1. The Classical Argument A Model for Writers

2. The Introduction Warms up the audience. Establishes good will and rapport with readers. Announces general theme or thesis of argument.

3. The Narration Summarizes relevant background material Provides any information audience needs to know about the environment and circumstances that produce the argument Sets up the stakes – whats at risk in this question.

4. The Confirmation Lays out in a logical order (usually strongest to weakest or most obvious to most subtle) the claims that support the thesis, providing evidence for each claim.

5. The Refutation and Concession Looks at opposing viewpoints to the writer’s claims. Anticipates objections from the audience. Allows as much of the opposing viewpoints as possible without weakening the thesis.

6. Summation Provides a strong conclusion. Amplifies the force of the argument Shows readers that this solution is the best at meeting the circumstances.

7. Strategies for Developing Each Section of Argument Introduction has three jobs To capture audience’s interest use a focusing anecdote or quotation use a shocking statistic restate a problem or controversy in a new way Establish perception of you as a writer Set out your point of view

8. Narration Strategies Establish a context for your argument You need to explain the situation to which your argument is responding Include relevant background information, history, statistics, and so on that affect it. Language that you use will give audience a picture of you.

9. Confirmation Strategies Allows you to explain why you believe in your thesis. It takes up several supporting claims individually Develop each one by bringing in facts, examples, testimony, definitions, etc. It is important that you explain why evidence for each claim supports it and the larger thesis. This builds a chain of reasoning in support of your argument.

10. Refutation and Concession Strategies Difficult because you need to think of reasons why your argument won’t work. This, however, can be the strongest part of an argument. When you show audience that you have anticipated potential opposition and objections, you have an answer for them Allows you to defuse the audience’s ability to oppose you and persuade them to accept your point of view. If there are places where you agree with your opposition, conceding their points creates goodwill and respect without weakening your thesis.

11. Conclusion It is tempting to just restate claims and thesis, but this does not give a sense of momentum or closure to your argument. Instead, try to hearken back to the narration and issues. Remind readers whats at stake here. Try to show why your thesis provides the best solution to the issue being faced; this gives an impression of the rightness and importance of your argument and suggests its larger significance or long-range impact. Gives the readers a psychological sense of closure – the argument winds up instead of breaking off.