This document provides instructions for students to write a classical argument paper on an approved topic. It outlines the key elements of a classical argument, including: introducing the issue and opposing positions, presenting reasons and evidence to support the student's position, anticipating and refuting counterarguments, and concluding by emphasizing the importance of the issue. Students must write a minimum 1,200-1,500 word paper using at least 5 credible sources to both support their argument and refute opposing positions. The paper should follow standard argumentative structure and formatting guidelines provided.

1. Module 7 Discussion Board Algebra
1. What does it mean when something grows or decays
exponentially? How is that different then rising or falling
linearly?
2. Give an example of a real life application of exponential
growth or decay. Include the link to a website to show this.
Please answer as two different posts. You need three posts for
full credit.
When you reply to others in the class, your replies should
contain original thought and/or a follow up question.
Classical Argument
Persuasion and ArgumentPersuasion is the process of drawing
conclusions and getting others to accept them and act upon
them.Argumentation is the process of drawing conclusions after
looking at both sides of an issue and getting others to accept
one side based upon logic and careful exploration of facts.
Rhetoric and AudienceRhetoric is the “art of speaking or

2. writing effectively”It is a set of skills used in college and in the
business world Effective communication is an important skill in
the work forceEffective communication gets our point across
without embarrassment for ourselves or others. Effective
communication understands what the audience does and does
not know about the topic.
Aristotle’s Appeals: Ethos, Logos, and PathosAristotle was a
student of Plato. Later, he was a teacher for Alexander the
Great. He identified three appeals that can be used to persuade
others. Ethos=ethics. Logos=logic. Pathos=emotion
Ethos=Ethics, CredibilityAs a writer, you will establish your
credibility through careful research. Articles from experts in the
field of study will help you build your ethos in the paper. An
advertisement using ethos would be a McDonald’s commercial
stating the number of years in business (hence they know how
to make a decent hamburger). A car dealership might also state
how long they have been at the same location. Or, the
dealership might make sure you know“ 2013 Time Dealer of the
year award nominee for being among the nation’s most
successful auto dealers who also demonstrate a long-standing
commitment to community service” (Fuson Automotive).
Logos=LogicWhen using logos in an argument, we provide
facts, statistics, evidence, and reason. An automobile
commercial stating the vehicle gets x mpg is proving a logos
appeal. When gas prices climb, auto makers want to highlight
how many miles per gallon the car can travel. Therefore, a car

3. advertised as getting 40 mpg would appeal to a consumer who
travels a distance of 40 miles to and from work. If the reader
finds the evidence given “logical” it will appeal to the reader.
Pathos=EmotionA pathos appeal will tap into human emotions.
Some commercials are deliberately funny and are geared to
draw us to the restaurant or product being advertised. From
about mid-January until February 14, TV ads focus on how we
should tell our “significant” other “I love you.” Commercials
such as the “Sandals Resort” plays to adults who want a
romantic get-away. We are frequently told a diamond is a
“girl’s best friend” and it is the way to a woman’s heart.
Commercials that combine logos and pathos are very powerful.
Classic Model for an ArgumentIntroductory paragraphSets the
stage for the argument you will presentEnds with your
thesisState your position the issueUsually placed at end of the
paragraph or introduction Clearly stated.Often uses emphatic
language—should, must, etc. BodyBackground
informationReasons or evidence to support your claimBegin
with general statementBack statement with specific
evidenceBreak full claim into sub-claims backed with evidence
Classic Model for an Argument Cont’d Present (provide) and
refute (prove wrong by evidence) CounterargumentsAnticipate
objections to your positionState why your views are better than
opponent’s viewShow when your argument might be invalid and
when the opponent’s argument might be validConcede points
when your opponent might be rightRemember, no viewpoint is

4. 100% correct 100% of the timeCan be placed after introduction
or before conclusionConclusionBring essay to a logical
endImportance of the issue in the larger contextIs there a
solution? Works CitedInclude 5 sources supporting your
argument and refuting your opponent’s argument
Classic Pattern I. Introduction A.. Background Information:
basic information about the issue (i.e. euthanasia) and the
position being argued (i.e. euthanasia should/should not be
allowed). B. Thesis Statement: states the position to be argued
in the essay II. Reasons that Support the Thesis Statement A..
Reason/Argument 1 (main point #1) 1. Supporting paragraph 1
2. Supporting paragraph 2 B. Reason/Argument 2 (main point
#2)
1. Supporting paragraph 1
2. Supporting paragraph 2C. Reason/Argument 3 (main
point #3)
1. Supporting paragraph 1
2. Supporting paragraph 2, etc..
Classic Pattern Cont’d. III. Counter Arguments and Responses
to Them A. Mention the arguments from the other side of the
issue (i.e. if you’re arguing that Euthanasia should be legal in
the US, refute the arguments from the people who think that
euthanasia should not be legal.) B. Refute opponent’s arguments
by showing how evidence used is not valid.Note: This section
could be placed in the paragraph following the introduction. IV.
Conclusion V. Works Cited

