The Common Topics

In classical rhetoric, the Common Topics were a short list of four traditional topics regarded as suitable to structure an argument.

Four Traditional Topics

#Past Fact (Circumstance)
#Possible/Impossible (Possibility)
#Future Fact (Circumstance)
#Greater/Lesser (Comparison)

Expanded List of Topics

Edward P.J. Corbett and Robert J. Connors expanded the list in their 1971 book ''Classical Rhetoric for the Modern Student'' to include:

*Definition
**genus / division / species
**etymology
**description
**definition
**example
**synonyms
*Comparison
**similarity
**difference
**degree
*Circumstance
**cause and effect
**timing
*Relationship
**contraries
**exclusion
*Testimony
**statistics
**maxims
**law
**precedents
**personal example
**historical example
**authoritative quotes

See also

* Rhetoric (Aristotle)

References

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Rhetoric