4 Argument Structures

Conjoint Argument

“Since (1) today is Tuesday, (2) it’s almost noon and (3) on Tuesdays I play badminton at noon, (4) I should be heading towards the badminton court.”

Converging Argument

“(1) Capital punishment is appropriate in cases of first degree murder, because (2) the killer has deprived an innocent victim of the right to live. (3) It also serves as a deterrent to society, warning others what will happen if they commit similar acts. Finally (4) capital punishment gives relatives of the victims a real sense of justice that the murdered as paid for the crime with his life.”

Diverging Argument

“Andy, the dog, rescued the little girl from drowning in the pond (1), therefore he should receive a life-time of dog biscuits (2) and have his picture on the cover of Dog Fancy magazine.

Serial Argument

“(1)John lost his job last week, so (2) he can’t be expected to continue paying for his new car. Thus (3) you may re-possess his car.”