really, there is a lot behind creating a visual argument. In chapter four, I was introduced to many questions that I didn't even think to ask myself while looking at a visual argument. Some questions could be how does this argument make me feel? Or, what if there were different colors used, would it make a difference? The main point of arguments is just to get a point across. There are so many different types of topics people argue on. For an example, some visual arguments you might see are against vegetarianism, animal abuse, racism, and second hand smoking. I'm not sure what type of argument I'm aiming for the project. I am thinking something to do with children such as child abuse. I found a picture that is close to the topic I am aiming for and I posted it in the beginning of this blog.

Introductory Blog

Hello! I am Holly Groth, a freshman here at ASU. Right now, I am a business exploratory major. I’m not really sure what specific type of business I want to do yet. It’s too difficult to decide. I am from the very chilly, Buffalo, New York. I was ready to get out of the freezing cold and the snow, so I ventured out here. I like where I came from, and I loved the town I’m from, I just couldn’t picture myself walking through snow to get to class. Some hobbies of mine I enjoy are doing gymnastics, shopping, hanging out with friends and being outside. My favorite television show of all time would have to be Laguna Beach. I have two miniature dachshunds back home whom I miss very much. Their names are Starla and Phoebe. And lastly, I love county music!