Name: Julia Macaraeg

Title: The Language of Argumentation

Date: September 02, 2024
Year and Course: 1st Year – BSE English 1-1
Subject: GE4-Purposive Communication

I. Objectives
The primary objectives of this report on the language of argumentation are as follows:
a) Define the concept of the language of argumentation and its significance in
communication.
b) Examine the essential components and structures of persuasive arguments, such
as the claims, evidence to support them, reasoning, and counterarguments.
c) Investigate how language molds and influences argumentative conversation,
emphasizing the need of precision, clarity, and persuasive techniques.
d) Encourage critical thinking through applying the principles of argumentative
language.

II. Introduction
An essential component of human communication is the language of argumentation,
which provides through arguments and supporting evidence in an effort to persuade or
convince others. It is necessary in many areas, including as politics, education, the court
system, and everyday interactions. In addition to being able to win a debate or persuade
an audience, argumentation is also about having a reasoned discussion in which many
points of view are taken into consideration. This study covers the language of
argumentation, exploring its definition, significance, components, and strategies. This
study covers the language of argumentation, exploring its components, methods,
definition, and importance. It also offers insights into the effective construction and
analysis of arguments in different situations.

III. Discussion Proper

1. Definition and Importance of Argumentation: The communication process of
creating and sharing reasons to back up claims or defend/challenge viewpoints,
particularly when there is confusion or disagreement, is known as argumentation
(Lewiński & Mohammed 2016). It involves expressing a particular viewpoint
with the help of evidence, logical reasoning, and persuasive strategies.
Argumentation is significant because it helps people make decisions, develop
critical thinking skills, and have meaningful conversations. It facilitates the
investigation of other perspectives, hence advancing knowledge and resolving
conflicts.
2. Elements of Effective Argumentation:
 Claims: The basis of an effective argument is a concise and accurate
claim. It ought to be precise, opposed, and relevant to the subject at hand.
 Topic: Banning Single-Use Plastic Bags
 Example:
o "Single-use plastic bags should be banned in all grocery
stores because they cause significant environmental harm
and contribute to pollution."
 Evidence: Information that backs up a claim can be in the form of facts,
figures, case studies, professional judgments, or personal experiences. To
 support the claim, there must be adequate, relevant, and trustworthy
evidence.
 Example:
o According to Plastic’s Oceans International, over 380
million tons of plastic are produced annually, with up to
50% being single-use. Around 10 million tons end up in
oceans each year, remaining for centuries.
o The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reports that
plastic bags are a major source of marine debris and have
been found in the stomachs of numerous marine animals,
leading to injury or death.
 Reasoning: Explaining how the statement is supported by the evidence. It
involves determining logical conclusions from the evidence for the claim.
Either deductive or inductive reasoning can be used to accomplish this
(Hurley, 2011). Deductive reasoning applies basic principles to particular
situations, whereas inductive reasoning makes broad inferences from
specific observations.
 Example: The amount of plastic garbage produced would be
greatly decreased by banning single-use plastic bags. There would
be less plastic bags in the air, which would mean less of them
ended up in the environment and less damage to ecosystems and
wildlife. Consumers would also be encouraged to use reusable
bags as a result, as they are a more environmentally friendly and
sustainable option.
 Counterarguments: By recognizing and disproving opposing viewpoints,
addressing counterarguments shows a thorough comprehension of the
topic and helps support the main point. By taking consideration of
different points of view, the argument strengthens and becomes less open
for disagreement.
 Example:
 "A ban on plastic bags can make things more difficult for
customers and raise expenses for low-income families who
might have to buy reusable bags."
o Rebuttal: While there may be an initial adjustment
period, many stores could offer affordable or even
free reusable bag options to ease the transition.
Moreover, the long-term environmental benefits
outweigh the temporary inconvenience and initial
costs.
 "Banning plastic bags could result in a rise in the purchase
of alternative plastic bags because they are frequently
reused for different household purposes, such as garbage
bag."
o Rebuttal: Even if plastic bags are reused, their
overall environmental impact is still harmful.
Alternatives, like compostable bags or reusable
containers, can replace plastic bags for household
purposes. Educating the public on these alternatives
can help mitigate any increased use of other plastic
products.
3. The Role of Language in Argumentation
 Argumentative discourse is greatly shaped and influenced by language. The
effectiveness, persuasiveness, and clarity of an argument can all be strongly
impacted by the word choice, structure of sentences, and rhetorical devices used.
a) Clarity and Precision: To make sure that the audience can understand the
argument, it is important that the language used be both clear and precise.
Effective communication can be achieved by avoiding jargon, ambiguity,
and unnecessarily complex language.
b) Persuasive Techniques: Argumentation frequently uses persuasive
techniques to influence the opinions or behaviors of the audience. These
tactics may involve making use of authority, emotion, or reasoning
arguments.
 Logical arguments persuade listeners by using facts and evidence.
 Emotional appeals aim to arouse emotions such as fear, anger, or
sympathy in order to affect the listener. Appealing to authority
depends on a source's reliability to support the claim.
c) Rhetorical methods: Using effective rhetorical techniques can increase
an argument's impact and persuasiveness. Metaphors, similes, analogies,
and repetition are a few examples. These strategies can strengthen the
argument's persuasiveness, memorability, and engagement.
 Ethos enhances credibility and reliability by appealing to the
speaker's or writer's authority or reputation.
 In order provoke emotions in the audience that will strengthen the
argument, Pathos appeals to their emotions.
 To be able to persuade the audience with reasoned arguments,
Logos depends on factual evidence and logical reasoning.
4. Assessing Argumentation Examples: Analyzing argumentation examples from a
variety of settings, including academic debates, opinion editorials, political
speeches, and everyday interactions, can help anyone better grasp how
argumentation functions in real-world settings. A range of methods and structures
may be observed in each example, demonstrating the flexibility and diversity of
argumentative language.
 A scientific paper would emphasize logical reasoning (logos) and
empirical data to support its assertions, but a political speech would
concentrate emotional appeals (pathos) to resonate with a large audience.

