Introduction (approximately 150 words)
Introduce readers to your topic.
Include a brief preview of what you will accomplish in this
paper.
First Argument (approximately 200 words)
Present the best argument on one side of the issue.
Put your argument in standard form, with the premises listed
one by one above the conclusion.
You may put the premises into your own words, or you may
quote a source. If you use words directly from a source, then they must occur
within quotation marks (in addition to the citation).
This argument can be based on the scholarly sources you
analyzed in Week 3, but it can also include evidence from other sources you
have found (in addition to your own improvements). It is to represent what you
take to be the best argument you have found for this side of the issue.
Opposing Argument (approximately 200 words)
Present the best argument on the other side of the issue
(same as above, but on the opposite side).
Develop your argument in standard form, with sources cited
to support your statements (as above).
Analysis of the Arguments (approximately 300 words)
Evaluate the quality of the two arguments given above.
This can include addressing whether key premises are true
(or well supported) and how strongly the conclusion logically follows from
them.
Explain any fallacies, biases, or rhetorical tricks
committed by any of them.
Analyze why one is stronger than the other.
Justify your position not with opinion but with your
analysis of the quality of the arguments.
Presentation of your own argument on the topic
(approximately 200 words)
Construct your own argument on the topic.
Present your argument in standard form.
Of course, this argument will be influenced and supported by
the research you have done, but this is to be your own argument in your own
words supporting your thesis.
For any premises that are based on research, include a
citation of the relevant source (even though the premise is in your own words).
Addressing an objection to your argument (approximately 300
words)
Present what you would consider to be the best possible
objection to your argument (you may address more than one if you prefer).
Present what you would take to be the best reply to this
objection and defense of your argument.
Cite a scholarly source in this section as well (either in
your presentation of the objection or in your response to it).
Conclusion (approximately 150 words)
Summarize the evidence for all points of view.
Evaluate how controversial topics should be
addressed by critical thinkers
