In This Lesson You Will Finish Planning Your Classical Argum

In This Lesson You Will Finish Planning Your Classical Argument Work

In this lesson, you will finish planning your classical argument work by developing an outline. You already have your claim statement and reasons it is true. Now you will complete your research so that you understand and can rebut the most likely counterargument. Then, you will create an outline. Make sure you have completed Lessons 1-3 before beginning your outline.

Watch "Evaluating Websites" (6 min). If your instructor has given you permission to find some sources online, this video will help you choose wisely. Read "In The Writer's Mindset" "FAQ Finding Research from Multiple Viewpoints," "Creating an Outline," and "Selecting Evidence to Support Reasons." Review the Classical Argument Outline Example provided in the Lesson 4 Instructions.

Complete Before you begin your outline, return to the Lesson 2 Forum and read your classmates' replies. Check for feedback from your instructor as well. Remember that you need four academic sources using the OCCC library. You may use .gov or .edu sites, etc., if your professor approves. You need three sources that support your position and at least one that explains or presents a counterargument.

Ask a Librarian if you need help finding sources. Using the Notetaking Form will help you understand and take notes on your sources.

Lesson 4 Individual Assignment: Planning the Outline for the Classical Argument work. Read the instructions above, write on, use the instructions, and upload together with this instruction. Complete your research for the Classical Argument.

Use the document: Outline for Classical Argument (found in the Lesson 4 Instructions tab) to create an outline for your Classical Argument. The outline must be complete. Partial outlines will only receive partial credit. Upload your outline here.

Paper For Above instruction

The process of developing a comprehensive outline for a classical argument is central to crafting an effective persuasive essay. This assignment emphasizes critical research, logical organization, and strategic rebuttal of counterarguments. To succeed, students must thoroughly investigate their topic, gather diverse credible sources, and synthesize this information into a clear, structured outline.

Initially, students should revisit their initial claim and supporting reasons developed in earlier lessons. These form the backbone of their argument, guiding the research and outline structure. A balanced approach involves not only sources that reinforce the student's position but also at least one credible source presenting an opposing viewpoint. This dual-source strategy enhances the argument's credibility and prepares the writer for potential counterarguments, a vital step in classical argumentation.

Research should be conducted using reputable academic sources accessible through the OCCC library—including .gov and .edu websites, provided these sources are approved by the instructor. Leveraging the Notetaking Form is recommended, as it aids students in organizing and critically evaluating their research data. Proper note-taking ensures that evidence is relevant, accurately cited, and effectively supports the reasons outlined in the thesis statement.

After collecting all necessary data, students must craft a detailed outline following the provided "Outline for Classical Argument" template. This outline should include an introduction with a clear thesis statement, supporting reasons with evidence, acknowledgment of counterarguments, and a conclusion. It must be comprehensive, as partial outlines will not earn full credit. A well-structured outline not only organizes ideas coherently but also supports the drafting process, ultimately leading to a persuasive and academically rigorous paper.

Returning to the Lesson 2 Forum to read classmates' responses and obtaining instructor feedback are crucial steps in refining the outline. Feedback can reveal gaps in research or logical flow, while peer insights may suggest new sources or arguments. This collaborative review enhances the quality and depth of the final paper.

In summary, this assignment requires careful research, critical analysis, and detailed organization. By following the outlined procedures—research, source evaluation, note-taking, and outline development—students will be well-prepared to write a compelling classical argument essay that thoughtfully addresses both supporting points and counterarguments.

References

  • Booth, W. C., Colomb, G. G., & Williams, J. M. (2008). The Craft of Research (3rd ed.). University of Chicago Press.
  • Graff, G., & Birkenstein, C. (2018). They Say / I Say: The Moves That Matter in Academic Writing (4th ed.). W. W. Norton & Company.
  • Hacker, D., & Sommers, N. (2016). A Writer’s Reference (8th ed.). Bedford/St. Martin’s.
  • Hacker, D., & Moore, P. (2017). Research & Drafting in a Digital Age. Bedford/St. Martin’s.
  • Lester, J. D. (2017). Writing Research Papers: A Complete Guide (15th ed.). Pearson.
  • University of Central Florida Libraries. (n.d.). Evaluating Websites. Retrieved from https://library.ucf.edu
  • Walters, J. (2011). How to Find Credible Sources. The Writing Lab & The Owl. Retrieved from https://owl.purdue.edu
  • Yancey, K. B. (2014). Reflection in the Writing Classroom. Utah State University Press.
  • University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. (n.d.). Developing a Thesis Statement. Retrieved from https://guides.library.illinois.edu
  • Oregon City Community College. (n.d.). Outline for Classical Argument. Course Material.

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