1. The Classical Model for Argumentation

2. Organization Classical rhetoricians call this arrangement since you must consider how your essay and its individual paragraphs or sections are arranged The essay always has a beginning, middle, and an end: introduction, developmental paragraphs, and conclusion How a writer structures the argument depends upon his or her intended purpose and effect.

3. The Classical Model of Argument Devised by Greek and Roman rhetoricians 2 thousand years ago For presenting cases in courts or making speeches to a senate Those speaking were taught to think of arguments as debates that have winners and losers Classical structure has 5 parts: each part does NOT represent one paragraph –Each part can have any number of paragraphs depending on how much information the author needs to present

4. Exordium ( The Introduction ) Writer tries to win the attention and goodwill of the audience while introducing a subject or problem Draws the audience into the text by piquing their interest, challenging them, or otherwise getting their attention

5. Exordium ( continued ) In your intro ¶’s, you will need to establish what is called exigency, which means urgency of the topic. Why does this issue need to be addressed now? Why’s it a hot topic? It will state your position on the issue in the thesis statement at the end of the ¶.

6. Narratio (The Narration) Writer presents the facts of the case, explaining what happened, who is involved, etc. This section puts the argument in context Provides factual information and background material on the subject at hand OR establishes why the subject is a problem that needs addressing –Level of details provided here will depend on the audience’s knowledge of the subject

7. Confirmatio (The Confirmation) Usually the major part of your essay w/many ¶’s Writer offers detailed support for the claim, using both logical reason and factual evidence Contains the most specific and concrete detail in the text –strong appeal to logos (logic/facts)

8. Logos Silliness

9. Refutario (The Refutation ) Writer acknowledges and then refutes opposing claims or evidence The refutation addresses the counterargument, which is in many ways a bridge between the writer’s proof and conclusion. This is the 2 nd to last thing you do right before …

10. Peroratio (The Conclusion! ) Writer summarizes the case and moves the audience to action Brings all the author’s ideas together and answers the question, so what? –Call to action –Solution –The greater importance of this topic for society

11. The Rogerian Model of Argument Issue of argument: discussion of serious issues can easily turn into a shouting match Rhetoricians applied the non-confrontational principles of psychologist, Carl Rogers, to argument –Created a 4-part structure to Roger’s approach

12. Introduction Writer describes an issue, a problem, or a conflict Description is rich and shows that the author fully understands and respects any alternative position(s)

13. Contexts Writer describes the contexts in which alternative positions may be valid or legitimate Show you understand other sides of the argument

14. Writer’s Position Writer states his or her position on the issue and presents the circumstances in which that opinion would be valid This is the largest part of your paper where you synthesize your research

15. Benefits to Opponent Writer explains to opponents how they would benefit from adopting his or her position Explain why your solution, proposal, argument is better in this context

16. LET’S SEE SOME EXAMPLES!