What is rogerian argument

Crucially, be sure to indicate the overall purpose of the essay: to come to a compromise about the issue at hand. If this intent is not stated up front, the reader may be confused or even suspect manipulation on the part of the writer, i. Be advised that the Rogerian essay uses an inductive reasoning structure, so do not include your thesis in your introduction. You will build toward the thesis and then include it in your conclusion. Once again, state the intent to compromise, but do not yet state what the compromise is.

Side A : Carefully map out the main claim and reasoning for the opposing side of the argument first. Furthermore, you invite the reader to then give you the same respect and consideration when presenting your own view. Finally, presenting the opposition first can help those readers who would side against you to ease into the essay, keeping them invested in the project. If you present your own ideas first, you risk polarizing those readers from the start, which would then make them less amenable to considering a compromise by the end of the essay.

Side B : Carefully go over your side of the argument. In other words, make sure not to raise entirely new categories of support, or there can be no way to come to a compromise. Acknowledge the other side before you present your side of the issue. This may take several paragraphs. Next, you should carefully present your side of the issue in a way that does not dismiss the other side. This may also take several paragraphs.

You should then work to bring the two sides together. Help your audience see the benefits of the middle ground. Make your proposal for the middle ground here, and be sure to use an even, respectful tone. This should be a key focus of your essay and may take several paragraphs. Finally, in your conclusion, remind your audience of the balanced perspective you have presented and make it clear how both sides benefit when they meet in the middle.

Writing Lab Menu open all close all. Share Flipboard Email. Richard Nordquist. English and Rhetoric Professor. Richard Nordquist is professor emeritus of rhetoric and English at Georgia Southern University and the author of several university-level grammar and composition textbooks.

Updated October 01, Featured Video. Cite this Article Format. Nordquist, Richard. Rogerian Argument: Definition and Examples. Definition and Examples of an Ad Hominem Fallacy. What Does "Dissoi Logoi" Mean? What Is Pluralism? Definition and Examples. Your Privacy Rights.