How To Develope An Argument

More on Arguments: The Classical Method
The classical argument represents the first steps to understanding straightforward argument. It, like any other essay, should have an introduction, body, and conclusion. The Introduction If you don't get your audience's attention, you're wasting your time. They need to be interested in you and what you have to say. Therefore, draw your reader into the argument. Build common ground. Establish your tone and style. Establish your credentials. Clarify why the issue is important and build ethos. Your introduction needs to clearly state your thesis and some type of forecasting passage that clearly indicates to the reader what you intend to do. Lastly, make sure your introduction establishes the controversy and how it began. Introduction of the Classical Argument EXORDIUM Attention getter. NARRATIO Background of the controversy: Tell the story behind the argument. Give any necessary background information. Illuminate the situational context. Clarify the issue. Characterize and define the issue in terms that are favorable to your point of view. PROPOSITO Writer's thesis. State your central proposition. Present it carefully, much as you would the Thesis in a Thesis/Support Essay. Perhaps set up expectations by forecasting important sub-points that will be considered. PARTITIO Forecasting passage. The Body CONFIRMATIO Main body of essay; confirms your position. Develop and support your own case, much in the manner of a traditional Thesis/Support Essay. Use examples, facts, and statistics to back up your claims. Avoid logical fallacies. Argue from authority, definition, analogy, cause/effect, value, and purpose. Base your appeal primarily on logos. Once you have a clear vision of the confirmation's main points and supporting details, you can consider a strategy of disclosure. Which point should come first? Which next? Which last? One