The Brief Thompspon provides the structure for not only making arguments, but making strong and concise arguments. It details the areas of not only how to present an argument, but the things that comprise a strong argument to begin with:
- Is it contested?
- Is there adequate support for the argument?
- Does your passion align with the topic?
The framework for each of these things is extremely vital. There is not an argument to be made for something without conflicting views. An essay that would be meant to be argumentative would instead be informative. This also allows the opportunity to appeal to your audience and consider your approach and aims for different groups. It also allows you the opportunity to include Rogerian arguments and acknowledge that different perspective do exist and refute them on the defense before they are brought up by non-supporters or people who are looking to receive multiple points of view (your fence sitters).
The usual framework of an argument:
- Introduction – what are we discussing?
- Narration – what’s the history?
- Partition – what do we agree and disagree on?
- Confirmation – where’s the proof?
- Refutation – what about this? (challenge the opposing views)
- Conclusion – lets wrap this up
Ethos – I know what I’m talking about, trust me
Pathos – Tell you how to feel (Non-Academic)
Logos – Logically, I’m correct. Here’s support
A key point in this style is knowing what makes your arguments weak.
Relevance vs Ambiguity
Toulimin Method – We leave no room for refutation
Purdue Owl
Rhetoric is kind of like the analysis of writing.
What is it trying to accomplish and what vices does it use to accomplish these things? The intentions of certain structures or word usage of others and being aware of these things. The history is rooted in speech writing so it was important for the wealthy at the time to be able to articulate themselves to a body of people. However, the limited nature of these tools is probably why it is more difficult for people to understand these tools today.
Dive Into Discourse 