Three choices for Argument/Synthesis Writing Breakin’ out of the five paragraph mold…

Purpose of the 5 Paragraph Essay… To illustrate that you understand 3 aspects of a topic OR can provide 3 reasons why a claim is true while also refuting counter claims.

The Five paragraph model (2 range) Intro:  Hook + Thesis ¨  Body Para 1: Topic Sentence ¤  Text evidence ¤  Commentary ¨  Body Para 2: Topic Sentence ¨  Body Para 3: Topic Sentence   (Space for refutation for argument) ¨  Conclusion  Explanation taken from: https://www.umuc.edu/writingcenter/onlineguide/chapter8-09.cfm

The Classical Model (“B” or “A” range, “parent” of the Five Paragraph Essay ) Notice there’s no paragraph requirement… 1.      Introduction: Give the context and background of your issue. Establish style, tone, and significance of your issue. 2.      State your Case: Clarify your issue here. Give any necessary background for understanding the issues. Define any important terms or conditions here. 3.      Thesis/Proposition: State your central proposition. Be sure that your hook presents an issue that is open to debate. Present the subtopics or supportive points to forecast your argument for your reader. 4.      Refutation: Analyze the opposition's argument and summarize it; refute or address the points; point out faulty reasoning and inappropriate appeals. 5.      Substantiation and Proof: Present and develop your own case. Carefully plan your disclosure; avoid logical fallacies. Rely primarily on reasoning for your appeal and use emotional appeals carefully; use examples, facts, experts, and statistics. Develop your argument using the appropriate prose strategy, e.g., causal analysis, comparison, analogies, definitions. 6.      Conclusion: Conclude with conviction. Review your main points and state your claims strongly. Make a strong plea for action, or invite your readers to refute your argument.

Purpose of the Rogerian Model… To convince a skeptical audience that your position is not only valid but in their best interest by illustrating that you really understand the opposing viewpoints. EVERYONE GETS TO YES! COMPROMISE…Carl Rogers was just that kind of a guy.

The Rogerian Model – Everyone gets to YES!!  (“A” Range) Suggested Organization for a Rogerian Argument 1.      Write a brief objective statement to define the issue. 2.      Analyze and state the other's position in a neutral, objective way. Demonstrate that you understand the other's position and their reasons for holding it. Avoid moralizing or judging the other's position or reasons. 3.      Analyze and state your own position in a neutral, objective way. Avoid moralizing about your own position or reasons. 4.      Analyze what the two positions have in common; find commonly shared goals and values. 5.      Propose a resolution to the issue that recognizes and incorporates the interests of both positions.

Let’s Read a Sample Rogerian Argument… Read “Men Can’t Have it All Either” and try to chunk the sections of the Rogerian model Where is their objective? Where is the issue defined? Where is the opposition’s view acknowledged? Where is the author’s claim acknowledged? Where does the author identify common grounds for compromise? What resolution does the author suggest that will benefit both parties?

Let’s try it with a sample argument… Problem – You have an 79.6 at the end of the 2nd quarter and want your teacher to bump up your grade to an B- so you’ll have a B for the semester. How would you structure your argument if you want to use the “Rogerian Method” (everyone gets to YES!)?

. Write a brief objective statement (can be multiple sentences) to define the issue How would you introduce the issues to a skeptical audience (your teacher ;)?

Analyze and state the other's position in a neutral, objective way. Demonstrate that you understand the other's position and their reasons for holding it. Avoid moralizing or judging the other's position or reasons. MAKE THEM COMFORTABLE. Boost your ETHOS!

Bridge… At this point you would bridge from addressing the counterclaim to your claim. What’s your thesis/claim.

Analyze and develop your own position in a neutral, objective way. Avoid moralizing (being preachy) about your own position or reasons.

Analyze what the two positions have in common find commonly shared goals and values. Can’t we all just get along?? 

Propose a resolution Propose a resolution to the issue that recognizes and incorporates the interests of both positions. EVERYONE GETS TO YES! Or we at least try to 