Reading Response:

11.b-11.c  Types of claims and building credibility

The reading explains that persuasive and exploratory writings make claims of value or claims of judgment. Both of these claims are debatable, because they depend on the person’s perspective. Whereas informative writings make claims of fact, and these claims are either true or false. The difference between these two kinds of writings is clearly defined; however the two divisions of persuasive (argumentative) and exploratory writing seems to be not that different from each other. As the name implies claims of judgment are based on one’s opinions which in most cases are temporary. Claims of value on the other hand are statements of belief, but so often people’s judgment is based on their beliefs. The reading continues on explaining how to build credibility or ethos (greek word for good character, sound knowledge, or good reputation) and it offers two ways to do that. One is to state background, another way is to show it on the writing without directly mentioning background. It was overall interesting reading with detailed explanation and examples on each point.

                                  

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