Exploring the Types of Arguments

This is a WebQuest to help you explore four types of arguments: “convince and inform,” “persuade,” “make decisions,” and “understand and explore.” For each section, there is a different type being explored with five questions following. After you complete each section, you can find the explanation in the conclusion!

#1

• Open link: https://www.npr.org/sections/thesalt/2017/03/03/518323093/do-showers-make-oranges-taste-better-npr-investigates#:~:text=Eating%20oranges%20in%20the%20shower%20will%20make%20you%20happy.,turn%20your%20entire%20life%20around
• Questions: 

1. What claim is presented/ discussed?

2. Is there evidence/ information about this claim?

3. What is the evidence/ information presented?

4. Is it effective in helping or developing the argument?

5. What kind of argument is this?

#2

• Open link: https://nutriciously.com/why-go-vegan/
• Questions: 

1. What is the goal of this article?

2. Are ethos, pathos, or logos used? 

3. If so, are they effective in helping the argument?

4. 

5. What kind of argument is this?

#3

• Open link: https://honestproscons.com/pros-cons-of-owning-a-pet/
• Questions:

1. What course of action is this article about?

2.Who is the intended audience?

3. What is this article trying to achieve?

4. If you were debating on getting a pet, would this list help you?

5. What kind of argument is this?

#4

• Open link: https://youtu.be/7uxF9CsxW88
• Questions:

1. What is the topic of the video?

2. Does this video have any bias?

3. Did you learn anything from this video?

4. What is being explored in this video?

5. What kind of argument is this? 

Open the articles and videos for each number (1-4). Read or watch them. Answer the questions following. Look at the conclusion to find out more!

#1

Source #1 is an example of convince and inform. NPR heard about people eating oranges in the shower and it being amazing. They try to make the audience believe this claim by getting different people from different types of jobs. Using this evidence, they are able to inform the audience about eating oranges in the shower, and the possible benefits of it. NPR also talks to a scientist about the validity of the claim, and the scientist gives reasonable evidence as to why eating oranges in the shower could be amazing. 

#2

Source #2 is an example of persuading. This article talks about all of the reasons someone should be vegan. Most people know and believe that veganism is a good thing for both their body and the environment, but many still do not go vegan. This article is using facts and reasoning to persuade people to go vegan.

#3 

Source #3 is an example of making decisions. It is a pros and cons list of getting a pet. If someone is debating getting a pet, this list can help them decide which course of action to take by weighing out the good and the bad. 

#4

Source #4 is an example of exploring. The video presents different genres of music with samples of each. There is no bias presented. People can use this video to explore different genres and maybe even hear one they have never heard of before.