Annotated Rogerian Argument Outline

Overview

Reflect on the goal of a Classical Argument: to take a position on one side of an issue and try to persuade the audience by refuting the opposing position. Now, consider that a Rogerian Argument objectively explores both sides of the same issue, identifying common ground and proposing a compromise based on that common ground. 

Instructions

This is an annotated outline, meaning it explains the purpose of each paragraph. Read through this document, then use your understanding of the paragraph goals to construct your own outline. A skeleton outline is included at the end of the document for you to copy/paste and build your own outline. Be sure to include all of these paragraphs in the correct order. 

Before you begin

Consider the rhetorical situation:

Your Audience: Two groups who share a common problem but disagree about how to solve it.

Your Purpose: To explain each perspective to the other side so that their common goal or value becomes clear, then to propose a compromise that brings each side together to move towards achieving the goal.

Your Role: Although you may prefer one approach over the other, your role is to be an objective mediator who reduces the conflict by proposing a compromise that benefits both sides. Word choice and tone must be free of bias.

Parts of a Rogerian Argument
• Introduction:

Provide some history and context for the issue and provide an overview of the controversy or disagreement surrounding it. Appeal to pathos to make a connection with the audience so that they, too, feel a need to reach a compromise. Then, state a thesis that is a Claim of Fact, noting the disagreement and suggesting a way forward through compromise. 

• Body Paragraphs:

1. Overview of Side A. Keep the tone objective and support this paragraph by using research that accurately illustrates the views of that side. (Think of this as Side A’s “main claim.”)

2. Validation of Side A. Identify and explain the most convincing points of Side A’s argument. Help the reader see the link between these points and Side A’s ultimate goal or value. (Think of this as Side A’s “sub-claims.”)

3. Overview of Side B. Keep the tone objective and support this paragraph by using research that accurately illustrates the views of that side. (Think of this as Side B’s “main claim.”)

4. Preferability of Side B. Focus on the parts of Side B’s viewpoint that are most convincing and use logos and ethos evidence to demonstrate their strength. (Think of this as Side B’s sub-claims).

5. Use one or more paragraphs to do the following: 

a. concede that Side B’s perspective is not perfect (provide details), but

b. show that Side B’s approach will best meet the goals and/or values of both sides (explain how and support with evidence).

6. Restate the issue to remind the audience that both sides share a common problem. Point out that both sides have a common goal and shared values, then propose a compromise that will reduce the conflict and move both parties towards the common goal. The compromise must be something new that neither side has considered and it must be achievable. Do not propose something that has already been tried and failed. Do not ask either side to simply change their minds about their position.

· Conclusion:

Review the strongest points of both sides and identify overlap in views and shared goals. Remind them that the proposed compromise will achieve some, if not all, of the hoped-for outcomes of both sides. Provide a call to action or a warning about the consequences of inaction. 

See the next page for a skeleton outline you can copy and paste to create your outline.

1. INTRODUCTION

    

2. SIDE A
   1. OVERVIEW
   2. VALIDATION

       

3. SIDE B
   1. OVERVIEW
   2. PREFERABILITY       OF THIS POSITION

       

4. CONCESSION AND      ADDITIONAL SUPPORT FOR SIDE B

    

5. PROPOSED COMPROMISE

    

CONCLUSION.

Use the instruction above and answer the following question below 3 pages excluding the work cited need it in 24 hours in MLA format.

Before you begin: Complete your reading/research for the Rogerian Argument so that you are informed about your issue and understand the main claim and sub-claims of each perspective.

Instructions: 

1. Study the PowerPoint presentations, "Rogerian Argument Outline," Rogerian Argument Thesis Statement," and "Rogerian Argument Common Ground," paying careful attention to the examples provided.
2. Study the document, "Annotated Rogerian Argument work Outline" to understand the structure of the Rogerian Argument and to learn what the focus of each paragraph should be.
3. Follow the structure in the outline document and create an outline for your Rogerian argument work
   • As part of the information you include for your Introduction Paragraph, write a complete thesis statement. Type the thesis in bold font to make it easy for your instructor to locate it.
   • At a minimum, the body paragraph outlines should include complete topic sentences for each paragraph and two or three supporting statements with evidence from your research sources. 
   • When you get to the Compromise/Solution section (body paragraph 6 on the outline), take time to consider a compromise that allows both sides to achieve part of their goal, that is measurable and feasible, and that does not ask one side to simply change their minds. Then, use complete sentences to fully explain your proposed compromise/solution. Your compromise must be supported by evidence from your research. Appealing to logos can be a helpful tactic here.
     4. Finish the outline with a few notes on what you will include in the conclusion paragraph.

Creating a robust outline by following these instructions carefully will make it easier to write your Rogerian Argument work next week, and it will also allow your instructor the opportunity to provide feedback on how you are planning your work, which often helps increase your final work grade.