Title of your Paper in Upper and Lower Case (Centered, not Bold)

This page begins your Pro-Con position Paper. Begin your introduction here. Be sure to incorporate an attention grabber. You may also provide any necessary contextual or background info here if needed. Do not attempt to prove the thesis statement in these sentences; don’t have obvious ideas. Prove the thesis below it, not above it. If appropriate, provide a bridge from the introductory sentences to the thesis. Remember to employ an objective tone by applying only 3rd person point of view (no 1st: I, me, my, we, our, us, mine) or 2nd: you, your person point of view), unless in direct quote. Then put your thesis statement here; the thesis must be one complete sentence combining your opposition’s argument and your rebuttal.

1st Counter-Argument (your oppositions’ point)

Begin with a topic sentence written in your own words that presents your grounds. Next, apply the evidence/warrant.  Signal phrases are highly recommended to introduce new sources (ex: According to Dr. John Smith, head physician at the Mayo Clinic…). Cite your sources in APA format via parenthetical citations. Follow through with a few sentences examining the evidence and connecting it back to your main point.  If needed, apply any conciliatory language to connect to the audience and avoid putting them on the defensive. Strive 5-10 developed sentences in a college level paragraph.

****Note: based on which outline approach you chose in Week 5 (divided or alternating) your draft will either continue with 2 other counter-arguments similar to the one above, followed by 3 rebuttal paragraphs – or it will jump straight to the 1st rebuttal as demonstrated below.

1st Rebuttal (your point)

 

Begin with a topic sentence written in your own words that presents your grounds. Then identify the first point of contention. Discuss this point and why you disagree with it. Point out faults in the argument; explain why the point has little merit. Then argue why your ideas are superior. Then, apply the evidence/warrant.  Signal phrases are highly recommended to introduce new sources (ex: According to Dr. John Smith, head physician at the Mayo Clinic…). Cite your sources in APA format via parenthetical citations. Follow through with a few sentences examining the evidence and connecting it back to your main point.  No conciliatory verbiage is needed in the rebuttal paragraph, but you should still remain objective and respectful. Strive for a minimum of 5 developed sentences in a college level paragraph.

….From here you will develop your remaining body paragraphs following a similar approach. In the final paper, students should have at least 6 body paragraphs: 3 counterarguments & 3 rebuttals, applying either the alternating or divided organizational approach.

Then put your conclusion or final paragraph here. Reiterate your main argument. Avoid repetition or straight summarizing of earlier information. Instead, apply one of the concluding techniques from our reading or Week 3 lesson. As before, strive for a minimum of 5 developed sentences per paragraph. Then revise, edit, and proof your draft….and submit for an ‘A’!