# Developing an argument > [!seealso] See also > [How Arguments Work - A Guide to Writing and Analyzing Texts in College (Mills) - Humanities LibreTexts](https://human.libretexts.org/Bookshelves/Composition/Advanced_Composition/How_Arguments_Work_-_A_Guide_to_Writing_and_Analyzing_Texts_in_College_(Mills)) <iframe style="border-radius:12px" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/episode/5ecWOTKKmM1UHNHLsryCyI?utm_source=generator" width="100%" height="352" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen="" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; fullscreen; picture-in-picture" loading="lazy"></iframe> # How can I effectively present my argument? In order for your argument to be sound, consider an organizational structure that the target audience perceives as both logical and easy to follow or understand (to parse). Three argumentative methods (i.e., the Classical Method, the **Toulmin Method**, and the Rogerian Method) provide ways of organizing ideas when forming an argument. > [!note] > The three methods listed below are the most popular models for organizing an argument. Alternatives exist, so always be sure to ask your instructor if you are considering anything other than the three methods described below. For those taking [Thesis Seminar](09%20PUBLISHED/Thesis%20Seminar.md), consider combining the classical method overall and the Toulmin Method when developing a body paragraph. ## Classical Method The [[Classical Method]] of structuring an argument is another common way to organize your points. Originally devised by the Greek philosopher Aristotle (and then later developed by Roman thinkers like Cicero and Quintilian), classical arguments tend to focus on issues of definition and the careful application of evidence. Thus, the underlying assumption of classical argumentation is that, when all parties understand the issue perfectly, the correct course of action will be clear. - Components and Structure - The classical argument is made up of five components, which are most commonly composed in the following order: - **Exordium –** The introduction, opening, or hook. - **Narratio –** The context or background of the topic. - **Proposito and Partitio –** The claim/stance and the argument. Consider a thesis statement as the main claim or stance of the entire academic text. - **Confirmatio and/or Refutatio –** positive proofs and negative proofs of support. Consider an initial claim, counterclaim, and rebuttal. - **Peroratio –** The conclusion and call to action. - 💡 Although an option, a Point-by-Point method of organizing one's ideas will be the preferred method over the Classical (Block) Method approach. Again, the recommended method for organizing your academic text (e.g., five-paragraph essay, literature review, etc.) will be the Toulmin Method as described above. Adhering to the Toulmin Method does not ignore modes of persuasion and components of structure. ##  ![[Rogerian Method]] ![[Modes of persuasion]] ## Closing thoughts... Organizing an argument - that is, organizing your thesis paper - relates more to writing style than it does to the mechanics of writing. Most of the feedback I provide English language learning writers relates to writing style than it does to mechanics. Also, I tend to provide feedback that relates to writing style first, before providing feedback about mechanics. Writing style relates to the choice of words, choice of sentence structure, and choice of paragraph structure whereas mechanics relates to spelling, grammar, and punctuation ([Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Writing_style&oldid=995545813)). [A claim defined](A%20claim%20defined.md) and [A premise defined](A%20premise%20defined.md): Consider the following as different types of claims: your thesis statement, topic sentences from body paragraphs, assertions from outside sources that serve as evidence (or grounds) for more broader claims, the reporting of findings from your own research, and your interpretation of your findings. More specific claims that support more broad claims are called premises. An sound argument contains premises that lead to more broader claims that align to the main idea of your paper. Think if it this way when writing your literature review: the evidence sentences (or grounds) support the topic sentence of the body paragraph. The body sentences of the paragraph support the level II heading that marks your two-to-four subsections of your literature review. The level II headings (or subsections) should align with your thesis statement. In terms of your results and discussion section, your findings (direct quotations, statistics, observations, responses to questionnaires, etc.) should align or support the topic sentence of each body paragraph. Each body paragraph should align with the respective level II heading (subsection). Each level II heading should relate directly to a set of research questions and/or a hypothesis. The thesis statement should answer the research questions and/or be aligned with the hypothesis. Your thesis statement, topic sentences from body paragraphs, assertions from outside sources that serve as evidence (or grounds) for more broader claims, the reporting of findings from your own research, and your interpretation of your findings are all different types of claims. More specific claims that support more broad claims are called premises. An sound argument contains premises that lead to more broader claims that align to the main idea of your paper. Think if it this way when writing your literature review: the evidence sentences (or grounds) support the topic sentence of the body paragraph. The body sentences of the paragraph support the level II heading that marks your two-to-four subsections of your literature review. The level II headings (or subsections) should align with your thesis statement. In terms of your results and discussion section, your findings (direct quotations, statistics, observations, responses to questionnaires, etc.) should align or support the topic sentence of each body paragraph. Each body paragraph should align with the respective level II heading (subsection). Each level II heading should relate directly to a set of research questions and/or a hypothesis. The thesis statement should answer the research questions and/or be aligned with the hypothesis.