Once you have assembled good reasons and evidence in support of an argumentative thesis, you must organize your material to present the argument convincingly. Although there is no universally favored, one-size-fits-all organizational framework, you may find it useful to try one of the following patterns.
The classical system
The system of argument often followed by ancient Greek and Roman orators is now referred to as classical. You can adapt the ancient format to written arguments as follows:
1. Introduction
2. Background
3. Lines of argument
4. Alternative arguments
5. Conclusion
The Toulmin system
This simplified form of the Toulmin system (13d and 14f) can help you organize an argumentative essay:
1. Make your claim (arguable statement).
The federal government should ban smoking.
2. Qualify your claim if necessary.
The ban would be limited to public places.
3. Present good reasons to support your claim.
Smoking causes serious diseases in smokers.
Nonsmokers are endangered by others’ smoke.
4. Explain the assumptions that underlie your claim and your reasons. Provide additional explanations for any controversial assumptions.
ASSUMPTION | The Constitution was established to “promote the general welfare.” |
ASSUMPTION | Citizens are entitled to protection from harmful actions by others. |
ADDITIONAL EXPLANATION | The United States is based on a political system that is supposed to serve the basic needs of its people, including their health. |
5. Provide additional evidence to support your claim (facts, statistics, testimony, and other logical, ethical, or emotional appeals).
STATISTICS | Cite the incidence of deaths attributed to secondhand smoke. |
FACTS | Cite lawsuits won against large tobacco companies, including one that awarded billions of dollars to states in reparation for smoking-related health care costs. |
FACTS | Cite bans on smoking already imposed on indoor public spaces in many cities. |
AUTHORITY | Cite the surgeon general. |
6. Acknowledge and respond to possible counterarguments.
COUNTER-ARGUMENT | Smokers have rights, too. |
RESPONSE | The suggested ban applies only to public places; smokers are free to smoke in private. |
7. Finally, state your conclusion in the strongest way possible.