formats for papers

       Formats for Papers


I. Critique Paper

A. Introductory paragraph: introduce the topic and the issue about the
topic you'll be addressing in your paper. State the main claim (conclusion) you are making about the issue. You may also wish to indicate briefly to the reader how you are going to proceed in your paper.

B. Body:   (1) present a summary of the opposing argument (give the conclusion and the main reasons).
                (2) evaluate the argument you have just presented: evaluate each of the reasons for the opposing arguments. Do the reasons support the conclusion well? Is sufficient evidence brought forth to support the conclusion? Is the conclusion generalized from only a few examples? Is the evidence documented? Is the evidence mere assertion (mere opinion)? Is there ambiguity in the language of the reasons which affects the ability of the reason to support the conclusion? Are there hidden assumptions which are left out of the argument?
                (3) present the argument for your main claim. Is there evidence neglected by the opposition that supports your position? Are there good consequences to your position which outweigh the opposition? Is there a value which supports your side which is more important than the values of the opposition? Do certain basic rights support your position more than the opposition?

C. Concluding paragraph: Repeat your conclusion as something proven and briefly show why it's so important.

II. Comparison-and-Contrast Paper

A. Introductory paragraph: introduce the topic and the issue of your paper. State your main claim (conclusion) or position in relation to the issue. Since this kind of paper is a bit more complex than the critique paper, it may be a good idea to tell the reader briefly that you will be comparing and contrasting two things (whatever they are, be sure to identify them) in the body of your paper.

B. Body:     (1) give a brief summary of the two arguments/positions you are comparing and contrasting.
                  (2) present all the similarities between the two arguments or positions (or you could compare the strengths of both arguments or positions).
                  (3) present all the differences between the two arguments or positions (or you could present all the weaknesses of both arguments or positions).
                  (4) after the comparing and contrasting both positions, present your own view (your conclusion) on the issue and give reasons why you think it is the better position. You could take one of the positions that you've just compared and contrasted or a combination of both, or you could take an alternate position.