Classical Argument Essay [Lesson/Rubric]
Kimberly Stelly
Overview
The Aristotelian or classical argument, created by the Greek philosopher Aristotle, has a set structure that must be followed. The ultimate goal is to convince or persuade a reader or audience that your side of the issue is stronger or correct. In today’s society, changing another person’s mind is not easy, but through a strong argument, you can persuade your reader(s) to reconsider their position or at least have your reader(s) admit that you have presented a strong argument.
The classical argument consists of five parts:
- Introduction
- Narration
- Confirmation
- Counterargument, refutation, and concession
- Conclusion
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this assignment, students will
- create a persuasive classical argument following the Aristotelian structure, including an introduction, narration, confirmation, counterargument/refutation/concession, and conclusion.
Introduction
The introduction should
- present the writer’s position.
- grab the reader’s interest.
- establish why the reader should care.
- provide a reason to help the reader understand why this issue should be addressed.
- include a thesis stating the writer’s purpose and what the writer wants to happen.
Some Questions to Ask as You Develop Your Introduction
- Who or what entity is involved?
- What are the issues or concerns?
- Who is your intended audience?
- Why should the audience care? Why should the audience be concerned?
- What needs to happen? What should happen?
Narration
The narration should
- include historical or current background information that will help the reader understand the argument.
- feature at least two different sources to present both sides of the argument.
- be an objective paragraph.
- provide factual statements.
Some Questions to Ask as You Develop Your Narration
- Have I presented enough information to help the audience understand my topic?
- Is the evidence objective?
- Do I present “just the facts” or do I allow my bias to affect my objectivity?
- Have I presented both sides of the argument?
- Have I included at least two pieces of textual evidence from two or more different sources?
Confirmation
The confirmation should
- present your side (i.e. your most important paragraphs).
- provide strong evidence to back up your thesis.
- include at least three reasons along with supporting evidence for each reason.
- feature at least three more new sources. Don’t forget to include an in-text citation for each source, including both direct quotes and paraphrased statements.
- incorporate at least one long quote, but no more than two long quotes.
Some Questions to Ask as You Develop Your Confirmation
- What are my most convincing points or examples? What is my most convincing evidence?
- How strong is my evidence?
- Are there any “holes” in my argument?
- Are the sources reliable?
- How can I demonstrate the validity of my evidence?
- Is my evidence ruled by facts or emotions?
Counterargument, Concession, and Refutation
This section should
- present the opposing side of the argument (i.e. the counterargument).
- refute or concede each opposing point presented.
- include at least two more new sources in this section.
Some Questions to Ask as You Develop Your Counterargument, Concession, and Refutation
- Have I fairly presented the other side’s argument?
- Have I presented all parts of the other side’s argument?
- Have I done enough research to defend my argument against the opposing side?
- Can I refute or make a concession for each part of the other side’s argument?
- Have I addressed every part of the opposing side’s argument?
- Have I allowed my emotional connection to my argument to “blind” me to the opposing side’s views?
Conclusion
The conclusion should
- reinforce your main points.
- present a call to action.
- remind your reader(s) of the “so what” aspect of your argument.
Some Questions to Ask as You Develop Your Conclusion
- How can I convince my reader(s) to re-think their argument?
- Have I presented the strongest parts of my argument?
- Have I given my audience a sound reason or reasons to bring about change?
- Have I reminded my audience why they should listen or care?
Formatting Requirements
- Times New Roman, 12-size font, double-spaced, and one-inch margins
- Paper length: 5-8 pages
- APA format for student paper (not professional paper)
- APA References page with at least eight sources that have been explicitly cited in the paper. These sources should be from both of your annotated bibliographies.
- NOTE: If you need to swap out a source from your Annotated Bibliography, see your instructor for approval first. If you would like to add a source because you believe it will strengthen the argument, you may do so, provided it meets the criteria for a valid source.
Downloadable Resources (Assignment, Rubric, Peer Editing Questions, Lesson Presentation)
Click here to download a Word doc version of the assignment:
Click here to download a Word doc version of the rubric:
Click here to download a Word doc version of the peer editing questions:
Classical Argument peer editing questions
Click here to download a PowerPoint version of the lesson:
Classical Argument lesson presentation
Attribution:
Stelly, Kimberly. “Classical Argument Essay [Lesson/Rubric].” Strategies, Skills and Models for Student Success in Writing and Reading Comprehension. College Station: Texas A&M University, 2024. This work is licensed with a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (CC BY 4.0).