In Class: what I learned

In the reading last night I learned that making arguments from the perspective of the presenter is more complex than simply analyzing the argument. When you are the one who has to argue FOR something, not only do you have to know the audience, but also figure out how to speak to them. Targeting was one part of the reading that interested me, if a presenter is able to hone in on the audience and appeal to their pathos and logos, through his ethos, then an argument or product will be persuasive.

Job Title

I am very happy with my group and job title. I will be helping the group create the visual media as well as recording the daily activities. These are my main focuses but I will also be contributing to overall action of the group.

In Class: ideal group work situation

I have experienced some terrible group projects in my life, but if I had to chose my perfect group experience it would have to start with everyone contributing. I would like the group members to ALL want to make the same grade I do (an A) and understand that it will take a lot of hard work to gain this grade. Some people are not as motivated as others, and this is problematic when a person needs to accomplish a certain grade, but the project relies on the other people efforts. I would also like the group to comunicate well, this way everyone would be on the same page.

SUPER CLAIM

#1)

Through the logical and seemingly predictable style of journalism anyone who reads this article would be hard pressed to argue against it. This is a positive way for anyone to make an argument, but could possibly be a product of the sporting world. The essay makes statements, and then backs them with undisputable statistics from the game, which he draws no further arguments from. This is a good tactic because he is not telling you what to think, he is simply pointing you in his direction of thought. The use of quotes throughout the article shows the reader that the author has been close enough to these individuals to get direct commentary from them; this is a huge credit to the author’s Ethos. The journalist cannot be questioned because he has direct commentary to support his main ideas.

#2)

He supports his ideas with backing from game stats and from quotes made by the players the day of the event. One issue to remember is that the paper, being so negative, shows that there is always some chance emotion is getting in the way of the whole story. This is important to remember when the author is a local writer.

#3)

The author uses the same tactics as the first two sources. Interesting to note that they all have access to the same statistics and quotes, but each took the facts and came up with differing opinions.

Each of these try to give a point of view, but at the same time they convince the reader through the ethos and logos that comes from the direct access these authors have to statistics.

Supper Claim:
***Argument in American sports is based on factual evidence such as statistics or actual events that can be reviewed. Although contradicting conclusions can be drawn from the same group of data, both claims are valid if they have evidential backing. These are direct examples of how differing points of view can shape an argument. It is important to note that some authors will skew their claims by intentionally omitting relevant information, especially if these facts oppose their argument. In the same way, the author’s location and local ties to an event can sway the position the writer takes. In an event where statistics and quotations are readily available, the arguments can seamlessly be made with supportive backing. But this may not always be the same in a world filled with less documented actions and not so many solid details. While these articles are a microcosmic example of one type of argument in America, it certainly is not a representative sample.

*Arguments are seen as good when they are well established and well supported. But this may not be the only things involved in the decision of which argument will make an impact. One thing to keep in mind is where the writer is from and what perspective he is giving: is he giving a national or local opinion? And does it match with the popular opinion or challenge the majority of people’s ideas?

****This claim should:

     1) Detail idea ^

    2) give a road map of the organization of the essay (National level-ESPN#1-the norm of the opinion- negative, Local Level #2- negative, Local Level- #3 contrasting idea.

   3) A transition into the second paragraph

PLANNNNNN

does the author make a nod to the complexity of the argument??

List:
What do my 3 sources have in common:
     *They all use statistics
     *They all have direct player,coaches, and owner quotes
     *They all take, which is perceived through pathos, a emotionally connected stance.
     *emotional stands are taken into account with the factual evidence to back them.
     *They are each written by sports writers, who have direct interaction with the Dallas Cowboys
     *They each give a vast range of regional perception (ESPN-Large range, Star Telegram- Small/more personal, Dallas News- Close proximity as well)
     *Each assumes that the audience knows something about the past happenings of the team, and the actual happenings right now.
     *Each audience is a Cowboys' fan, or a person interested in the National Football League.;
     *Each article is relatively short, showing the norm of most sport periodicals as well as each are in textual form.
     *Each connect to Pathos-even if they are contradicting ideas
     *Each author has a high amount of Ethos
     *Each essay makes a strong and supported case for their side, but neither gives a strong look into the contradicting idea.

How are they different:
     * One report is from a large regional standpoint, one is from a close range- more pathos and emotion, the last one is also a close range but gives a contradicting idea.
     *Each essay sites the main reasons why or why not the Cowboys' are a good team or will make it to the playoffs.
     *The two essays support the majority idea that the Cowboys are bad but do not give a nod to other statistics indicating that there is still a very possible chance for the team to do well.
     * The essay that contradicts this main idea is one that is supported by different statistics but still gives a nod to the other side of the argument. The paper is written almost in response to, or in argument of the other two more commonly found periodicals.

RED=Good argument strategy
Blue= Bad argument strategies

In Class: reflection on sources

Starting out was very difficult for me. I wanted to make my essay as good as possible and try to plan each step accordingly. This was not the case! Like Dr. Irvin said, "sometimes you can only see five feet in front of you, but you can still make it." I took this to heart and just decided to dive into the assignment by selecting my first resource. After my analysis was done I felt a little better about the assignment, and once the second one was complete, I had a good grasp on where I was going. After meeting with our peers and starting the conferences, I was given a great plan for the final resource. Finally I had the perfect idea about where this paper was going. My plan is to show an overall view of the problem, a close up view, then a view that contradicts both.

Chosen Event

My topic is going to be the Dallas Cowboys second loss in a row to start their promising season (with super-bowl hopes) winless. Some didn't hit the panic button, other wrote the Cowboys off completely, but everyone in sports seemed to have an opinion.
I plan to find my information in sources such as ESPN and National Published sports reports, but since this issue touches close to home, I will also be using the dictation from local radio sports talk shows (galloway and Company) and even the local star telegram. I plan to start on a wide scale (the nation) and zoom in to the smaller location where the event occurred.
I chose this topic because I wanted to focus on something of interest and that I had knowledge about. I started to think too big like the gulf oil spill, or the change in global warming. I decided on a small, local sports topic and thin I can make the argument for the primary documents flourish.