Classical Argument Structure

The area of the argument that is high interest and draws the audience into the topic

• Exordium

• Background

• Partition

• Confirmation

• Refutation

The area of the argument where the speaker looks at the merits of the others’ perspectives yet maintains his/her position by proving these perspectives incorrect

• Background

• Confirmation

• So What

• Refutation

• Partition

The area(s) of the argument that support the claim presented by the speaker

• Exordium

• Confirmation

• So What

• Refutation

• Background

The area of the argument where the speaker focuses on presenting his or her claim after revealing what others have said about the topic at hand

• Exordium

• So What?

• Partition

• Refutation

• Background

The area of the argument that connects its observations to other issues in the world. Or, the area where the reader is left with a call to action.

• Exordium

• Confirmation

• Refutation

• So What?

• Partition

The area of the argument that exposes why the discussed topic is important. This details what has led the speaker making the claim about to follow

• Exordium

• Confirmation

• Partition

• Refutation

• Background

The following verbs should be used with which part of the structure: challenges, refutes, defends, retorts

• Exordium & Background

• Partition

• Confirmation

• Refutation

• So What

The following verbs should be used with which part of the structure: presents, develops, claims, segues

• Exordium & Background

• Partition

• Confirmation

• Refutation

• So What

The following verbs should be used with which part of the structure: creates, initiates, introduces, illustrates

• Exordium & Background

• Partition

• Confirmation

• Refutation

• So What

The following verbs should be used with which part of the structure: describes, depicts, details

• Exordium & Background

• Partition

• Confirmation

• Refutation

• So What