Classical argument structure Essay

Establish qualifications. Note your authority on the subject. Establish a common ground. â€Å"I have your best interests in mind, etc† Helps the audience believe your argument. Demonstrate fairness. Acknowledge opposing ideas without disagreeing. Note the introductions. Include at least one of the above. Following must be used. Announcement of subject. (problem your essay addresses) General topic (area within subject) Specific topic (issue related to general topic) Thesis statement- last sentence of introduction. Thesis statement is- Your personal definition, what you are defining, what you think the subject is, why you think that. Background One paragraph. Format- Formal definition, description, differences. ONLY include the most relevant. Topic sentence (Chopping mall is a film made in 1986) Descriptions- (explain that definition in detail) film, robots/lasers, mall, etc Limited Info directly related to the formal definition and your definition. Exclude and that doesn’t. Beneficial- info that supports/agrees with your position. Lines of argument Normal body essay, standard paragraph structure, three paragraphs. Supports your position. Reasons for your definition, different modes, one mode and key feature per LOA. Explanations Your explanations, ideas, words. How examples supports your definition. Uses mode-based evidence. Explain for explanation. People, places, events for narrative. Etc. Majority of paragraph. Rebuttal- One paragraph Two different possibilities. 1. Introduce opposing argument Formal/another definition Explain why that position is wrong, why your position is better Why your definition is distinct from the other Or 2. Predict opposition to your argument. Why they think you are wrong Explain why that opposition is wrong, unnecessary, etc Conclusion One paragraph Restate thesis Summarize your argument. Thesis statement, background, lines of argument, rebuttal, conclusion Classical argument structure = outline Intro (one paragraph) announcement of subject, topic (general) and topic (specific) your definition (thesis) Background (one paragraph) formal definition and description, difference between formal and personal Lines of argument (three paragraphs) same feature per paragraph, different mode per paragraph, explain. Rebuttal (one paragraph) their definition/opposition and why it’s wrong Conclusion- restate main ideas of argument. Planning for argument- set up structure, fill in details. Definition Prewriting Name: Olivia Newton Main Idea and Thesis Statement (Do not proceed to any other portion of this assignment until you have completed this entire section) Subject – Leadership Claim – (Leadership is about) It is important not to overlook the true meaning of leadership or what leadership is about Controlling Idea – Leadership is about having people stand with you rather than be intimidated to follow you. Tentative Thesis Statement – Leadership is not about pressuring people to follow you, but about encouraging others to stand with you. Background Paragraph Formal definition – The dictionary describes leadership as â€Å"the state of being in a leadership role.† Explain formal definition – Rather than describing the traits of good leadership, the definition for leadership has become a stereotypical position that literally anybody could fill. Anybody could fill a leadership role, but not everyone should. Distinguish your definition from formal – Anyone can be a leader according to the definition, but true leadership is made an example by so few. In today’s society leadership positions such as restaurant managers and political leaders are maintained through intimidation and conniving, however such positions should be corrected to follow the true definition of leadership. These positions should focus on compromising and taking well-calculated risks. Line of Argument 1 In what mode will you describe it? (Explanation, example, process, comparison, etc.) Classification Rewrite controlling idea from thesis – Leadership is about having people stand with you rather than be intimidated to follow you. Tentative topic sentence – (give 3 example of a good leader.) Activist, and civil-rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. fits the position of a true leader because of his selfless fight for racial equality and his ability to unite people in non-violent protest. Describe this feature using the mode you selected from the previous question. Line of Argument 2 In what mode will you describe it? (Explanation, example, process, comparison, etc.) Explanation Rewrite controlling idea from thesis – Leadership is about encouraging others to stand with you Tentative topic sentence – Positive outcomes are results of positive leadership, for example a leader who cannot unite a group would be unable to fit the definition of true leadership. Describe this feature using the mode you selected from the previous question. Line of Argument 3 In what mode will you describe it? (Explanation, example, process, comparison, etc.) Process Rewrite controlling idea from thesis – Leadership is about having people stand with you rather than be intimidated to follow you. Tentative topic sentence – To become a good leader you must first come to an understanding that the needs of the group you lead come first. Describe this feature using the mode you selected from the previous question. Rebuttal (Choose one) Option 1 – Address opposing argument Leadership is a person who commands others and is the primary person in charge of everything. Introduce another definition – Leadership is about delegating tasks, compromising when needed, and occasionally allowing the group to make a democratic decision. Explain why yours is better – History. Adolf Hitler, a brilliant leader, was despised throughout the world because of his totalitarian (total control) and cruelty towards outsiders. Rather than settling things democratically, his word was law. However, MLK was beloved, and his leadership style was effective without the use of violence or intimidation. Option 2 – Predict opposition Why readers should not oppose your definition – The hollow definition of leadership has become a common basis for what leadership really is in today’s society. Tyranny is poor leadership given by a person is a solid position. Qualities of a good leader are absent in the dictionary definition of leadership, but should be accounted for by all leaders