American Literature

Mr. Murphy

Shaping the Essay: Rogerian Argument

Use the following sheet to “shape” your argument into a cohesive outline.

Introduction (should be NEUTRAL): What is the general topic/idea?

What information does the audience need to know to understand your argument?

State the opposing point of view (What does the audience think, and why?) What is the opinion of the audience?

Why is this opinion valid?

o Evidence (Concrete Detail)

Commentary/Explanation

o Evidence (Concrete Detail)

Commentary/Explanation

o Evidence (Concrete Detail)

Commentary/Explanation

State your own point of view (What do you think, and why?) What is your opinion?

What is one reason that this opinion is valid?

o Evidence (Concrete Detail)

Commentary/Explanation

Name:

Pd: 1 3 4 6 7 Date:

o Evidence (Concrete Detail)

Commentary/Explanation

o Evidence (Concrete Detail)

Commentary/Explanation

What is another reason that this opinion is valid?

o Evidence (Concrete Detail)

Commentary/Explanation

o Evidence (Concrete Detail)

Commentary/Explanation

o Evidence (Concrete Detail)

Commentary/Explanation

Conclusion: Suggest possible solutions/ means of compromise:

What main point do you want your audience to understand?