Ellipsis

Objective:
To develop advanced skills in structuring arguments, employing persuasion techniques, engaging in
debates, and writing argumentative essays.

Week 1: Introduction to Argumentation
Goals:
 Understand the components of an argument.
 Differentiate between claims, evidence, and warrants.
Activities:

1. Lecture/Discussion:
   o Key components of an argument: claim, evidence, warrant.
   o Logical reasoning and avoiding fallacies.
2. Group Activity:
   o Break into groups and analyze sample arguments for structure.
   o Identify claims, evidence, and warrants.
3. Homework:
   o Find a persuasive article and annotate its main arguments.

Week 2: Persuasion Techniques
Goals:
 Learn rhetorical strategies (ethos, pathos, logos).
 Apply persuasion techniques in practice.
Activities:

1. Lecture/Discussion:
   o Explanation of ethos (credibility), pathos (emotional appeal), and logos (logic).
   o Discuss examples from speeches (e.g., Martin Luther King Jr., TED Talks).
2. Role-Playing Exercise:
   o Students take turns practicing persuasive speeches using different rhetorical strategies.
3. Homework:

o Write a short persuasive speech using ethos, pathos, and logos.

Week 3: Structuring Arguments
Goals:
 Master formal argument structures (e.g., Toulmin model, Rogerian argument).
 Practice organizing arguments clearly.
Activities:

1. Lecture/Discussion:
   o Overview of the Toulmin model and Rogerian argument structure.
2. Worksheet Activity:
   o Students complete structured templates for Toulmin and Rogerian arguments based on
   a given topic.
3. Homework:
   o Create a structured outline for a debate argument.

Week 4: Debate Techniques
Goals:
 Understand debate formats and rules.
 Develop rebuttal and cross-examination skills.
Activities:

1. Lecture/Discussion:
   o Overview of debate formats (e.g., Oxford style, Lincoln-Douglas).
   o Strategies for effective rebuttals and questioning opponents.
2. Mock Debates:
   o Practice debates in small groups, focusing on clarity and rebuttal.
3. Homework:
   o Prepare arguments for a formal debate next week.

Week 5: Debate Practice and Feedback

Goals:
 Apply learned techniques in a formal debate.
 Receive constructive feedback.
Activities:

1. Formal Debates:
   o Conduct structured debates on assigned topics.
   o Peer and instructor feedback on strengths and areas for improvement.
2. Reflection Activity:
   o Students write about what they learned from the debate experience.

Week 6: Writing Argumentative Essays
Goals:
 Learn the steps of writing an argumentative essay.
 Focus on clarity, coherence, and substantial evidence.
Activities:

1. Lecture/Discussion:
   o Steps for writing an argumentative essay:
2. Choose a topic and define your position.
3. Research evidence and counterarguments.
4. Develop a thesis statement.
5. Structure the essay (introduction, body paragraphs, conclusion).
   o Discuss examples of well-written essays.
6. Writing Activity:
   o Students draft an introduction and thesis statement based on a chosen topic.
7. Homework:
   o Write the first draft of an argumentative essay.

Week 7: Essay Refinement and Peer Review
Goals:

 Refine argumentative essays with peer and instructor feedback.
 Focus on grammar, style, and logical flow.
Activities:

1. Peer Review:
   o Exchange essays and provide constructive feedback.
2. Instructor Feedback:
   o Review drafts and suggest revisions.
3. Homework:
   o Revise essays based on feedback and submit the final draft.

Week 8: Culminating Activities
Goals:
 Showcase argumentation and debate skills.
 Reflect on growth and future applications.
Activities:

1. Debate Showcase:
   o Organize a final debate competition.
2. Essay Presentation:
   o Students present key points from their essays to the class.
3. Reflection Discussion:
   o Discuss how these skills apply to real-world scenarios, such as academic writing and
   professional communication.

Materials Needed:
 Handouts on argument structures and rhetorical techniques.
 Sample essays and speeches.
 Debate topics and guidelines.
Assessment:
 Participation in activities and debates.

 Quality of argumentative essay.
 Improvement demonstrated in structuring and delivering arguments.