*Make sure all sections are complete before you turn in your final draft. Please answer all of the questions in the Essay Outline Template and make any necessary revisions before converting that document into prose to create the Essay Final Draft. Be sure to include transitional language where appropriate. Additionally, make sure that you follow MLA formatting guidelines. The paper must be over four full pages but less than six full pages to receive full credit. The same four authors involved in the pro/con debate must appear in the proposal, outline, and final draft. Since there is one source, a Works Cited page is not necessary.
| Sections | Purpose | Length | Student Learning Outcomes |
| Section A: Introduction | Introduce your topic. Give an overview of the entire paper, explaining what you will be covering. Provide a thesis statement that explains what you will demonstrate through your personal perspective on this issue. | ½ page | CRT: (1) Read, summarize, and evaluate a variety of texts and media. |
| Section B: Provide Context | Provide foundational or basic information so that someone who is unfamiliar with the issue could easily understand. What events, people, or things are important? Describe the background of the issue. | ½ page | CRT: (1) Read, summarize, and evaluate a variety of texts and media. |
| Section C: Opposing Viewpoints (Pro side) | What are the various perspectives about the issue on the pro side (there should be 2)? Paraphrase the main idea of each argument as well as the major supporting details. Compare and contrast two viewpoints on the pro side. | 1 page | CRT: (1) Read, summarize, and evaluate a variety of texts and media. |
| Section D: Opposing Viewpoints (Con side) | What are the various perspectives about the issue on the con side (there should be 2)? Paraphrase the main idea of each argument as well as the major supporting details. Compare and contrast the two viewpoints on the con side. | 1 page | CRT: (1) Read, summarize, and evaluate a variety of texts and media. |
| Section E: Argument Analysis | What arguments are the most convincing? Why? Examine the flaws or weaknesses with an argument you analyzed. Consider the information, the sources, biases, etc. | ½ page | CRT: (1) Use analytical skills in reading, writing, oral presentations, researching, and listening. (2) Analyze arguments critically and present a coherent, persuasive argument in writing and in oral presentations (as individuals and in groups). |
| Section F: Personal Perspective | Share your own personal perspective regarding the topic. Be open, honest, and sincere. Explain why you think this is an important issue to focus on. What is at stake? What is your position on the issue? Provide several original reasons to support your position. | ½ page | CRT: (1) Demonstrate ability to think clearly, logically, thoroughly, critically, and effectively. |
| Section G: Skill Application | Identify a problem that you observed in your research. Use the formula in chapter 3 to work through the problem solving method and offer a comprehensive solution. | 1 page | CRT: (1) Demonstrate ability to think clearly, logically, thoroughly, critically, and effectively. |
