KEY“Constructing Arguments” Guided-Reading Worksheet

Complete this handout as you read page 125 (begin at “Structuring an Argument”) through page 132 (stop at “Logical Arrangements”). You may either type directly into the document, print and handwrite, or handwrite on binder paper. If you handwrite on binder paper, make sure to restate the question so you understand your notes later.

  1. Explain the six parts of the classical argument structure.
  1. Introduction: In the introduction you urge your audience to consider the case that you are about to present, where you capture the reader’s attention and introduce the issue.
  2. Statement of Background: Narrate /tell key events in the story behind your case, this is the time to provide information so that the audience will understand the nature of the facts.
  3. Proposition: Part of the argument focused on information from the part focused on reasoning, it outlines major points that will follow. State the position you are taking based on information you have presented and then indicate the lines the rest of your argument will follow.
  4. Proof: Present the heart of your argument, make your case. Discuss reasons why you have taken your position and cite evidence to support each of those reasons.
  5. Refutation: Key section you anticipate and refute opposing views by showing what is wrong with the reasoning of your opponent, you demonstrate that you have studied the issue thoroughly and have reached the only conclusion that is acceptable in this case.
  6. Conclusion: The concluding paragraph(s) should summarize your most important points. In addition, you can make a final appeal to values and feelings that are likely to leave your audience favorably disposed toward your case.
  1. When should a speaker BEGIN with the refutation of his/her argument?Begin when the audience is strongly committed to an opposite point of view
  1. According to the text, the classical argument structure “might be most effective when you are writing for people who share your basic values.”
  1. Psychotherapist Carl Rogers focused on argumentation that emphasized “listening with understanding in order to avoid miscommunication that can too often accompany serious conflicts.”
  1. In the Rogerian argument, what can you infer a “concession” is? What is the word used to describe a “concession” in the classical argument structure?Concession can be inferred to seeing someone else’s view and seeing where they are coming from but still think your opinion is right.
  1. Explain the six parts of the Rogerian argument structure.
  1. Introduction: State the problem you hope to resolve. By presenting your issue as a problem in need of a solution, you raise the possibility of positive change. This strategy can interest readers who would not be drawn to an argument that seems devoted to tearing something down.
  2. Summary of Opposing Views: As accurately and neutrally as possible state the views of people with whom you disagree. By doing so you show that you are capable of listening without judging and that you have given a fair hearing to people who think differently from you- the people you most need to reach.
  3. Statement of Understanding: Having summarized views different from your own, you now show that you understand that there are situations in which these views are valid. In other words, you are offering a kind of concession. You are not conceding that these views are always right, but you are recognizing that there are conditions under which you would share the views of your opponents.
  4. Statement of Your Position: Having won the attention of both you opponents and those readers who do not have a position on your issue, you have secured a hearing from an audience that is in need of or is open to persuasion. Now that these readers know that you’ve given fair consideration to views other than your own, they should be prepared to listen fairly to your views.
  5. Statement of Contexts: Describes situations in which you hope your own views would be honored. By showing that your position has merit in a specific context or contexts, you establish that you don’t expect everyone to agree with you all the time. The limitations you recognize increase the likelihood that your opponents will agree with you at least in part.
  6. Statement of Benefits: Conclude your argument by appealing to the self-interest of people who do not already share your views but are beginning to respect them because of your presentation. When you conclude by showing how such readers would benefit from accepting your position, your essay’s ending is positive and hopeful.
  1. According to the text, when might the Rogation argument structure be most effective?Most effective in situations in which people are deeply divided as a result of different values or perceptions, useful when trying to reconcile conflicting parties and achieve a compromise.
  1. Which of these two argument structures works best FOR YOU? Why? Answers will vary