IV. Conclusion
Argumentative language is a flexible and adaptable tool that is necessary for efficient
communication in a variety of contexts. It is necessary to comprehend its types,
structures, techniques, and strategies in order to build strong arguments and assess other
people's arguments critically. People can have more meaningful and productive
discussions, make informed decisions, and constructively participate to public debate by
learning the basics of argumentation language.

V. Learning Activity
Direction: Answer the questions with the right answers.
1.) What is the primary objective of understanding the language of argumentation in
communication?
a) To confuse the audience
b) To provide evidence without structure
c) To persuade or convince others using reasoned discussion
d) To only win debates without considering other viewpoints
2.) Which of the following best defines a "claim" in the context of argumentation?
a) A question that raises doubt
 b) A concise and clear statement that forms the basis of an argument
c) A counter to an argument
d) A personal anecdote with no relevance to the topic
3.) Which component of an argument provides facts, statistics, and expert opinions
to back up a claim?
a) Rebuttal
b) Evidence
c) Counterargument
d) Persuasive technique
4.) What is the difference between deductive and inductive reasoning?
a) Deductive reasoning is based on emotions, while inductive reasoning is based
on evidence
b) Deductive reasoning applies general principles to specific cases, whereas
inductive reasoning derives general principles from specific observations
c) Deductive reasoning focuses on audience emotions, while inductive reasoning
relies on logic
d) Deductive reasoning is about assumptions, while inductive reasoning is about
counterarguments
5.) Which term refers to recognizing and addressing opposing viewpoints in an
argument?
a) Evidence
b) Rebuttal
c) Counterarguments
d) Logical reasoning
6.) How does language shape and influence argumentative discourse?
a) Through ambiguous wording and unclear statements
b) By ensuring clarity, precision, and the use of persuasive techniques
c) By only using emotional appeals without logical evidence
d) By ignoring the audience's knowledge and context
7.) Which persuasive technique relies on credibility and reputation to support a
claim?
a) Logos
b) Pathos
c) Ethos
d) Counterargument
8.) What role does "Pathos" play in argumentative language?
a) It appeals to logical reasoning and evidence
b) It appeals to the audience’s emotions to provoke a response
c) It establishes the writer's credibility and trustworthiness
d) It provides a summary of the argument
9.) In what type of argumentative setting would emotional appeals (Pathos) be most
effectively used?
a) In a scientific research paper
b) In an academic debate
c) In a political speech
d) In a legal court argument
10.) Which of the following is NOT an essential component of effective argumentation?
a) Claims
b) Evidence
c) Emotional appeals only
d) Reasoning
ANSWER KEY:
1. c 8. b
2. b 9. c
3. b 10. c
4. b
5. c
6. b
7. c

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