- 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?
- Divide your paper into two parts: Pro (for) and Con (against)
- 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)?
- Decide which side of the argument you will argue for, i.e. "Take a Stand".
- 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.)
- Remember to support your opinions with:
- facts
- statistics
- evidence
- examples
- quotes
- paraphrasing
- experience
- Write your drafts(s).
- Revise and Edit