Outline for Research Paper on Controversial Issue

[Pages:2]This is a model. Your outline will not look exactly like this. Make changes where needed. Include your sources in parentheses. (In other words, go ahead and cite your work.

OUTLINE FOR JUNIOR RESEARCH PAPER ON CONTROVERSIAL ISSUE

Title: Make sure your title has an argumentative tone to it.

I. Introduction (Obviously, you will have more than three sentences.) A. Hook (Question, Startling/Interesting Statistic, Startling Statement, Anecdote, Quotation, etc.) B. Description and definition of the issue (What is global warming?) C. Thesis Statement: This is the big idea explaining why your position is better. Example: Indeed, many might believe cloning is beneficial; however, cloning should not be legalized because of the many controversial issues surrounding it. Please bold this sentence.

II. Brief Overview of Opposing Position: Counterargument A. Describe the basic view point of the opposition 1. Admittedly, many would argue that cloning should be legalized because it may cure diseases. B. Provide the supporting arguments and facts (supported by references to texts and well-known authorities) 1. For example, some scientists say that cloning may provide clues to genetic mapping and diseases (Smith 1). 2. Additionally, research seems to show that cloning allows individuals to have a "back-up" of their specific blood, plasma, and even organs (Samson 2). C. Elaborate/Analysis and summary of perspective A: 1. To summarize, supporters of cloning believe that it is medically beneficial to humans.

III. HOLBROOK

Your Argument: Main Point #1 (Strong Point) A. Initially and first "big idea" in 1. Initially, cloning should not be legalized because it is dangerous. B. Provide the supporting arguments and facts for Main Point #1 (supported by references to texts and well-known authorities) from your notecards. 1. For instance, forty percent of sheep cloned had mutations or medical problems that resulted in death (Siler). 2. Likewise, only ten percent of sheep cloned lived over five years (Brown 8). 3. Cloning has only been in existence since the 1950's (Brown 10). 4. More Note Card Facts 5. More Note Card Facts C. Elaborate/Analysis: So What? What does this information mean? 1. Based on this research, cloning is a medical practice that has only been used in recent years. The results of cloning are not always positive and are often unreliable.

SOURCE NOTE: This outline was given to me; I did not make it; however, I did change it around a bit to fit our needs. Unfortunately, I do not have any information to share about the author, nor do I know from where my colleague found it. I am always telling you guys to give credit where credit is due, so this is me giving credit.

D. Closing Sentence for Main Point #1 1. In summation, if cloning presents this amount of risk and danger for sheep, why should society allow this practice to occur with humans?

IV. Your Argument: Main Point #2 (Stronger Point) A. Describe your second Main Point from thesis 1. Furthermore, research shows that human cloning is expensive. B. Provide the supporting arguments for Main Point #2 (supported by references to texts and well-known authorities) 1. To illustrate, 2. In addition, 3. Facts 4. Facts C. Elaborate/Analysis: So What? What does this information mean? 1. Obviously, D. Closing Sentence for Main Point #2 1. As a result,....is this research worth the cost?

V. Your Argument: Main Point #3 (Strongest Point) A. Describe your 3rd Main Point from thesis 1. Ultimately, human cloning should not be legalized because it is unethical. B. Provide Supporting Facts/Evidence for Main Point #3 1. In particular, 2. Similarly, 3. Fact 4. Fact C. Elaborate/Analysis: So What? What does this information mean? D. Closing Sentence for Main Point #3 1. Therefore, ....

VI. Conclusion A. Restate thesis in a "fresh way" summarizing your main points 1. In conclusion, human cloning should not be legalized because it is dangerous, expensive, and unethical. B. State the importance, impact, or effect on American society 1. Human cloning would take away our individualism and remove the sacred quality and miracle of human life. C. Provide a final, profound thought that "calls the reader" to action

HOLBROOK

SOURCE NOTE: This outline was given to me; I did not make it; however, I did change it around a bit to fit our needs. Unfortunately, I do not have any information to share about the author, nor do I know from where my colleague found it. I am always telling you guys to give credit where credit is due, so this is me giving credit.

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