What strategies does an author use to formulate an argument?

Answer 1

Formal terminology:

EXORDIUM – draw reader into your position; build common ground; establish tone and style; establish “credentials;” clarify why this topic and your position are important; build ethos

NARRATION – tell the story behind the argument; give necessary background information; clarify the issue; define the issue in terms favorable to your stance

PROPOSITION – state your central position carefully and clearly; perhaps set the stage for important sub-points

REFUTATION – stating the opposition’s viewpoint(s) and explaining why they are wrong

CONFIRMATION – develop and support your own position/stance; use traditional thesis/ support format (including examples, facts, statistics to support your claim); avoid logical fallacies; argue from authority, definition, analogy, cause/effect, value, purpose; use logos; rank supporting points

DIGRESSION – optional; can be used at the beginning, but better near the end; touching or entertaining anecdote; brief; build pathos or ethos

PERORATION – conclusion; review of main points in your favor; reference to position statement in intro; plea for action; end strongly, with conviction


Other possible patterns of organization:

A
*Intro
*Refute strongest opposition point
*State own case
*Confirm own position
*Refute weaker opposition point
*Concl

B
*Intro
*Own proposition as open-ended question
*State own case
*Examine and refute opposition
*Examine and confirm own position
*Concl

C
*Intro
*Offer rival proposition
*Offer own position
*Confirm own position
*Refute opposition
*Concl

Answer 2

In addition, here are some websites that should give you further information:

(Broken Link Removed)
and
http://grammar.ccc.commnet.edu/grammar/composition/argument.htm

http://www.powa.org/
and
http://www.powa.org/content/blogcategory/21/111/

http://nutsandbolts.washcoll.edu/ (Use the list at the left as the "table of contents.")
and
http://nutsandbolts.washcoll.edu/arguments.htm

Answer 3

reseatch