Example Format—Opposing Viewpoints Essay
Point/Counter-point Format
I. Introduction (opposing and supporting viewpoints in thesis)
II. Body Part I
A. Background on the issue
B. Introduction to the controversy/both sides of the issue
III. Body Part II
A. First opposing point and refuting information
C. Second opposing point and refuting information
D. Third opposing point and refuting information
IV. Body Part III
A. First supporting point and supporting information
B. Second supporting point and supporting information
C. Third supporting point and supporting information
V. Conclusion – Restatement of viewpoints and summary of the main ideas
Alternating Format
I. Introduction (opposing and supporting viewpoints in thesis)
II. Body – Presenting Both Views
A. Background on the issue
B. First point and supporting information
C. First point opposition and refuting evidence
D. Second point and supporting information
E. Second point opposition and refuting evidence
F. Third point and supporting information
G. Third point opposition and refuting evidence
III. Conclusion – Restatement of viewpoints and summary of the main ideas
Information taken from: http://www.essaywritinghelp.com/argumentative.htm
Example Thesis Statements
Point/Counter-point Format: Three differing reasons for each side
Supporters of abortion argue in favor of it for several reasons, including a woman’s inability to
care for a child, prevention of the birth of a baby with birth defects, and in the cases of rape and
incest; in contrast, opponents of abortion argue that it is wrong because it is considered murder,
adoption is a viable alternative, and medical complications can ensue.
Alternating Format: Analyzing the same three reasons, just each side of them
Both those who support and oppose abortion do so for a variety of reasons. Some reasons to
analyze include psychological or mental conditions, rape and incest cases, and the ability to care
for a child.
Your thesis:
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The Four Elements of a Good Paragraph (TTEB)
A good paragraph should contain at least the following four elements: Transition, Topic sentence, specific
Evidence and analysis, and a Brief wrap-up sentence (also known as a warrant) – TTEB!
1. A Transition sentence leading in from a previous paragraph to assure smooth reading. This acts as a
hand off from one idea to the next.
2. A Topic sentence that tells the reader what you will be discussing in the paragraph.
3. Specific Evidence and analysis that supports one of your claims and that provides a deeper level of
detail than your topic sentence.
4. A Brief wrap-up sentence that tells the reader how and why this information supports the paper’s thesis.
The brief wrap-up is also known as the warrant. The warrant is important to your argument because it
connects your reasoning and support to your thesis, and it shows that the information in the paragraph is
related to your thesis and helps defend it.
For more guidance/help/direction, go to Google and search “Sample Assignment Presenting Opposing
Positions Essay – SMSU.” OR, go here http://www.smsu.edu/Academics/Collegenow/Index.cfm?Id=7634 and
click Sample Assignment Presenting Opposing Positions Essay. Dr. Berry has prepared a wonderful resource
to utilize in writing this fourth essay.