Outline for Junior Research Paper on Controversial Issue
Title:
I.
Introduction
A. Attention Getter (Question, Startling/Interesting Statistic, Startling
Statement, Anecdote, Quotation, etc.)
B. Description and definition of the issue (What is global warming?)
C. Importance of the issue (How does it impact our society?)
II.
Brief Overview of Opposing Position: Counterargument
A. Describe the basic view point of the opposition
1. Admittedly, many would argue that cloning should be legalized
because it may cure diseases.
B. Provide the supporting arguments and facts (supported by references to
texts and well-known authorities)
1. For example, some scientists say that cloning may provide clues to
genetic mapping and diseases (Bogo 1).
2. Additionally, research seems to show that cloning allows
individuals to have a “back-up” of their specific blood, plasma, and
even organs (Samson 2).
C. Elaborate/Analysis and summary of perspective A:
1. To summarize, supporters of cloning believe that it is medically
beneficial to humans.
D. Your Thesis: Three “big ideas” explaining why your position is better.
1. Indeed, many might believe cloning is beneficial. However,
cloning should not be legalized because it is dangerous, expensive,
and unethical.
III.
Your Argument: Main Point #1 (Strong Point)
A. Initially and first “big idea” in
1. Initially, cloning should not be legalized because it is dangerous.
B. Provide the supporting arguments and facts for Main Point #1
(supported by references to texts and well-known authorities) from your
notecards.
1. For instance, forty percent of sheep cloned had mutations or
medical problems that resulted in death (Siler).
2. Likewise, only ten percent of sheep cloned lived over five years
(Brown 8).
3. Cloning has only been in existence since the 1950’s (Brown 10).
4. More Note Card Facts
5. More Note Card Facts
C. Elaborate/Analysis: So What? What does this information mean?
1. Based on this research, cloning is a medical practice that has only
been used in recent years. The results of cloning are not always
positive and are often unreliable.
D. Closing Sentence for Main Point #1
1. In summation, if cloning presents this amount of risk and danger
for sheep, why should society allow this practice to occur with
humans?
IV.
Your Argument: Main Point #2 (Stronger Point)
A. Describe your second Main Point from thesis
1. Furthermore, research shows that human cloning is expensive.
B. Provide the supporting arguments for Main Point #2 (supported by
references to texts and well-known authorities)
1. To illustrate,
2. In addition,
3. Facts
4. Facts
C. Elaborate/Analysis: So What? What does this information mean?
1. Obviously,
D. Closing Sentence for Main Point #2
1. As a result,….is this research worth the cost?
V.
Your Argument: Main Point #3 (Strongest Point)
A. Describe your 3rd Main Point from thesis
1. Ultimately, human cloning should not be legalized because it is
unethical.
B. Provide Supporting Facts/Evidence for Main Point #3
1. In particular,
2. Similarly,
3. Fact
4. Fact
C. Elaborate/Analysis: So What? What does this information mean?
D. Closing Sentence for Main Point #3
1. Therefore, ….
VI.
Conclusion
A. Restate thesis in a “fresh way” summarizing your main points
1. In conclusion, human cloning should not be legalized because it is
dangerous, expensive, and unethical.
B. State the importance, impact, or effect on American society
1. Human cloning would take away our individualism and remove the
sacred quality and miracle of human life.
C. Provide a final, profound thought that “calls the reader” to action