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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