Classical progymnasmata contains 14 assignments ranked by degree of complexity. Here the student is expected to take a narrative and argue that it is untrue. Refutation is the overturning of some given fact. One should use refutation not on things that are perfectly obvious, nor on those that are completely impossible, but on intermediate matters. Refutation is an attack on an opposite view, typically attacking the credibility of a myth or legend.
Confirmation is the securing of some given fact.
One should use confirmation not on things that are perfectly obvious, nor on those that are completely impossible, but on intermediate matters. Confirmation, the opposite of the previous exercise, is the simple attempt to prove a given view, typically by arguing the credibility of a myth or legend. It followed a similar pattern as refutation. A preparation for the encomium exercise , the commonplace differed from it by taking up a general virtue or vice, rather than the specific qualities of a single person. Subjects included gambling, theft, adultery, etc.