1. A Model for Writing a Persuasive Paper
The Classical Model
A Model for Writing a Persuasive Paper
Adapted from Mr. Torres, La Cañada High School

2. Background: Arrangement
Traditionally, an essay has a beginning, middle, and end, or an introduction, developmental paragraphs, and conclusion.
This is a time-honored format that is taught to student writers.
s.quickmeme.com
Elementary school worksheet

3. The Classical Model
A five-part structure of writing developed by the ancient Greeks and Romans.
This model consists of an introduction, narration, confirmation, refutation, and conclusion.
This persuasive form of writing also invokes the traditional appeals: ethos, logos, and pathos.
Parthenon in ancient Greece
Parmenides, a Greek philosopher

4. Part I: The Introduction
The first part of this five part model is the introduction.
The introduction introduces the reader to the subject. It draws the reader into the text by piquing interest, challenging them, or otherwise getting their attention.
It is often in the introduction where the writer establishes ethos.
Persuasive issue: clean your room
How might you pique the listener’s
interest and get his or her attention?

5. Back to cleaning the room – which details could you provide?
Part II: The Narration
The narration provides factual information and background material on the subject, thus beginning the developmental paragraphs, or establishing why the subject is a problem that needs addressing.
The level of detail used in this section depends on the audience that the speaker is addressing.
Although classical rhetoric describes narration as appealing to logos, in actuality it often appeals to pathos because the writer attempts to evoke an emotional response.
Back to cleaning the room –
which details could you provide?

6. Part III: The Confirmation
What proof could you provide
in order to persuade someone
to clean their room?
The confirmation is usually the major part of the text. This includes the development or proof needed to make the writer’s case, essentially the nuts and bolts of the essay.
The confirmation generally makes the strongest appeal to logos.
pimphop.com
Greater efficiency!
Grades!
mgoblog.com
Be a role model to your younger brother!

7. Part IV: The Refutation
sprinklesonmyicecream.blogspot.com
The refutation addresses the counterargument, which is in many ways a bridge between the writer’s proof and conclusion.
Typically, the counterargument is refuted at the end of an argument, though not always. If opposing views are well- known, then a writer may want to address them early.
The counterarguments appeal is largely to logos.
I have my reasons…
It’s too much work!

8. Part V: The Conclusion
The conclusion, whether one paragraph or several, brings the essay to a satisfying close.
Here the writer usually appeals to pathos and reminds the reader of the ethos established earlier.
The conclusion does not simply repeat what has gone before it, but rather brings all of the writer’s ideas together and answers the question, so what?
The last words and ideas of a text are those the audience is most likely to remember, so they should make an impact.
You’re better than this mess!
Get better for a bright future!