Writing Topic: Rules for Writers Chapter 48

The main concepts in “Evaluating Arguments” by Diana Hacker are, how to tell the difference between misleading views compared to sensible arguments, how to know the difference between the right and the wrong type of emotional appeals, and how to see different perspectives within an argument while reading and writing.

Diana Hacker stressed the importance of not stereotyping or generalizing within arguments. In order to state a reasonable perspective on a matter, we must provide ample evidence supporting our claims. She stated when using analogies within texts to argue positions, the writer must ensure the analogy is used properly. If the idea is not actually similar to the analogy stated, it is called a “false analogy”. While writing about problems and possible solutions, the writer must provide multiple resolutions with evidence of why one solution is better then the others. Diana pointed out how imperative it is to use emotional appeals responsibly within writing.  She provided examples of “biased language” and how using this type of language can elicit strong emotional reactions from the audience. When providing other views on a subject the text needs to be accurate and impartial. Diana suggested quoting the writers within the argument but to explain the “context” of the quote in order not to misrepresent what the writer was stating.

All of the different principles Diana supplied in “Evaluating Arguments” will help me with my future reading and writing of arguments. She provided examples to explain the different ways I can utilize her concepts. In the past when I have written a text involving my stated position it has been extremely easy to confuse the audience without a proper format for my argument. In the future I will use one of the concepts she suggested to form my argument and provide the necessary evidence to support my claims.