Considerations for Organization and Structure

For general organization, follow the explanation of Classical Argument in Chapter 2 (pages 18-19),
using the guidelines for developing such an argument through Part Four of your textbook, Types of
Claims Chapters 11-15 (Definition, Resemblance, Causal, Evaluation/Ethical, Proposal). Classical
argument is particularly effective when you are addressing neutral or undecided audiences. It has a
closed-form structure in which you:
(1) state your proposal/thesis/main claim at the end of the introduction (Also remember that
the beginning of the introduction should be an attention-getter: vivid examples of the
issue are particularly effective)
(2) begin body paragraphs with clearly stated reasons (they serve as the topic sentence for
the paragraph),
(3) develop the paragraphs with evidence presented in concrete language and specific
detail,
(4) use effective transitions throughout to keep your reader on track,
(5) consider the order in which you present your reasons and the impact that order will
have on the reader,
(6) summarize anticipated objections to the writer's argument and respond to them.
(Chapter 6 gives a detailed explanation with examples of how to respond to objections
and alternative views.)