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The Classical Argumentative Technique

The argumentative essay can be divided into various parts for each main argument. There are many established models for structuring the ideas and information when arguing for or against a claim. One of the most common and probably the oldest of the models is the Classical method; a method established by Aristotle and later modified by others.

A student who is unfamiliar with the various argumentative models might find him/herself stuck at the planning phase of the essay. It won’t be surprising for him or her to ask from an essay writer service “write essay for me”, or ask the same thing from a peer.

However, with the knowledge of the classical model let alone the others, the students can write and structure argumentative essays, with ease, on their own.

 

The Focus

The classical model focuses on imparting to the reader the relevant information regarding the issue at hand. Getting the background information across is very important as only by knowing about the issue can the reader form a solid decision about the topic. It also focuses on defining the ideas and proper application of the evidence.

 

The Format

The following format is used for each separate argument that supports your main thesis. In a way, the model is targeted towards the body paragraphs of an essay or you can also get an overview from an essay writer.

 

Introduction:

You will start the essay by introducing the issue, and why it is important to be discussed and mulled over. Speaking with authority on the topic early on will help establish your ethos.

 

Background Information:

You will provide your reader with a background in the topic from a historical perspective; such as telling the reader how the idea or subject evolved over time; or from a contextual perspective, such as how and why the event occurred. After this, you will state the recent history and the present situation of the subject at hand.

 

Stating the Claim:

Having prepared the reader with the relevant information about the topic, you state your main claims that you will argue upon. Without the background information, a reader might not have grasped the claim, especially if it required some understanding of the subject.

 

Evidence as proof:

You will back your arguments by providing evidence and examples. Each evidence and example should show through reason and knowledge why your argument is justified. Each proof can be further strengthened by more evidence. For the ease of the reader avoid jumping from one subject to the other; If possible, use related evidence and examples that flow throughout the essay, giving it a comparative touch.

 

Counterarguments:

Every claim has its weak points. These are most visible when it comes to an explicitly stated counterargument. Just like your thesis (main argument), the counterargument can be a question or a specific claim.

You should be open to arguments from all perspectives as it will only go on to make your main thesis strong. Instead of brushing a counterargument, that you cannot defend against, under the rug, it is better to use its argument to tweak your main thesis, so it can absorb the counter or hire a writer from essay writer website to get in done without effort.

In the end, you will show your audience through logic and reasoning, how and why the counter fails to undermine your main claim. One shouldn’t be condescending while speaking about the counters.

 

Conclusion:

The conclusion should summarize the main point of your argument, and connect it with the main thesis. Here it is useful to target the readers’ emotions (use of pathos) in order to convince them about the argument.

Over many consecutive drafts, the body of the essay will be refined and rewritten. In the due process the arguments, the counterarguments, and the evidence will be optimized. The model will be more discernable and the argument easily graspable.