Have you been in an

argument? What ideas

did you argue on? How
did you argue?
Argumentation is the action or process
of reasoning systematically in support of
an idea, action, or theory in which we try
to persuade others.

Argumentation uses
persuasion and conviction.
Persuasion – emotions are used to convince the
audience to take a particular action.

Conviction - appeals mainly to logical reason; it

seeks to move the mind.

The proportion of conviction and persuasion in an

argument depends on different factors.
 Why is it important to know
the types of arguments?
Understanding the different types of arguments is important because it
allows you to determine which type is most appropriate in a given
situation.
8
1. Causal Argument
A causal argument is a type of argument used to persuade
someone or a group of people that one thing has caused something
else.

This argument type is important because it helps people determine

the reasons why certain things happen and to make clear the cause
to ensure it doesn't happen again.

For example, arguing why climate change is occurring allows

individuals to explore potential causes and come to an agreement
on those causes.
2. Rebuttal Argument
A rebuttal argument is centered on refuting an idea or belief that has
been present up until this point in time. This type of argument often
involves including why a particular idea or belief is flawed and how
you feel it can be fixed or changed. Most rebuttal arguments include
a statement of the counterargument, a statement regarding your
position and how it's different from the counterargument and
evidence to support your position.
Example: "Homework is unnecessary."

Ineffective Rebuttal: "I don't agree with you. Homework is

important because it's part of the curriculum and it helps
students study."

Effective Rebuttal: "Your concern about the overuse of

homework is valid, considering the amount of stress
students face today. However, research shows that
homework, when thoughtfully assigned and not overused,
can reinforce classroom learning, provide students with
valuable time management skills, and help teachers
evaluate student understanding."
The effective rebuttal acknowledges the opposing argument, uses
evidence-based reasoning, and strengthens the argument by showing
the value of homework in the larger context of learning.
3. Proposal Argument

A proposal argument is one in which a person proposes a

particular solution to a specific issue. This argument should
include the establishment of a problem, the details of the
proposal and reasons why the proposal is a good idea. For
example, an employee may make a proposal argument that
proposes a new way to increase customer retention rates.
4. Evaluation Argument
An evaluation argument is an argument that is used to evaluate
whether a particular element is "good" or "bad." For this argument to
work, those participating in the argument must first come to an
agreement as to the criteria of "good" and "bad." For example, you
may make a list of the most widely recognized standards or protocols
for judging a particular issue.

Another example, a disposable plastic drinking straw may easily be

evaluated as “good” by meeting a set of practical criteria: it provides
a cheap, accessible, sanitary way for consumers to drink beverages.
5. Narrative Argument
A narrative argument is an argument in which an individual states their
case by telling a story that illustrates a point directly related to the
argument. Unlike other arguments which rely solely on figures and
facts, narrative arguments allow individuals to use a narrative to
express their stance on a particular issue. For example, an employee
may describe their experience with another company's customer
service representatives to make a stance on a change the employee
wants to make in their own company's customer service approach.
6. Toulmin Argument
The Toulmin argument was developed by Stephen E. Toulmin and is
an argument that is composed of six different parts: claim, grounds,
warrant, qualifier, rebuttal and backing. In this argument, the claim is
what the arguer wishes to prove; the grounds of the argument are
the facts and evidence that support the claim; the warrant is what
links the grounds to the claim; the backing is additional warrant
support; the qualifier is used to show that the claim does not always
apply to all situations and the rebuttal is acknowledging that there
are other valid viewpoints for the claim.
7. Rogerian Argument
A Rogerian argument is an argument used to determine the best
possible solution to a particular issue based on the interests and
needs of all parties involved. This type of argument is used to help
those with opposing viewpoints reach a common ground by allowing
them to look at a situation from a different perspective.

In a Rogerian argument, both parties acknowledge the opposition and

build trust by identifying each others' merit.
Cigarette Smoking
8. Classical Argument
A classical Western argument is used to persuade a group of
people of the validity of an argument and/or reveal the truths
that define or affect the argument. This is a basic type of
persuasive argument and typically includes five different
components: an introduction, narration, confirmation, refutation,
and a conclusion.

Classical arguments are often used when an individual or group

wants to be more aggressive or direct, or when someone wants
to establish power with another individual or group. Many people
who use the classical argument wrap up their conclusion by
incorporating appeals to the audience's motivations, values and
feelings to help them identify with the argument.
8
1. Causal Argument
2. Rebuttal Argument
3. Proposal Argument
4. Evaluation Argument
5. Narrative Argument
6. Toulmin Argument
7. Rogerian Argument
8. Classical Western Argument
Mini Task 3.1