Student Writing Handbook Fifth+Edition

Persuasion / 113

nothing more than his ignoring you. In that case, the organization may follow a
straightforward plan such as the following:

• Begin with the topic sentence or, in the case of a longer paper, with the thesis
  statement. [See separate entries in the Glossary if you need help with topic or
  thesis sentences.] The topic or thesis sentence will state both the subject and
  your attitude.


• Present the two, three, or even four arguments supporting the topic or thesis
  statement. Arrange them in some order of importance, probably from second
  most to most important. Thus, you present your most powerful argument last,
  hoping the reader has begun accepting the lesser arguments earlier. [See the
  Glossary entry for order of importance for additional details.]


• Conclude by requesting specific action.

On the other hand, a persuasive paper may elicit strong reaction and deal with a
controversial subject. For instance, you may argue to make a change that will enable
employees to arrange vacation time with the rest of their families. The proposal is
important to you but will meet with resistance from those with greater seniority.
Presented the wrong way, the arguments may turn the reader against the proposal
before he or she finishes reading—and in fact may not finish reading. Thus, use a dif-
ferent plan of organization, such as the following:

• Begin with general statements about the topic without stating a particular
  position. The opening remarks should serve only to indicate the subject under
  examination.


• Acknowledge the strongest opposing point of view and present counterarguments.
  You may use phrases such as some people sincerely believe to introduce opposing
  points of view. When switching to the counterarguments, use transitions such as
  on the other hand or under careful analysis, however.


• Then acknowledge the second strongest opposing argument and present your
  rebuttal. Use transitions similar to those suggested above.


• Follow the pattern until you have negated the opposition’s positions.


• When your rebuttal is completed, continue with additional points of persuasion.
  Use whatever psychological techniques are appropriate. Organize these points in
  the order of their importance, concluding with the most convincing argument.


• Because of the sensitivity of the argument, your topic or thesis statement
  should probably appear at the end. In fact, the concluding statement that calls
  for the reader’s action may be the topic or thesis statement, appearing here for
  the first time.

Select the better plan for your topic and develop a tentative outline. Use the lists you
developed in steps 3, 4, and 5. [See also Chapter 31, Outlines, For a Paper.] You may