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Logical Appeal

Homework Help (Curricular Content)

Logical Appeal

Grade Levels

10th Grade, 11th Grade, 12th Grade, 6th Grade, 7th Grade, 8th Grade, 9th Grade

Course, Subject

English Language Arts
Related Academic Standards
C.IE.1.1.1 C.IE.1.1.1
Write with a sharp controlling point and an awareness of the audience and task.
C.IE.1.1.3 C.IE.1.1.3
Use appropriate organizational strategies for information and explanatory writing (e.g., compare/contrast, cause/effect, problem/solution, process analysis).
C.A.1.1.1 C.A.1.1.1
Write with a sharp, distinct controlling point that clearly states a position and demonstrates awareness of task, purpose, and audience.
C.A.1.1.2 C.A.1.1.2
Construct a thorough argument with consistent, relevant support through the use of argumentative/persuasive strategies; address opposing viewpoints.
C.A.1.1.3 C.A.1.1.3
Organize the argument using effective strategies to develop a strong, well-supported position.
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Description

A logical appeal tries to persuade the reader by objectively demonstrating the logical soundness of an argument. (The word argument here is used to mean 'stance.')  The creation of sound arguments is a huge topic--but writers often use data from research and statements from experts to help make their arguments.  Just like a lawyer builds a court case, the writer gathers evidence to persuade the reader.  The writer will also carefully guide the reader through the logical steps of reasoning needed to understand the argument and reach the 'correct' conclusion. 

Considerations
Using a logical appeal requires a great deal of attention to detail and very careful thought.  It is important to make sure the reader has all the necessary data to reach a reasonable conclusion, and that the reader is convinced by the data that the writer presents.  Sometimes a writer's presentation of an argument has logical errors in it; these are called 'fallacies.'  We are all familiar with this kind of logical error:  The advertisement that encourages the reader to buy a mini van because all the neighbors have them is not logically sound.  It is flawed by the 'bandwagon' fallacy.  While it may be true that all the neighbors own mini vans, that does not have any connection to whether or not the reader would benefit from owning a mini van. 

Another common fallacy is the 'slippery slope.'  This is a type of reasoning that suggests that an action or event will necessarily lead to another particular action or event.  The parent who tells the teenager who wants to have her ears pierced that 'next thing you know you will want to have your navel, eyebrow and tongue pierced' is guilty of falling down the slippery slope.  It may well be that the young woman only wants pierced ears, and finds all other piercing unattractive.  One place to find a detailed list of logical fallacies is Stephen Downe's 'Guide to the Logical Fallacies' at http://onegoodmove.org/fallacy/welcome.htm.

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