Aristotelian Argument Format

Introduction

(Includes one or more of the following)

1. Exordium: The beginning or opening words, designed to win attention and good will by introducing the case in an interesting and favorable light.
2. Exposition or Narration: An account of the history of the case (what gave rise to the present problem; how the issues developed)
3. Claim: Direct statement of the case (the proposition to be proved or defended).
4. Division of Proofs: An outline of how the writer will present the evidence. (optional)

Body

(Includes the following)

• Support: Confirmation of case by presenting evidence in its favor (includes one or more of the following):
1. facts
2. reasons
3. statistics
4. testimony of experts
5. opinions supported by facts
6. reports
7. examples
8. logical reasoning (inductive or deductive)
9. analogy

• Counterarguements: Acknowledge merit of opposing view
• Refutation of opposing views by demonstrating that they are:
1. untrue
2. illogical
3. self-contradictory
4. ambiguous (terms not clearly defined)
5. dishonest (a deliberate attempt to deceive)
6. absurd

Conclusion

(Includes one or more of the following)

1. Recapitulation and summary of argument: to repeat is to reinforce and make certain readers have not misunderstood.
2. Peroration: A final, heightened appeal for support.
3. Propose a solution.

ASSIGNMENT FOR 7TH GRADE - http://teacherweb.com/CA/OliverWendellHolmes/MrBryant/ap8.aspx

ASSIGNMENT FOR NINTH GRADE

Create an argument in which you advocate for a cause that you feel should be supported or defended. 

The essay is expected to contain a claim (thesis) that makes a point that should be developed using Aristotelian Argument format, (where you introduce the topic, present the evidence in support of the thesis, provide the merits of the opposing view, refute that opposing view, and then conclude the essay by driving home the point of the primary claim as expressed in the thesis). The essay requires a clearly evident opposing view and its refutation or rebuttal. Support of the claim must be provided, and any empirical, expert or factual evidence must be cited. Additionally, paragraphing, sentences, grammar and mechanics will be under review. Sources must be cited using proper MLA format both in the body of the essay and the works cited page, which is also required.  The essay should be about 3-4 full pages in length, double spaced, and with a 12-point font.  The required works cited page does not count toward these page.
Prompts for this argument include:

A CAUSE WORTH SUPPORTING

Identify a (social / political) cause that you feel is worth supporting or one that you are in favor of and argue why the cause should be supported.

THE SOCIAL CONTRACT

Argue whether Socrates or Thoreau is correct in their beliefs about the role of the individual within a State, especially when that individual disagrees with one of the laws of the State

LANGUAGE AND SOCIETY

Argue that to accommodate people who are transgender or gender-neutral in our society, people should adopt (and teach) a 4^th pronoun in the third person. Currently there are three genders in the third person: masculine, feminine, and neuter.

Pronouns

Nominative        Objective            Possessive

He                          Him                        His

She                        Her                         Her, Hers

It                             It                             Its

Ze                           Zer                         Zers