5. Classical Argument RequirementsUse topic approved by your
instructor. Format the paper and document using APA or MLA
per your instructor. Essay should be a MINIMUM of 1,200 to
1,500 words PLUS References/Works Cited per your
instructorThe APA Title page and Abstract Page also do not
count toward length requirements.Use a minimum of five (5)
sources. Sources may be from Annotated Bibliography or new
sources found. If an interview is used, only one (1) interview is
allowed. APA students should note a personal/phone interview
does not count toward meeting minimum source requirements.
Search for sources using the campus online library BEFORE
conducting a search with Google or Yahoo!Ebscohost, Proquest,
Gale databases (Opposing Viewpoints) are excellent database
aggregates for college work. DO NOT USE WIKIPEDIA!
ENGL 112 Classical Argument Paper Instructions
The Classical Argument has its foundations in syllogisms (a
type of deductive reasoning). For instance, we could state:
Americans like to argue. Jean is an American. Therefore, she
likes to argue. When we use deductive reasoning, we begin
with a generalization and follow a set process that allows us to
reach a specific, logical conclusion.
Topic: For this issue, you will use the topic selected through
the Topic Proposal and approved by your instructor. The topic
selected must be debatable or have at least two views to be used
for this assignment.
Do not select topics from the following list unless you have
permission from your instructor. These topics fall into the
following categories: too broad (you will not write a book for
this class), the topic is too current making reliable sources
difficult to obtain, or the instructor has seen the issues too many
times to read another paper on the issue.

6. Abortion
Capital Punishment
Censorship
Cell phone use while driving
Child Abuse
Eating disorders
Euthanasia
Evolution
Gun Control
Legalizing Marijuana
Smoking
Stem Cell Research
Purpose: The purpose of this assignment is to persuade your
audience your view about the selected topic is valid. Care must
be given in the essay to avoid terms that may cause an audience
member to stop reading and listening to your point of view on
the topic.
Audience: The audience for your argument is everyone in our
class and everyone in America and/or the world who is affected
or could be affected by your topic. Think carefully about your
audience. Should you not consider your audience you could lose
the argument before you make your final “sales pitch” that your
view is the best view for the topic. Remember, your topic must
be approved by your instructor before beginning the essay.
Focus: Narrow the topic into manageable size that will fit the
criteria for this essay. Be a superb detective and find the best
sources to support your view about the topic.
Development: Once you have an issue, you will need to use
effective reasoning and specific information to make your
position convincing. You are required to use a minimum of five
(5) outside sources to support your argument. Make sure you
use a variety of source types (books, magazines, journals,
newspapers, and so forth) and were taken from reliable
databases such as those found on the Virtual Library. Standard
reference works (dictionaries, encyclopedias, and Wikipedia)

7. should not be used.
Review the argumentative techniques studied. As you write
your position on the issue, you will need to make clear for the
reader your reasons for the position you hold. You will also
need to refute (prove the other positions are not valid) other
positions held by your opponents. Do not use first person (I,
me, my, etc.) or second person (you, your, etc.) unless in a
direct quotation from a source author.
Focus: The focus is on your position or perspective, while
refuting your opponents.
Audience: The audience is appropriately identified stakeholders
and/or citizens interested in and affected by the issue.
Organization and Development: As you begin your essay, read
and annotate articles on the issue. Be sure you find articles
supporting your view as well as the opposing view. Summarize
articles and takenotes.Make sure the controlling ideas presented
in the paper are yours and that all sources are clearly cited in
the text of your essay. Include a Works Cited/Reference page
and proper in-text citations for the documentation style per your
instructor’s requirements.
Use a list or outline to address the following items in your
paper.
1.
Introduce the issue.
2.
Explain the controversy and what others have claimed about this
issue.
3.
Explain the prominent positions.
4.
Explain in detail how you agree or disagree with the positions

8. held about your issue.
5.
Consider the audience’s value for the paper.
6.
Give evidence and support for your claim about the issue.
7.
Decide where to put your most powerful evidence.
8.
Decide how and where the rest of your evidence will be
presented.
9.
Decide where in the paper you should show the opposing views.
10.
Acknowledge what has been left out of the discussion about the
topic.
Length, Format, and Minimum Requirements: 1,200 to 1,500
words, plus Works Cited or Reference page following MLA (7th
ed.) formatting and documentation guidelines per your
instructor’s guidelines. You are required to use a minimum of
five (5) outside sources for this essay (more may be used). Do
not begin your research using Google or Yahoo! search engines.
Quality sources from a .com or .net source seldom happens. Use
the Library tab in Blackboard to access the campus library
databases and e-books.
Coherence: Show the connections between the evidence
presented and your claim.