Should partners cohabitate before marriage?

Assignment Description: Compose a six-paragraph argumentative essay in which you utilize the Rogerian Argument pattern to persuade 

your audience. WORD COUNT: 800 words or more 

Assignment Purpose: To present a position and/or influence your audience to support your position through examination of your 

argument, opposing arguments, and common ground.

Rogerian Argument
Emphasizes cooperation over confrontation and the assumption that people of good will can find
solutions to problems that they have in common.
 

1. Consider those with whom you disagree as colleagues.
2. Search for common ground.
 

Rogerian argument can be structured in the following way (An informal outline)
Introduction: Introduces the problem, pointing out how both the writer and reader are
affected (establishes common ground) (Narrative Hook leads to your issue/thesis)
Body: Presents the reader’s view of the problem (opposing viewpoint)
Presents the writer’s view of the problem (includes evidence to support the writer’s
viewpoint) – paragraph that supports your thesis
Shows how the reader would benefit from moving toward the writer’s position (includes
evidence to support the writer’s viewpoint) – the rebuttal to the reader’s point of view
& why the opposing viewpoint would benefit
Lays out possible compromises that would benefit both reader and writer (includes
evidence to support the writer’s viewpoint)
Conclusion: Strong concluding statement reinforces the thesis and emphasizes compromise