A lot of the features of argument are similar to the language of persuasion but with one difference; the language of argument appeals to a person’s sense of logic as opposed to their emotion. The language of argument will attempt to use statistics and facts instead of emotion.
Rhetorical Questions: Rhetorical questions force the reader or the listener to think about the question being posed and often forces them to think about their own actions or views. Example: There has been a 50% increase in the use of plastics since the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic, isn’t it time we banned the use of single use plastics once and for all?
Use of Personal Anecdotes: This helps to keep the reader or listener engaged and can help them imagine the situation being discussed. Example: Anyone who has travelled to Scandinavia like I have, will know that air pollution has decreased by almost 40% since the introduction of new legislation.
Use of Contrast: This is when the speaker of writer creates a contrast for dramatic effect to highlight an issue in the minds of the reader/listener. Example: When you consider that 87% of people in our prison systems have not completed any formal second level education, it is clear that we need to do more to keep young people in the education system in some way. Not everyone needs to be in a classroom, but we do need to make sure that our young people have an outlet to pursue their interests.
Use of Facts/Statistics: Use of Facts/Statistics: This is where the writer tries their best to make the reader change their mind on a given topic by highlighting statistics and facts that will help to sway their opinion. Example: With Government spending increasing year on year by at least 15% and complaints about the health service reaching an all-time high of 450,000, surely now is the time that our government leaders need to make a decision on the future of the HSE.
Enda's English Notes 