Research Paper: Opposition ¶ and Outline

1. Identify your opposition (specific).

2. What is their stance?

3. Fold a piece of paper in half. On one side list their reasons. Then, go through the list & evaluate each. If you must concede it, put a “C” next to it. If you can refute it, draw an arrow into the column for your side & put your point.

4. When you have completed this, produce a ¶ that identifies your opposition & their stance, presents their strongest reasons, and concedes the points you cannot refute.

5. Transition to your thesis, and end the opposition ¶ with your thesis. Be diplomatic:

*Although it is certainly true that Monster Energy Drinks contain B Vitamins and electrolytes, these ingredients cannot compensate for the damage that the drinks to do one’s adrenal system.

6. On the side of the sheet for your points, list out any other reasons that you plan to develop. These are your own reasons rather than refutations to the opposition’s claims.

7. Do you have more reasons or refutations? Start your essay with whichever you have more of.

8. Outline it! Remember, if your point is a refutation, start with the opposition’s claim, add a “however,” and then state and develop your refutation. At no point should you develop any of the opposition’s reasons!