Chapter 16

In Chapter 16 was about evidence in argument. Evidence and Rhetorical situation, instead of quality of evidence, how it was collected, by whom, and for what purposes, may become part of the argument itself. Evidence may be persuasive in one time and place but not in another. To be very persuasive evidence should match the time and place in which you make your argument. Firsthand Evidence and Research; firsthand evidence comes from research that you have carried out or been closely involved with. Observations, before you begin an observation, decide exactly what you want to find out. Do you want to observe an action that is repeated by many people? Experiments, arguments can be supported by evidence that is gathered through experiments. Personal Experience, this can serve as powerful evidence when it’s appropriate to the subject, purpose and audience. Personal experience should not be your only evidence. Secondhand Evidence and Research; comes from sources beyond yourself, like books, articles and documents. Library Sources, the college library has printed materials as well as computers with databases that help you search for efficient evidence. It helps to enter good keywords when searching for information. Online sources, using websites like google.com or library databases are good resources for arguments. Building a Critical Mass; it is stressed that you always find as much evidence as possible when supporting a claim. Remember that circumstantial evidence may not be enough. Arranging Evidence, review evidence and decide which pieces support specific points in the argument. Such as putting stronger pieces after weaker in your arguments.



A certain section of this chapter that I found most interesting was the section on arranging your evidence. I’ve always had trouble with organizing where to put certain things in my writing. Sometimes my ideas just run rapid in a word document. I find this information helpful and interesting. Knowing where to put strong pieces of evidence is important because that’s going to real the reader in, so putting it near the beginning of paragraphs makes sense. Also, putting strong information in a conclusion can really tie everything together and end the argument with a strong closing that stays with the readers. My only question is what makes evidence strong or weak? Well I guess that depends on you and what you’re trying to argue.



Personally, I use a lot of personal experience when I am trying to argue with people, especially people that I know or am close with. It has always helped me transition from arguing to maybe a softer or more emotional feeling in the argument. Helps people relate to you and potentially understand where you are coming from and change their minds on a certain subject.

Chapter 13

In Chapter 13 it talks about the style and presentation in arguments. Arguments have their own styles that can me outlined into three basic styles of communication, identifying them as high, middle, and low. High argument styles are generally formal and serious. Middle style is ordinary from a commonplace to professional. Last, the low style is informal. Style and word choice are important factors in arguments. The words that you choose for an argument help define style. Words should match the tone that you want to establish. It is also important to control connotation the unspoken associations that surround many words. Also, sentence structure and argument can define the style of an argument. To keep readers involved a series of sentences needs variety. Then you have punctuation and argument, punctuation affects the act of arguing and can enhance style. Such as, exclamation points to indicate a speakers tone, or question marks to help drive home the point. Figurative Language and Argument brings two major strengths to arguments. It aids understanding by drawing parallels between an unknown and known. Second, it makes the argument memorable. Metaphor is one of the most pervasive uses; it implies a comparison between two things. A simile compares two things while using "like" or "as." An analogy compares two things, point by point, to show similarity. Also, the other tropes such as, signifying, hyperbole, understatement and rhetorical questions.

A section that I found the most interesting was the examples in "Punctuation and Argument," I never really understood the importance of punctuation in the structure of a sentence, It can really change the tone of what you are reading and give some parts more importance than others. It’s a very powerful element in speeches and writing. Changing punctuation can change a lot on the writing. It’s also important to follow the punctuation while reading. If you bypass the punctuation the writing might mislead you and you can misinterpret what you are reading.


As for me, example that I can say about this section is the use of question marks in my writing, I like to ask a lot of rhetorical questions. I feel like it adds some tension to the argument. I can picture myself getting in my readers face like "huh? huh?" and I think that is an affective argument.

Chapter 9

Understanding arguments of definition, exactly what it means. Definitions matter. There can be a lot of different definitions for a word or meaning. Words such as, patriotism can cause some problems, like what exactly is patriotism? How can you be a patriot and why is that patriotism and this is not. Each individual has its own definition of words like these, from experiences that have used the word or influences from others. Then there are kinds of definitions, formal definition are what you find in the dictionary. These definitions help you see the principle. Operational definition identify an object or idea by what it does or by what conditions create it, like someone may not meet the technical definition of love unless it is considered wanted, like and passionate. Other conditions define what makes a definition or word. Then there are definitions by example, which define a class by listing its individual members, like a smart phone is an iPhone. These types of definitions have many issues that can be argued. To develop a definitional argument you much formulate a claim which is addressing a question of a definition. Next, crafting a definition, so you developed a claim with a reason followed by a warrant. This will support your new definition and describe why it’s more or less correct. Then, you must match claims to definitions, so once you have formulated a definition that readers will accept you will have to provide evidence. Lastly, considering design visuals to support your argument.

The section I found the most interesting was the "Understanding Arguments of Definition." I thought it was interesting because of the different examples it used to help describe definition arguments. The word patriotism was connected to wearing an American flag "pin" after 9/11. They were saying that you were not showing patriotism when you were not wearing the pin. Obama heard much criticism after he was not seen wearing the pin. However, Obama explained himself and what he thought the definition of patriotism was, but stating it starts as a "gut instinct" and is a "loyalty and love" for the country. Some may disagree with his definition.

