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2018-2019 - English 11 Current Events Research: Persuasion

Crafting a Persuasive Argument

Researching to Persuade: Creating a Balanced Argument

After finalizing your topic, collect information that satisfies multiple criteria in order to craft a persuasive argument. 
  • Select evidence that appeals to ETHOS, PATHOS, and LOGOS as well as other rhetorical devices; gather a variety of information so you can target people who make decisions based on their consciences, their hearts, and their heads. ​Care to learn more? Watch the videos and read the information linked below. 
  • Gather information that enables you to show both sides of the topic. Consider what we discussed about bias when selecting articles. If you offer only one side of your argument, you will not be persuasive to the audience. Use the database linked below to find information on both sides of an issue. 

Rhetorical Devices

Rhetorical Devices - Additional Resources

Purdue OWL Writing Lab is a wonderful resource for most writing topics! Check out their overview of Ethos, Pathos, and Logos by clicking the following link: Aristotle's Rhetorical Situation  

Addressing Both Sides of an Issue

Gale Opposing Viewpoints Database

  • When creating a balanced argument for your topic, research the "opposing viewpoints" on the topic - the Pro and Con of the issue. 
  • Broad Topic - What broad topic might you research in this database? For example, if you are interested in DACA, might you research Immigration? Or something else? 
  • Gale Opposing Viewpoints in Context is a Database that will enable you to quickly find the Pro and Con of an issue. 

Newsela

PRO/CON Articles

  • Created by Newsela Staff

  • Check out these articles by clicking the link in your teacher's Google Classroom (see the announcement and look for the Link & Class Code).