ENG 48: ARGUMENTATION AND DEBATE

MEMORY AID FOR FINALS

Process of Argumentation (ISAP)
INVENTION
1. Formulation of proposition one
proposition only
2. Determining the issues
3. Considering the burden of proof
primary responsibility of a debater;
burden of proof is in the affirmative
side; silence is admission
SELECTION
1. The conduct of investigation and
research
2. The nature of the evidence
3. The form of argument
4. Detection of fallacies
ARRANGEMENT
1. Brief and outline
2. Rhetorical
principles
of
unity,
coherence and emphasis
PRESENTATION
1. Study of persuasion
2. Use
of
effective
methods
of
introduction, body and conclusion
3. The mastery of the technique of
delivery
Primacy theory - assume that items at the
beginning of the list are of greater
importance or significance
Recency Theory - remembering best the items
that come at the end of the list
Sandwich theory putting the best point in
the middle
Responsibilities of the Advocate
1. Responsibility for the proposition
defend wisely and intelligently; defend
and attack the proposition no matter
what
2. Responsibility for the conduct of the
debate

a. Propositions can be proved

b. Truth, justice, and wisdom are
more powerful
c. Rational decisions are preferred
d. Emotional reactions are more
easily
enlisted
in
intellectually defensible causes
head is over your heart
3. Responsibility to the audience
4. Logical responsibilities
a. Burden of proof
b. Burden of refutation
c. Burden of rejoinder