I've never had a situation in my life where this would relate to me, but I know of some going on in the government that could connect to this. Such as, all men are created equal...well what about women? Freedom of speech, but then people get criticized for things they have written or said. Also with gay marriage, "marriage is between a man and women," well this is a new century; maybe the constitution needs to be updated.

Chapter 3 Blog Reading

This section of "Everything’s an Argument" focuses on Ethos is writing and how they can affect the reader. The section I read was called "Claiming Authority," and in this section the main issue was authority of a writer. This text talked about certain authorities that writers should have when they are talking on a specific subject. Having these authorities not only make the writing more trustworthy but also the writer. To be able to claim authority on something you’re writing its good to have certain level of knowledge and experience. If you choose to write about cheese and how to make it, it would help if you were a manager of a cheese manufacturing company. Therefore, your readers will trust your knowledge and believe in what you are saying. It is good to identify your position and how it relates to your claim, it could be as suttle as putting a "Dr." before your name or being very specific of your credentials. The most important part about claiming authority is to actual know about what your claiming, even when you don’t make a huge effort to assert it, authority can be conveyed by using small signals that readers will notice.

A certain section that grabbed my attention was the example of using experience as a type of authority in your claim. In the reading there was a short expert from an essay written by a woman who had undergone mastectomies and was sharing her gut wrenching experience. Terry Tempest Williams is an activist who attacks those who poisoned the Utah desert with nuclear radiation. However, Terry is not a radiologist, a nuclear expert by all means but Terry has experienced Breast Cancer, and it is known that some cancers are caused by too much radiation can lead to cancer. Therefore, she has some authority to talk about radiation and its effects on women that can lead to Breast Cancer.


An example that would work for me is my knowledge in soccer. I could write about soccer and state that I've been playing since I was four years old. That information would give authority to my claims on soccer, because not only would I have knowledge on the sport like rules and positions but I would have personal experience being that I have played for more than a decade.

The Power of Visual Arguments Pg 442-444: "Everything's an Argument"

This section talks about the power of visual arguments and how they can stick in our memories. Also the different types of visuals like, images, t-shirts, billboards or movie screens. Visuals date back for centuries, starting with cave paintings, statues of pharaohs of Egyppt, portraits of Roman emperors. Two events occured that were turning points in the power of media. The first was the 1960 presidential election. When J.F.K and Richard Nixon had a debate on nationally television. Because of this event, images and physical apperance became a big deal and changed what was an acceptable look for a president. The second event that happend in the early 1980s when an introduction of personal computers with graphic interfaces surfaced. This made it easier for people to see images, letters and symbols using computers. People are still adjusting to the new decade of visual arguments and being prepared to deal with a world that is more than just words.

A certain part of this section that was interesting to me was the example of visual power in the J.F.K. and Nixon debate that was televised. It is crazy to me that something as simple as the way you look can lead you to being president of the United States. Just because Kennedy was "beeter" looking and more put together than Nixon lead to a narrow victory for him. Even though Kennedy was more presidential looking, Nixon could have made better arguments and would have been a better president but because he looked "ill" it lost him that oppurtunity.

An examply of this would be in some reationships girls will chose the better looking male who may not be as intellectual or passionate as someone who may not be as attractive. Even though the other male that is said to be not as good looking would be a better partner than the better looking male, the girl will still chose him based on looks and sexual attraction. May be shallow or just may be a visual argument.






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Me, Myself and I

A little intro about myself...

I'm Alex Carpenter, grew up in Northern California in a town called Brentwood. I have played soccer all my life, stopped playing this year sadly.. I snowboard and wakeboard. I love the Beach I go as much as I can. My mom's side of the family is from LA and my dad's side is from Reno, so I get the best of both worlds (snow and beach). I chose ASU because I wanted to go to a big school that had good sports team, good parties and good weather. So far ASU hasn't let me down. My major will eventually be nursing, I hope to be a traveling nurse one day and really help the world. For now I'm just doing my prerequisites before I apply for the program my junior year. I'm Spanish, Mexican and White ethnicity, I can't speak spanish but I hope to learn some day. I really enjoy spending time with my family and close friends of course. I love watching "Family Guy" and "American Dad", I also watch all the Real Housewive shows on Bravo. I love reality TV! I'm always loved the mobster lifestyle, so I enjoy all kinds of MOB movies, I also love Will Ferrell, any movie with him I most likely like. My favorite team are, Raiders (football), Oakland A's (Baseball), Sharks (Hockey), Lakers(Basketball), I LOVE watching sports and I get very defensive when people talk crap about my teams :) I hate cats...like HATE HATE them, they are creepy and gross. I love all kinds of food, I will honestly try ANYTHING. The one food or condiment I hate is mayonnaise. GROSS. Thats pretty much it!

byeeeeeeeeeeeee !