14i Organize your argument.

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

  • Gain readers’ attention and interest.
  • Establish your qualifications to write about your topic.
  • Establish common ground with readers.
  • Demonstrate fairness.
  • State or imply your thesis.

2. Background

  • Present any necessary background information, including relevant personal narrative.

3. Lines of argument

  • Present good reasons (including logical and emotional appeals) in support of your thesis.
  • Present reasons in order of importance, with the most important ones generally saved for last.
  • Demonstrate ways your argument may be in readers’ best interest.

4. Alternative arguments

  • Examine alternative points of view.
  • Note advantages and disadvantages of alternative views.
  • Explain why one view is better than other(s).

5. Conclusion

  • Summarize the argument if you choose.
  • Elaborate on the implication of your thesis.
  • Make clear what you want readers to think or do.
  • Reinforce your credibility.

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).

image The federal government should ban smoking.

2. Qualify your claim if necessary.

image The ban would be limited to public places.

3. Present good reasons to support your claim.

image Smoking causes serious diseases in smokers.

image 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.