All four methods basically agree upon the fact that there is a beginning, middle, and end section to formal discourse. (The Toulmin Method presumes that you will include an introduction and conclusions so it it spends more time describing how to develop the middle section.)

Beginnings…the Introduction
The Parts of Oration, the Six Parts of Discourse, and the Five Paragraph Theme all have some form of introduction. The two classical styles recognize that the introduction is a complex section with many possibilities depending on the rhetorical situation. The two the classical styles recognize the potential need for:

• preparing the audience to listen to the topic, including getting their attention and making them understand the importance of the topic;
• giving background information on the topic, including what issues the different perspectives agree and disagree on; and
• outlining the arguments being presented, if the rhetorical situation needs it.

The Five Paragraph Theme has simplified the previous introductory staples and crammed them into one paragraph. Depending on what you do in an introduction, it may need more than one paragraph. For example, some scholarly books have introductory chapters!

The Middle...s?
The Parts of Oration, the Six Parts of Discourse, and the Toulmin Method strategies all agree that the middle sections include at least two sub-sections: the confirmation and the refutation.

Arguing for your Position or Claim
The confirmation is where you present your arguments in favor of your position or claim. The Six Parts of Discourse methods call this the “proof,” think of presenting proof or evidence, section. The Toulmin Method explains that this section is where you would present the arguments, warrants, and evidence supporting your claim.

Acknowledging & Refuting the Opposition
The refutation is where you acknowledge the opposition’s perspective and then try to construct arguments against their lines of reasonings.

The cross-analysis of the middle sections is another place where you can see how and why the Five Paragraph Theme does not work very well. If you rigidly follow the Five Paragraph Theme, you leave no space to acknowledge and then refute the different perspectives on the issue.

Ending
Like the introductions, the classical strategies seem to recognize that more exciting robust elements are at work in the conclusions of discourses. They all agree that a conclusion must summarize the argument; however, classical methods also recognize that conclusions need to motivate the audience to action. Therefore, the classical strategies suggest the inclusion of pathos, which are emotionally based arguments that incite ill-will against the opposition, arouse pity and sympathy for the topic, and further bolster the ethos (authority) of the author.

Nothing is Set in Stone
The key to using any of these arrangement strategies is to remain flexible. Consider starting your draft following one of the specific strategies. But if the wants and needs of your purpose, audience, topic, and/or arguments require that you break from the outline, then do so! Also, be playful! Mix and match the four major strategies, and some of the modes, while you write and revise. For example, use the Toulmin Method as your confirmation and refutation sections in the Parts of Oration method. Or stick to a basic Five Paragraph Theme and make a robust three paragraph introduction based on the classical strategies. If you are struggling with revision, try applying a whole new arrangement strategy.