Classical Argument Essay [Lesson/Rubric]

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:

1. Introduction
2. Narration
3. Confirmation
4. Counterargument, refutation, and concession
5. 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

1. Who or what entity is involved?
2. What are the issues or concerns?
3. Who is your intended audience?
4. Why should the audience care? Why should the audience be concerned?
5. 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

1. Have I presented enough information to help the audience understand my topic?
2. Is the evidence objective?
3. Do I present “just the facts” or do I allow my bias to affect my objectivity?
4. Have I presented both sides of the argument?
5. 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

1. What are my most convincing points or examples? What is my most convincing evidence?
2. How strong is my evidence?
3. Are there any “holes” in my argument?
4. Are the sources reliable?
5. How can I demonstrate the validity of my evidence?
6. 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

1. Have I fairly presented the other side’s argument?
2. Have I presented all parts of the other side’s argument?
3. Have I done enough research to defend my argument against the opposing side?
4. Can I refute or make a concession for each part of the other side’s argument?
5. Have I addressed every part of the opposing side’s argument?
6. 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

1. How can I convince my reader(s) to re-think their argument?
2. Have I presented the strongest parts of my argument?
3. Have I given my audience a sound reason or reasons to bring about change?
4. 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:

Classical Argument assignment

Click here to download a Word doc version of the rubric:

Classical Argument 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