Briefly discuss the use of the persuasive proposition and describe a proposition of fact, a proposition of value, and a proposition of policy. Provide an example of each type of proposition.

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

(Student examples will vary.) Persuasive speakers rely on the persuasive proposition to state the claim with which they want the audience to agree. A proposition of fact is a claim that something is or is not the case or that something did or did not happen. This speaker focuses on changing or reinforcing the beliefs of the audience. Example: Global warming is a contributing factor in recent severe weather. A proposition of value is a claim that calls for the listener to judge the worth or importance of something. It might compare two things, ideas, or actions and suggest that one is superior to the other. Example: Chocolate is the best flavor of ice cream. A proposition of policy is a claim advocating a specific action to change a regulation, procedure, or behavior. A proposition of policy always includes the word should. Example: State University should require a semester of community service for graduation.