1.8 | Notions
Argumentative discourse
Argumentation aims to guide the recipients of the discourse by using a structured sequence of arguments and examples, so that they adopt the opinion or point of view of the speaker. When the opinion or point of view defended by a speaker through their argumentation is entirely opposed to that of the addressee, we speak of polemical discourse.
1.8.1 | Notions
Topic, thesis, arguments and examples
The key elements of argumentation are the topic, the thesis (the opinion or point of view being defended), the arguments (the reasons presented to demonstrate the relevance and validity of a given opinion), and the examples (which illustrate or validate an argument).
1.8.2 | Notions
Types of reasoning and types of arguments
It is possible to distinguish different types of reasoning and different types of arguments in argumentative discourse. Inductive reasoning, deductive reasoning or reasoning by analogy, by absurdity or by concession in the first typology and, in the second typology, arguments based, for example, on logic, experience, authority, statistics, shared values or pathos.
1.8.3 | Notions
Connectors (toolbox)
For argumentation to be effective, the topic, thesis, arguments, and examples must all be presented in an organized coherent structure. Connectors and transitions are important for effectively structuring argumentation. The argumentation can thus progress towards a conclusion that reaffirms the thesis and invites the audience (implicitly or explicitly) to share it.