How to analyse or write argumentative texts
Argumentative texts are leading article, comments, letters to the editor, political speeches or essays. Their aim is to convince, to persuade or even manipulate the reader or listener.
An argumentative texts normally consists of 3 parts: the introduction, the development and the conclusion but the structure can vary depending on the author’s use of structural and stylistic/rhetorical devices.
Structure
| introduction · author’s opinion is given, background or purpose for writing the text is given · in speeches the speaker attracts the audience’s attention | |
| progressive structure using a clearly defined starting point, developing in a cause-to effect or problem-solution arrangement ® clarity through unity, logical coherence | antithetical structure contrasting and juxtaposing of facts, ideas and arguments ® clarity and emphasis through comparison and contrast |
| development arguments and evidence that support the author’s view are presented backed up by facts, examples or personal experience the order is from the least or less important to the more and most important arguments | development I arguments that oppose the author’s view are presented. |
| development II arguments and evidence that support the author’s view are presented backed up by facts, examples or personal experience | |
| conclusion · mostly the last paragraph: the author’s opinion is repeated, often the most important reasons that have led to the opinion are summed up. · in speeches the speaker often asks the audience to support his view or ideas and gives briefly an outlook | |
rhetorical devices
Some rhetorical devices often used in argumentative texts:
1. choice of words
The author uses/employs empathic, metaphorical, formal, colloquial or emotive language. Emotive language is often used to raise and maintain the reader/listeners attention. Strong adjectives or adverbs are used to reinforce the speakers/author’s opinion/determination.
Emphatic language is often used to reinforce the argumentation. Metaphorical language is employed to convey a vivid/lively/graphic impression/ picture and to enrich the language. It therefore conveys not only a meaning but also feelings etc. “Pictures say more than a thousand words”.
2. stylistic devices
The following devices are often used in argumentative texts:
· alliteration
· repetition
· anaphora
· metaphor
· symbol
· contrasts /antithesis
· comparison/ simile
· enumeration / listing
· exaggeration / hyperbole / understatement
· allusion
· analogy
· irony
· criticism
· The author alludes to/ suggests that
· He/she draws a comparison/ an analogy between
· He/she compares/contrasts A with B
· The speaker uses images/examples/metaphors/personification … to convey …
· He/she illustrates his/her argumentation by …
· He/she repeats … /uses repetition/ alliteration/ analogies to underline/ stress/ emphasise/ underscore that …
· He/she criticises (sth in an ironical way)/ attacks sb… . His/her criticism/ irony is directed against/ attacks …
When structuring a text do not forget to use linking words that express
· reason: therefore, that is why, because, as …
· condition: if, unless …
· concession: although, even though, despite the fact that, …
· result: consequently, thus, as a result, …
To enrich or improve your language you should use:
· gerunds / infinitive-constructions
· participle constructions
· passive
