5 Types of Public Arguments

Arguments come in many shapes and sizes and every rhetorical situation has several options for how to present the information. In class, we discussed 5 major types of arguments and how each contributed to the purpose of an argument as a whole.

Initially, the simple position (pro/con) argument presents both sides of a debate and weighs the positive and the negative to decide which is better. This type of argument works well where there are two clear sides with distinct qualities. To present my argument in this style, I would consider the pros and cons of processed food and then show how damaging junk food is to the human body.

Another style, a casual argument, shows a current problem and then presents a solution to said problem. This type of argument is very straightforward and works best when we have a major issue that needs to be addressed. If I decided to use a casual argument, I would discuss the problem of poor health and obesity in America and argue that cutting junk food would be the solution.

An evaluation argument looks at an existing policy and decides how that policy can be improved and expanded. This can be be an effective argument when the situation already has some type of system in place that has faults. To present an evaluation argument on my topic, I could discuss the institution of junk food in America and evaluate how it could be changed to benefit the citizens' health.

Furthermore, a proposal argument puts forth some sort of plan and then supports this plan in detail. This works best when a more complicated solution in necessary to the issue at hand. To use this style for my public argument, I would propose reforming the food industry in America, as well as the citizens themselves transforming their diets.

Finally, a refutation argument takes an existing viewpoint and proves it wrong in detail. This works best when there is a strong existing view to argue against. To use this style of argument, I would refute the view that junk food in America is not a big deal and that healthy options are available.

I think I would like to use a casual argument as a straightforward way to show how junk food directly contributes to obesity and poor health by examining the makeup of these foods and the processes behind them. The audience would realize directly how this food affects their body and hopefully be inspired to change their eating habits. I would like to use emotional appeals to make the audience feel disgusted and horrified by the processed foods and also logos to present convincing facts on why the audience should change their diet.

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