Classical Model White and Billings

History to Argument  Rhetoric was taught as Oratory  Aristotle defined rhetoric as it is still used today  Modes of Discourse (definition, comparison, temporal/causal connection, circumstance, testimony) descended from ancient rhetoric system  Debate is the sport aspect of argument

Outline of Classical Model I.Introduction A.Lead-in B.Overview of Situation (context) C.Background (specific to situation) II.Position statement (thesis) III.Appeals and evidence IV.Refutation (often presented simultaneously with evidence) V.Conclusion

Exercise 3.1 pg 86  Read and answer questions 1-4

Introduction 1.Presents the topic of inquiry or the problem requiring attention and perhaps briefly states the thesis. 2.It establishes a clear context for the problem. 3.It engages the reader’s attention and desire to get “the whole picture.”

Position Statement  State the claim

Evidence and Appeals  Pathos, Ethos, Logos  Direct and Indirect Evidence  DE consists of data from surveys, scientific experiments, case-in-point, etc  IE consists of formal analytical and mathematical reasoning  Example: Step-by-step analysis of causes that lead to inevitable effects

Use emotional appeals by playing on readers needs: Safety, love, youth, tradition, strength or power, compassion, etc.

Combining Appeals  Evidence must be tested for Relevance, accuracy, thoroughness, and timeliness  Relevance – evidence must relate directly to the claims being made  Accuracy – Double-check, precision relevant to what is being argued  Thoroughness – evidence must cover every facet or implication of the claim  Timeliness – appropriately recent

Refutation  Def: the reference to opposing viewpoints and rebutting them.  The aim of refutation is to demonstarte the limitations or errors of challenging views.

Conclusion  The minimal task of a conclusion is to provide a final wisdom about the thesis just argued.

Exercise 3.2 pg 100  Read and answer question 3

Exercise 3.3 pg 103  Read and answer questions 1-2

Classical Model Essay  Using the Classical model of argument structure, write a 2 page position paper on the following topic:  High schools should (should not) allow students to have cell phones in classrooms. * I will not accept papers with triple-spacing, large fonts, wrong margins, wrong fonts. The papers will be returned and can be resubmitted papers will be returned and can be resubmitted with a late-penalty as per the syllabus. with a late-penalty as per the syllabus.