Just a reminder: Research papers will need to show your side (obviously) as well as the opposition and refutals of the specific points from the other side. Refutals are counterargument sections where we respectfully and clearly prove the extent to which the other side is misguided. These are not reports we’re writing. . .
Readers know the topic well, so you won’t be able to get away with a lot of informing or basic overviews.
Similarly, yes/no “answers” probably reflect a lack of imagination or sufficient research.
It’s better to reflect the fact that the ongoing debates that preceded your argument will continue after you write it. Locate those areas of genuine, ongoing disagreement. While the tone of the essay doesn’t need to be combative (like the “winner take all” binary debates that make for good courtroom dramas), they should focus on the ways that the argument tends to be organized.
Where you can make the essay yours is in giving different emphasis to the reasons and refutals.
Candela Citations
- Audiences Know the Topic Well. . . . Alter Their Actions . Authored by: Joshua Dickinson. Provided by: Jefferson Community College. Located at: http://www.sunyjefferson.edu. Project: ENG 101. License: CC BY-SA: Attribution-ShareAlike