Organization

Organization

One effective way of ordering the supporting points is to rank them in order of importance and then arrange them as follows:

1. Second most important point
2. Point of lesser importance
3. Point of lesser importance
4. Most important point

Adapting the Argumentative Pattern

Except for the fact that an introduction by definition demands the first spot and a conclusion the last, other sections can be moved around in a variety of effective ways. If the traditional order--introduction, statement of case, refutation, confirmation, conclusion--doesn't suit your needs, try an alternative.

1. Open with the introduction.
2. Refute the strongest opposition point.
3. State the case.
4. Confirm your proposition.
5. Refute the weaker opposition points.
6. End with the conclusion.

1. Open with the introduction.
2. Offer your proposition as an open question.
3. State the case.
4. Examine and refute the opposition.
5. Examine and confirm your proposition.
6. Conclude that your proposition should be accepted.

1. Open with the introduction.
2. Offer a rival proposition.
3. Offer your own proposition.
4. Confirm your proposition.
5. Refute the opposition.
6. End with the conclusion.