Classical Argument Guidelines: Searching for a better way.
Terms: Information Based Question: A question in which there is an absolute answer, whether you know what it is or not.
Issue Based Question: A question in which reasonable people may disagree and is not based entirely on taste or personal preference.
Claim: A stance on an issue based question.
Reasons: Rationale for supporting a particular claim.
Grounds: Support for reasons in form of experiences (personal or third party), professional opinions, statistics, studies, etc.
Warrant: The unstated values/beliefs your reasons rely upon.
Refutation: Means of discrediting reasons by either drawing into question the validity of the grounds, the warrant, or both.
Assignment:
Provide a clearly stated claim on an issue based question of your interest.
Provide at least two distinct reasons to support your claim.
Support each reason with adequate grounds.
Mention at leastone reason of opposition.
Address the reasons(s) of opposition by either refuting or conceding it/them.
Word count 600- 800 not counting quotes, in-text citations, and works cited page. (note, no sources are required)
Example:
Claim:Virginia Beach public schools should adopt a mandatory uniform policy.
Reason 1: It will reduce the severity of cliques and gangs within the student population.
Backing 1: Personal experiences attending schools with uniforms and schools without.
Reason 2:It will reduce the financial strain on parents who cannot afford designer clothing.
Backing 2: Cost of popular designer clothing items worn by many Virginia Beach public school students.
Reason of Opposition:It will stifle students individuality and freedom of expression .
Refutation of Grounds:It will not stifle individuality, but will allow more focus on personality instead of superficial factors.
Refutation of Warrant:Too much individuality is precisely the problem with society today. We need more focus on establishing a sense of community and belonging.
