Allyn & Bacon Guide to Writing, The (7th Edition) by John D. Ramage & John C. Bean & June Johnson

Author:John D. Ramage & John C. Bean & June Johnson [Ramage, John D.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Longman
Published: 2014-01-14T15:00:00+00:00

Writing Project: A Classical Argument 331

A Classical Argument

Writing

ProjEct

Write a position paper that takes a stand on a controversial issue. Your in-

13.2

troduction should present your issue, provide background, and state the

Write a classical

claim you intend to support. In constructing your claim, strive to develop

argument that

audience-based reasons. The body of your argument should summarize and

offers reasons

respond to opposing views as well as present reasons and evidence in sup-

and evidence in

port of your own position. You will need to choose whether to summarize

support of your

and refute opposing views before or after you have made your own case. Try

position while

to end your essay with your strongest arguments. Try also to include appeals

also summarizing

to pathos and to create a positive, credible ethos.

and responding

to opposing

views.

We call this assignment a “classical” argument because it is patterned after the

persuasive speeches of ancient Greek and Roman orators. A framework chart

showing the generic structure of a classical argument is shown in Figure 13.1.

Although there are many other ways to persuade audiences, the classical

approach is a particularly effective introduction to persuasive writing.

FIGurE 13.1 Framework for a Classical Argument

• Attention-grabber (often a memorable scene)

• Explanation of issue and needed background

INTRODUCTION

• Writer's thesis (claim)

• Forecasting passage

• Main body of essay

PRESENTATION

• Presents and supports each reason in turn

OF WRITER'S

• Each reason is tied to a value or belief held

POSITION

by the audience

SUMMARY OF

• Summary of views differing from writer's

OPPOSING VIEWS

(should be fair and complete)

• Refutes or concedes to opposing views

RESPONSE TO

• Shows weaknesses in opposing views

OPPOSING VIEWS

• May concede to some strengths

• Brings essay to closure

• Often sums up argument

CONCLUSION

• Leaves strong, lasting impression

• Often calls for action or relates topic to a

larger context of issues

332 CHAPTER 13 Writing a Classical Argument

generating and exploring ideas

The tasks that follow are intended to help you generate ideas for your argument.

Our goal is to help you build up a storehouse of possible issues, explore several of

these possibilities, and then choose one for deeper exploration before you write

your initial draft.

Finding an Issue If you are having trouble finding an arguable issue for this

writing project, consider the following strategies:

strategies for Finding an arguable issue

what to Do

Explanation

Make an inventory of various communities

See the exercise on page 333. Communities can range

you belong to.

from the local (family, dorm, campus) to the state,

nation, and world.

Brainstorm contested issues in these

Start off with a fairly large list and then narrow it

communities.

down according to your personal interest, current

knowledge level, and degree of engagement.

On a few of these issues, explore the causes

Ask questions like these: What is at the heart of the

of disagreement.

disagreement? Disagreement about facts? About beliefs

and values? About benefits versus costs?

Then explore your own point of view.

Ask: What is my position on the issue and why? What

are alternative points of view? What is at stake?

Determine how much research you’ll need

If your issue requires research (check with your

to do.

instructor), do a bibliographic search and enough

skim reading to determine the kinds of arguments

surrounding your issue, the kinds of evidence

available, and the alternative views that people

have taken.

Choose your issue and begin your research.

Your goal is to “wallow in complexity” in order to

earn your thesis and create a knowledgeable ethos.

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