9. Write an expository theme to be read by a country boy on one of these subjects: (a) city back yards; (b) city playgrounds. 10. Explain what, in your opinion, constitutes an ideal (a) Camping ground. (c) Summer vacation. (d) Citizen. (e) Home. (f) Day. (g) Friend. (h) Neighbor. (i) Fishing trip. (j) Occupation. 11. Explain how (a) the seasons affect outdoor sports; (b) day and night are caused; (c) the changes of season are brought about. 12. Write a theme on one of the following, deciding first what method of exposition best suits your purpose: (a) The humble origin of great men. (b) The struggles attending the rise of great literary men. 13. Write an expository theme on (a) Life in life-saving stations. (c) The use of weather forecasts. CHAPTER VII ARGUMENT 321. Argument and Exposition. The last chapter dealt with exposition, a form of discourse the purpose of which is to make the reader understand. Argument is closely allied to exposition, having for its purpose to make the reader not only understand but believe as you do. Since he must understand before he can be convinced, argument, generally speaking, must have exposition for its basis. Sometimes an explanation in itself is sufficient to convince; if the reader or listener understands the situation, he agrees. But if, after the explanation has made the proposition clear to him, he still does not agree, then you seek to convince him of the truth of your opinion by setting forth arguments. Thus the difference between exposition and argument is one of purpose, the former aiming to make the reader understand, the latter, to convince him. 322. The Purpose of Argument. The aim of argument is two-fold. You may seek merely to change the opinion of another to your opinion, or you may go farther and try to persuade him to act in accordance with your judgment. Argument, then, always presupposes that some one does not agree; it may or may not be because he does not under stand. The chief concern in your effort to convince him, is the means by which this may be accomplished. 323. Narration and Description in Argument. Narration and description, though not so essential as exposition, are often useful in argument. To convince another of the truth of your opinion, you may sometimes narrate to him a chain of events or circumstances which in themselves force him to change his belief; or you may describe the situation, thereby showing that the conditions were favorable to your conclusion, not to his. you are 324. First Steps in Argument. The first step in argument is to know exactly what the subject or proposition is which is to be proved, in order that the hearers or readers may understand what trying to prove. Hence the proposition must be carefully worded, and you must decide what it includes and implies. Some explanation may be necessary; just how much depends on your audience. After the meaning of the subject or proposition, the next concern is the material and its presentation. Here again the audience must be taken into consideration and the material selected must be such as they can readily understand with little explanation. Otherwise, the thread of the argument will be lost in following the necessary explanation, in trying to find out what statements and terms mean. 325. Argument by Stating Advantages and Disadvantages. You have already considered one way of bringing another to your opinion; that is, by explaining your proposition to him. By giving him a complete understanding, or clearer understanding, you have convinced him. If the explanation has not been sufficient to convince him, you must present your proof. One method is to set before him the advantages and disadvantages; the advantages of accepting your way and the disadvantages attendant upon his way of doing a certain thing. In such an argument where the decision has to do with the expediency or inexpediency of a line of action, you must remember there is no way of determining what is absolutely right; you must balance inconveniences and choose the less inconvenient, weigh the values of the advantages and disadvantages. Remember that the arguments which you use must be clear-cut and such as will appeal to your reader or listener; for oftentimes what seems an advantage to you may seem a disadvantage from another point of view. Remember too that the mere assertion of a point is not proof. You must have reasons back of each point to establish it, such reasons as will appeal to the one you are trying to convince. In this connection study the following extract from Washington's Farewell Address. Note how he has made his points definite and how clearly he characterizes advantages and disadvantages. The great rule of conduct for us, in regard to foreign nations, is, in extending our commercial relations, to have with them as little political connection as possible. So far as we have already formed engagements, let them be fulfilled with perfect good faith. Here let us stop. Europe has a set of primary interests, which to us have none or a very remote relation. Hence she must be engaged in frequent controversies, the causes of which are essentially foreign to our concerns. Hence, therefore, it must be unwise in us to implicate ourselves, by artificial ties in the ordinary vicissitudes of her politics, or the ordinary combinations and collisions of her friendships or enmities. Our detached and distant situation invites and enables us to pursue a different course. If we remain one people, under an efficient government, the period is not far off when we may defy material injury from external annoyance; when we may take such an attitude as will cause the neutrality, we may at any time resolve upon, to be scrupulously respected; when belligerent nations, under the impossibility of making acquisitions upon us, will not lightly hazard the giving us provocation; when we may choose peace or war, as our interest, guided by justice, shall counsel. Why forego the advantages of so peculiar a situation? Why quit our own to stand upon foreign ground? Why, by interweaving our destiny with that of any part of Europe, entangle our peace and prosperity in the toils of European ambition, rivalship, interest, humor or caprice? It is our true policy to steer clear of permanent alliances with any portion of the foreign world; so far, I mean, as we are now at liberty to do it; for let me not be understood as capable of patronizing infidelity to existing engagements. I hold the maxim no less applicable to public than to private affairs, that honesty is always the best policy. I repeat it, therefore, let those engagements be observed in their genuine sense. But, in my opinion, it is unnecessary and would be unwise to extend them. Taking care always to keep ourselves, by suitable establish |