Writing a research paper usually requires synthesizing the available sources in order to provide new insight or a different perspective into your particular topic (as opposed to simply restating what each individual source says about your research topic). When you look for areas where your sources agree or disagree and try to draw broader conclusions about your topic based on what your sources say, you are engaging in synthesis. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our terms and conditions of fair use. This material may not be published, reproduced, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed without permission.

An argument should never use emotion to misrepresent the topic or frighten people. Only use an emotional appeal if it truly supports the claim you are making, not as a way to distract from the real issues of debate. Academic arguments in particular benefit from understanding pathos as appealing to an audience's academic disposition. For example, telling the story of a single child who has been abused may make for a more persuasive argument than simply the number of children abused each year because it would give a human face to the numbers. Emotional appeals can use sources such as interviews and individual stories to paint a more legitimate and moving picture of reality or illuminate the truth. Pathos can also be understood as an appeal to audience's disposition to a topic, evidence, or argument (especially appropriate to academic discourse).Īrgument emphasizes reason, but used properly there is often a place for emotion as well. Pathos, or emotional appeal, appeals to an audience's needs, values, and emotional sensibilities. Too many careless grammar mistakes cast doubt on your character as a writer. You can use the Toulmin method of logic or a simple pattern such as chronological order, most general to most detailed example, earliest to most recent example, etc.

Organize your argument in a logical, easy to follow manner.

If appropriate for the assignment, disclose why you are interested in this topic or what personal experiences you have had with the topic.

Most of the time, this can be done by acknowledging values and beliefs shared by those on both sides of the argument.

Establish common ground with your audience.

Respect the reader by stating the opposing position accurately.Use only credible, reliable sources to build your argument and cite those sources properly.There are many ways to establish good character and credibility as an author: EthosĮthos or the ethical appeal is based on the character, credibility, or reliability of the writer. While one issue may affect the other, it does not mean we should ignore possible safety issues because of possible economic consequences to a few individuals. In this example the author switches the discussion away from the safety of the food and talks instead about an economic issue, the livelihood of those catching fish. The level of mercury in seafood may be unsafe, but what will fishers do to support their families. Writing Letters of Recommendation for Students.

Rhetorical moves owl