Suggested Outlines of the Traditional (Toulmin) and Rogerian Arguments
Traditional (Toulmin)
Rogerian
Introduction
(Exordium)
Introduce the issue and create exigence for
your claim. Why is this an issue? Why do we
need to pay attention?
At the end of the paragraph, state your
position (claim/thesis), based on the
information you will present, and outline
the major points that will follow.
Introduction
Introduce your topic as a problem that has
multiple possible solutions. Tip: Think about a
way to frame the issue so that people with
multiple points of view will keep reading. It
might be useful to assume your reader
disagrees with your position.
Statement of
Background
[Body1]
Supply the context needed to understand the
case you present. What circumstances,
occurrences, or conditions do we need to be
made aware of? [optional]
Summary of
Opposing
Views
[Body1]
Proof (1)
[Body 2]
Present your reasons, subclaims, and
evidence. Establish inferences between claim
and support. Provide additional evidence for
subclaims and evidence, where necessary.
Explain and justify assumptions.
Statement of
Understanding
[Body2]
(Proof (2)
[Body 3]
Present your reasons, subclaims, and
evidence. Establish inferences between claim
and support. Provide additional evidence for
subclaims and evidence, where necessary.
Explain and justify assumptions.
Statement of
Your
Position
[Body3]
Rebuttal
[Body 4]
Anticipate and refute opposing arguments. In
this section you demonstrate that you have
already considered the issue thoroughly and
have reached the only reasonable conclusion.
As accurately and neutrally as possible, state
the views of the people with whom you
disagree. Tip: Pay attention to tone and word
choice. Remain as neutral as possible, and
use source material that accurately reflects
this perspective.
Show that you understand that there are
situations in which this opposing view is valid.
Under which conditions might you share these
views? Tip: This is a place to demonstrate
empathy; show your reader that you can put
yourself in their position.
Now that readers have seen that you’ve given
full consideration to (opposing) views, they
should be prepared to listen fairly to your
views. State your position (not side A nor
side B). Tip: It’s very important to use value
neutral language in this section. Present the
strongest arguments towards the common
ground between side A and side B.
Describe situations in which you hope your
views will be honored. Now, you have a
chance to ask your reader to empathize with
you as you did with them in the “Statement of
Understanding.”
Appeal to the self-interest of your opponents
by showing how they would benefit from the
common ground; this concludes your essay
on a hopeful, positive note.
Conclusion)
Summarize the most important points. Make
a final appeal to values, motivations, and
feelings that are likely to encourage the
audience to identify with your argument.
Statement of
Contexts
Statement of
Benefits