Classical Argument Structure, Classical argument essay help

*Classical Argument Overview:

The classical argument is an ancient form, used by the Roman orators to state their case and persuade listeners to understand and agree with them. Being able to argue effectively is a valuable skill. It considers the perspective of the audience, and it anticipates the objections the audience might have.

First, find an issue that you want to argue—one that is arguable and allows for different perspectives.

Then state your claim—the position you want to take on the issue. It is a brief, one-sentence answer to the issue question. Be aware that your claim will probably be rephrased (and possible reversed!) as you work through the writing process. As you learn more about the issue, you are likely to understand it more clearly.

Support the claim with a reason. There may be several reasons, but select only one that you will argue and defend. This is usually written as a because clause.

Explore the arguments that support your claim and reason and look for support for those arguments as you research your topic. Also examine opposing viewpoints and address them and their strengths and weaknesses.

Avoid fallacies that can lead to unsound conclusions. (See the handout.) A clear statement of your claim and reason will help you avoid faulty thinking.

*Classical Argument Structure:

This is the usual order of paragraphs for a classical argument essay.

Paragraph 1

Introduction – a general discussion to the issue (a story, a scenario, general statistics, or something else to attract the reader’s interest and to introduce the topic) concluded by the thesis statement (the claim and reason).

Paragraphs 2-4

Your points, or grounds – the support for your position. Each point should support the thesis statement (claim with reason). Each paragraph should contain one point and the particulars that support it.

Paragraph 5

The key arguments against your position – an acknowledgement of other perspectives. This paragraph shows the reader the complexity of the issue and establishes you as a fair-minded, ethical writer. It also shows the reader the other perspectives.

Paragraph 6

Response to objections – your answer to the opposing arguments. Point out weaknesses in those arguments or explain the strengths and merits of those arguments. THIS MAY REQUIRE MORE THAN 1 PARAGRAPH.

Conclusion Paragraph

Place your argument in a larger context, perhaps by summarizing the main points and showing why the issue is important or by calling the reader to some form of action.

The essay should be at least 7 paragraphs long.

If it will strengthen your argument, you may place your grounds to follow the key arguments against your position and the response to those objections. (In other words, paragraphs 2-4 would follow paragraphs 5-6.) This places your strongest argument immediately before your conclusion.

*Planning Outline:

You can use this sheet to outline your argument.

Claim:

Reason:

Grounds:

Opposing viewpoints:

Responses to opposing viewpoints.

*Classical Argument Assignment Details:

For this assignment, you will write a classical argument; Blackboard materials/handouts will help you complete this assignment.

The argument will be graded with the following in mind:

•Appropriate use of closed-form structure

•Appropriate use of the argument’s elements

•Appropriate use of logical paragraph construction and logical argument structure

•Appropriate use of 5 outside sources

•Appropriate use of quote introduction, paraphrases, parenthetical notes, and a Works Cited

•Appropriate use of correct grammar / punctuation / mechanics / spelling

This paper is worth 20%, and the Works Cited is worth an additional 10%. Because this assignment is so weighty, please take time working through the assignment and revising your work.

*Informal Fallacies:

Post Hoc, Ergo Propter Hoc (“After this, therefore because of this”)

The fallacy that what comes after must have been caused by what came before, mistaking sequence for cause

Hasty Generalization

The fallacy that takes insufficient or unrepresentative data and draws a conclusion

False Analogy

The fallacy that uses an inappropriate or illogical analogy

Either/Or Reasoning

The fallacy that reduces a complex issue to only 2 positions

Ad Hominem (“Against the person”)

The fallacy that attacks the person’s character instead of the issue

False Authority/Bandwagon Appeals

The fallacy that because famous people support the issue, it has greater value

Non Sequitur (“It does not follow”)

The fallacy that has no apparent connection between a claim and its reason

Circular Reasoning

The fallacy that has the same claim and reason

Red Herring

The fallacy of raising an unrelated or irrelevant point to distract the audience

Slippery Slope

The fallacy that one step in a direction will inevitably cause additional steps in an undesired direction