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.

In Class: 1st Paragraph

Title: My place of Constant Transformation


1st Paragraph:

The layout of this place:

I want to start by describing this space using all five of the senses then including a picture at the end to give some visual representation. Sight will be a big factor in this paragraph, a description of color throughout. This part will also include the pictures and metal on the wall--ETHOS. Then the smell, one of my favorite things about this place. The feel of the heat in the room.


***Remember that I want to show a transition in each of my paragraphs between the way in is in the beginning (the earlier, kids class times), and the way it is at night (with the men's training). Along with this, in the narrative portion of the paper, I would like to tie in the transition of the day with the transition of a fighter (include this part of the people in the space and how a young fighter comes in hesitant and nervous compared to an experienced one who will be knowledgeable etc). Then to satisfy the personal part I want to include my own transition as a fighter which took place in this space. This is my tie to the spot an the overall reason I chose to describe this place of Transformation.

In class: previous experiences with in class peer conferences

Honestly, I must say that every time I have been a part of a peer conference the experience has been horrible. It always seemed that the people in my groups have been so much more interested in what others were writing about their paper, than actually writing a comment that was worth while on mine. I would always try to write a meaningful comment, but it is especially hard when you are worried about the other person's feelings. It would help if the teacher would not have the students sign their name on the essay, that way you could be so much more honest and therfore more helpful to the writer.

In class: idea about observation feedback

I think I need to give more a visual representation or description of the actual place before I start getting into the details of the spot.

I could also include the metals and awards posted on the walls, as well as the counter with gloves and protein for sale. This would also be a great idea of ethos, and pathos.

The reputation is another good idea that I could include. The clarification of this Ethos would help to identify the space.

The energy in the room is a good observation to go off of.

Again with the sounds- I could give a more general idea of the sound levels before i get into the details of what the are.

Advertisements about the upcoming fights or tournaments could be included. Like the ones on the wall for the next WGC or the UFC posters that are tacked up close to the fight time. These may tell a story or opportunity for a future event that this space would be associated with.

Any safety equipment- pathos (especially to parents) - the head gear that is collected on one of the shelves.

The awards and trophies could be a great way to make an appeal to Ethos, and a good way to discuss the descritions of the walls further.