English Essay

Preparing an Argument - Exploring Both Sides of an Issue

The difference between:

· a topic

· an issue

· a question at issue

· a thesis

Example of a TOPIC: pet care – by itself, not an issue; not controversial or arguable.

Example of an ISSUE: laboratory testing of animals - is arguable; a position either for or against will be taken.

Example of a QUESTION AT ISSUE: Should animals be tested in labs for human purposes?

Example of an OPEN THESIS: Animals should not be used for testing in labs. States an position on the question at issue, but does not contain the reasons for the position.

Example of a CLOSED THESIS: Animals should be not be used for testing in labs because the tests cause pain. (What is the hidden, unstated assumption? Animals don’t deserve to be in pain.)

In other words: here is how you would put a THESIS in STANDARD FORM:

Premise 1: Lab testing causes pain.

Premise 2: Animals are used in lab testing

Conclusion: (Therefore): Animals should not be used for testing in labs.

An effective argument MUST acknowledge BOTH sides of an argument. Here is an example:

Proposal: Physical Education Courses Should Not Be Required

PRO (Support Proposal)	CON (Oppose Proposal)
1. PE grades unfairly lower the GPAs of some good students	1. Physical fitness is a critical part of education: "A sound mind in a sound body."
2. Students should exercise on their own time, not for credit.	2. Students need an occasional break from lectures, textbook, and exams.
3. School is for study, not play.	3. A few hours of PE courses never hurt anybody.
4. One gym course can't turn a poor athlete into a good one.	4. What good is improving your mind if your body is going to pieces?
5. Do taxpayers realize that they are paying for students to bowl and play badminton?	5. PE courses teach some valuable social skills.
6. PE courses can be dangerous.	6. Most students enjoy taking PE courses.

Focusing an argument begins with taking a clear stand on the issue. See if you can express your point of view in a one-sentence proposal, such as the following:

· Students should (or should not) be required to pay for a campus parking permit.

· U.S. citizens should (or should not) be allowed to cast their ballots online in all local, state, and national elections.

· Cell phones should (or should not) be banned in all classrooms.