There are various types of arguments and various approaches to arguing your case. Writers who know how to write essays use logos, pathos, and ethos to convince their readers about their point of view. The Rogerian argument essay example is one such method of winning over your audience to your viewpoint. However, this type does not depend on aggression and challenge, rather on acknowledgment of the opposing viewpoint and of your own.

The Rogerian argument is based on the fact that the opponent’s or the reader’s view point is equally logical. Therefore, the writer will acknowledge and address this viewpoint and accept its strengths. This approach does not alienate or aggrandize the audience or the opposing party. It makes them feel reassured about the writer’s intention. The basis is not one of a contest, but of a discussion between equals. This is the inherent strength of this argument essay type.

Let us follow this example of the Rogerian argument.

Topic: Teenage drinking.

1. Teenage drinking should not be legalized because teenagers are not mature enough to carry their drinks.
2. Teenage drinking should be legalized because if 18 is a mature age for enlistment into the services, then it is good enough for drinking too.
3. If teenage drinking is legalized, teenagers would develop an exaggerated sense of freedom and misuse it to their disadvantage.
4. It is equally true that adults also misuse their freedom and create a nuisance when drunk. So why should teenagers alone bear the onus of such behavior?
5. However, if a teenager is more likely to misuse the sense of freedom because his/her age is comparatively less and the sense of responsibility not fully developed. To give legal permission to drink at this age could create havoc in his/her life and ruin it prematurely.

Notice how the argument acknowledges each side of the debate, but slowly progresses towards a stand, an assertion but not with an aggressive tone or stance. The thesis appears not at the beginning of the essay or the argument, but towards the end, once the writer has ensured that s/he has taken the audience /reader along and won over their confidence.

The language of such arguments is modest, not overbearing or antagonistic. The tone is balanced and, in search of common ground. It is geared towards resolving an issue rather than fighting over it. The writer of the Rogerian argument leads his readers gently yet firmly towards accepting his/her own perspective, but without showing any disrespect to the opposing perspective. This paves the ground for finding solutions.

The typical structure for a Rogerian argument is:
• Statement of the issue
• Acknowledgment of the opponent’s stand
• Acceptance of its validity within a given context
• Statement of own position
• Acceptance of its validity within a given context
• A gentle but firm indication of how own stand is logically more viable within the context specified
• Assertion-Thesis

The Rogerian argument is thus a more civilized form of arriving at consensus. This essay example can be of use to all those who think discussion is a better weapon than aggrandizement. Get more useful tips and essay writing help on how to write history essay and literature coursework.

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