Skills

Levels

Setting Up an Argument

  1. State the "controversy" in the form of a yes/no question.

      Is it a good idea for a person in Taipei to own a car?

      Should guns be made legal?

      Should television and movies be censored?

  2. Divide your paper into two parts: Pro (for) and Con (against)

  3. List your notes under each heading, i.e. what are the ideas that support the argument ( pro ) and what are the ideas that refute it (con)?

  4. Decide which side of the argument you will argue for, i.e. "Take a Stand".

  5. Organize your notes. You may choose to present your argument "50/50" pro/con or "80/20", but whatever you do, make sure you are responsible to the other side.

    (Don't just give your opinions without recognizing those of others.)

  6. Remember to support your opinions with:

      facts

      statistics

      evidence

      examples

      quotes

      paraphrasing

      experience

  7. Write your drafts(s).

  8. Revise and Edit
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Last updated: 15 February, 2010 02:43:16
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