Using PREP to Develop a Good Argument at a Doctoral Level

California, October 2019. I am currently doing a doctorate in Spiritual Formation. A few weeks ago, one of my professors (Dr. Adam McClendon) provided an essential review for writing an argument at a doctoral level. Much of the information in his review came from the book, Good Arguments: Making Your Case in Writing and Public Speaking by Richard A. Jr. Holland and Benjamin K. Forrest.

Here is what Dr. McClendon said. To develop a good argument at a doctoral level, follow the following order.

1. State your case. Make your first sentence count by making a specific case. Avoid being too general.
2. Back up your argument with scripture. 
3. Support it with other scholars.
4. Engage alternate viewpoints. 
   1. Show how someone else has a different argument.
   2. Show how a lot of other people agree with you.
   3. Show how your position is the right one, both biblically and practically.

The steps he shared got me thinking about the PREP framework that I had learned several years ago for making a point during a speech. PREP stands for Point, Reasons, Evidence or Examples, and Point. I realized that the general framework of PREP aligns with what Dr. McClendon was recommending for us to use.

• Point – State your case. State your main idea, claim, or proposition.
• Reasons (Evidence) – 1) Back your argument/claim with scripture. Because Dr. McClendon teaches at a seminary, scriptures are the standard for evidence. 2) Also, provide evidence from other scholars to support your point. Engage alternative viewpoints and show how someone else has a different argument. Conclude this point by showing how a lot of other people agree with you.
• Examples or illustrations. Tell a story or testimony that illustrates or exemplifies your point.
• Point – Conclude by showing that your position is right both biblically and practically.

Noticing this connection between crafting strong written arguments and making compelling oral arguments helps me remember the steps better. It also reminds me that oral and written arguments can take the same form and still be very effective.