Posted by Mel on Tuesday, May 27, 2008 at 11:50pm.
Here are a couple of websites that I consider the best ones for ideas for writing persuasive/argumentative papers:
http://www.powa.org/
(Click on Argumentative across the top.)
http://nutsandbolts.washcoll.edu/
(Use the list at the left as the table of contents.)
In addition, here are some organization-of-information ideas I used with classes of students:
-----------------------
Formal argument terminology:
Exordium ¡V draw reader into your position; build common ground; establish tone and style; establish ¡§credentials;¡¨ clarify why this topic and your position are important; build ethos
Narratio ¡V tell the story behind the argument; give necessary background information; clarify the issue; define the issue in terms favorable to your stance
Propositio ¡V state your central position carefully and clearly; perhaps set the stage for important sub-points
Refutatio ¡V stating the opposition¡¦s viewpoint(s) and explaining why they are wrong
Confirmatio ¡V develop and support your own position/stance; use traditional thesis/ support format (including examples, facts, statistics to support your claim); avoid logical fallacies; argue from authority, definition, analogy, cause/effect, value, purpose; use logos; rank supporting points
Digressio ¡V optional; touching or entertaining anecdote; brief; build pathos or ethos
Peroratio ¡V conclusion; review of main points in your favor; reference to position statement in intro; plea for action; end strongly, with conviction
Other possible patterns of organization:
First possibility
„X Intro
„X Refute strongest opposition point
„X State own case
„X Confirm own position
„X Refute weaker opposition point
„X Concl
Second possibility
„X Intro
„X Own proposition as open-ended question
„X State case
„X Examine and refute opposition
„X Examine and confirm own position
„X Concl
Third possibility
„X Intro
„X Offer rival proposition
„X Offer own position
„X Confirm own position
„X Refute opposition
„X Concl
First possibilty
*Intro
*Refute strongest opposition point
*State own case
*Confirm own position
*Refute weaker opposition point
*Concl
Second possibilty
*Intro
*Own proposition as open-ended question
*State case
*Examine and refute opposition
*Examine and confirm own position
*Concl
Third possibility
*Intro
*Offer rival proposition
*Offer own position
*Confirm own position
*Refute opposition
*Concl
You have given me so much clarity on how to write this paper, thank you.
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