Essay #2: Explaining Opposing Positions
College Writing
The Essay
Essay #2: Explaining Opposing Positions
Write an essay about opposing positions on an issue that interests you and that you want to learn
more about. When you have reached a good understanding of the debate on the issue, explain it
to your readers. Consider carefully what they already know about the debate and try to interest
them in it. Your goal is to explain the issue in an unbiased way – to report on it—while taking care
not to express your own position on the issue of the debate, should you have one. (St. Martin’s
Guide 186-187) It is suggested that the writer find two reliable and substantive essays on the
topic, one of either side of the debate, and focus the paper on comparing and contrasting the issue
as presented in the two essays.
Basic features (188-191)
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An introduction to the issue and the opposing positions. The writer explains the issue to
the reader, and names and introduces the debaters.
A comparison and contrast of topics raised in the debate. The writer goes beyond
explaining the issue itself to more specific topics that are important in the debate.
A logical plan. The writer sequences the topics compared and contrasted in a logical
manner, such as most to least complex, most to least familiar, or least to most important.
A fair and unbiased presentation of opposing positions. The writer presents both positions
completely, correctly and without bias. A reader is unlikely to know what the writer’s
opinion is.
Careful use of sources. Sources must be used and documented in an appropriate standard
format.
Keep in mind that you should paraphrase or quote your sources accurately and avoid plagiarism
(evidence of plagiarism may be grounds for failing this essay). The MLA style of documentation is
required for both citations and for the Works Cited page.
**Also in this essay, strive for reliable sources. Don’t just pull off any information you can find;
use sources that are from reputable sources (databases only). No online resources may be used
this time. If this is an issue, you will need to change your topic. **Utilize the “Opposing
Viewpoints” database.
**Note: It is recommended that the first few essays be approximately 3-5 typed pages. Please be
careful to not go over this limit; this will demand that you are concise with your personal
experience and research information.
The Journals
In addition to the essay, you will be required to turn in the following writing journals.
Journal #1: Opposing Sides Class Free-writing (Completed in class) [at least one page]. Complete
your class/partner free-writing. Then, under that dialogue, write at least one solid paragraph
detailing why you are interested in this topic. *Should be at least one full page
Journal #2: Complete an outline. Your outline should include an introduction with a thesis
statement, a body with three main points, and a conclusion; don’t skimp on the details. It is still
expected that you put serious thought into organizing your outline so that your paper is fluent and
connected.
Opposing Positions Essay Writing Schedule:
*Note: Tentative and subject to change
Mon 9-23
Tues 9-24
Wed 9-25
Thurs 9-26
Fri 9-27
Introduction to Essay #2 / Preliminary research with topics
Class activity / Free-writing
Comma usage
Free-writing DUE / Research
Research / Begin outlines
Mon 9-30
Tues 10-1
Wed 10-2
Thurs 10-3
Fri 10-4
Organizing your research and notes! / OUTLINE DUE by end of hour
Grammar: Fragments, run-ons, comma splices
Read example essay / Analysis of writing approaches and styles /
Potential for work time
Comma practice / Lab: Citing and as-needed for questions, etc.
Peer-Teacher Conferences
Mon 10-7
Tues 10-8
Wed 10-9
Thurs 10-10
Fri 10-11
Peer-Teacher Conferences
Peer-Teacher Conferences
Peer Review Conferences
Essay #2 DUE / Reflections
Grammar
**Be careful to be unbiased as you are presenting your information; you are not taking sides,
simply presenting both positions.