For your essay, you should use the following organizational pattern. This is not optional. It is the required organizational pattern for the essay.

INTRODUCTION

Provide an overview of the issue, including background information and key figures.
State the two sides of the issue, and
Include a thesis statement that states your side.

BODY

Part One*

What they say: Provide your opponents’ argument by explaining their reasons. Present their position fairly and accurately. Seek common ground and concede all valid points.

Part Two

Why they’re wrong: Explain the flaws in the opponents’ argument, especially logical fallacies. Back up your position with evidence from the research.

Part Three

Why you’re right: Present reasons in favor of your position, backing up your opinions with evidence. Use persuasive appeals of logos, ethos, and pathos.

CONCLUSION

Place the issue in a larger context (what this issue means to all of us), and/or
Instruct the reader on steps he or she should take to support this issue.

WORKS CITED

After the conclusion, you should have the Works Cited.

*NOTE the Body sections are identified as "PARTS" not paragraphs. Because of the length requirement, you will need to break free of the five-paragraph model for this essay. You will need more than three body paragraphs. The number of paragraphs you need for each part will vary from topic to topic.