Classical Argument Structure

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Classical Argument Structure

ENG 112

I. Introduction (1-2 paragraphs)

a. Hook

i. Don’t just start with “In the article…”

ii. Convince the reader the issue is a relevant one! This might be with a shocking fact or anecdote, a personal narrative, or a hypothetical scenario.

b. Background

i. What does your reader need to know about the issue to follow your argument?

ii. Consider giving some history or context of the issue (but this is not a book report, so keep it to essentials)

c. Exigence (“urgency”)

i. What is it about this issue that needs to be addressed now?

ii. Can you provide information to convince the reader that this is an issue that affects many people today?

d. Claim (thesis statement)

i. What is your specific position on this issue?

ii. Don’t use “I think” or “I believe” (here or anywhere in your paper – it

weakens your credibility, because you’re not an expert in the field)

iii. Use language that explains exactly in what contexts/ways you maintain that position – this might be by listing supporting ideas you will address in your paper

II. Body (4-10 paragraphs, depending on the needs of the idea/assignment)

a. Ideas (reasons) to support claim – these answer the “how” or “why” questions

skeptics will have

i. These are your ideas and should be your words

b. Evidence to support ideas

i. Kinds of evidence: facts, statistics, expert opinions, case studies, personal experiences, anecdotes, hypothetical scenarios

c. Commentary connecting evidence to ideas

i. In other words, don’t use evidence and expect readers to connect the dots themselves. You need to directly state WHY that piece of evidence supports your claim.

d. Opposing view

i. Acknowledge

1. What is the opposing view?

ii. Accommodate

1. Where do you agree? What common ground can you find?

iii. Refute

1. Why invalidates their position/what logical problems do you see with their position that demonstrate your position is the better one?

III. Conclusion (1 paragraph)

a. Restatement of best reasoning/evidence – remember the “recency effect”

b. Moving beyond the text

i. Call to action

ii. Statement of implications (if…then)

iii. Need for more research