Argument+Structures

ARGUMENT STRUCTURES

When developing an argument, use these lines of reasoning that academic audiences will find familiar.

Descriptive Techniques
 * 1) Use a compelling descriptive example.
 * 2) Suggest a possible application or illustration of a principle you hold or advocate.
 * 3) Set up or refer to a model for action or behavior that you wish to propose.
 * 4) Set up an ideal for action or a principle you wish to promote.

Narrative Techniques
 * 1) Show that one event is the cause or effect of another.
 * 2) Show that an act or event will have favorable or unfavorable consequences.
 * 3) Show that one thing is the means and the other the end.
 * 4) Argue that waste would occur if some action already begun is abandoned or if some talent or presence is lost.
 * 5) Show the direction of any stage in a long process.
 * 6) Show the connection between persons and their actions or lack of connection between them.
 * 7) use the authority of a person, based on his or her creditable actions or experience.
 * 8) Use a narrative example to support your focus.

Classification Techniques
 * 1) Use an analogy, showing how a relationship in one sphere that supports your focus resembles a relationship in another sphere.
 * 2) Classify someone in a group and show the implications of membership in that group.
 * 3) Use comparison or contrast to support your focus.

These techniques come from __Four Worlds of Writing__ 2nd ed. by Janice M. Lauer, et al.