1. Writing your first draft

2. 1. Introduction
2. Concession
3. Body paragraph 1
4. Body paragraph 2
5. Conclusion

4. Just like every other essay, the
controversial issue paper starts with an
attention-getter.
• Anecdote
•Quote
•Statistic

5. • Give the background of your topic
•Why is this topic so controversial?
(cite sources if needed)

6. • Attention-getter
• Transition to your main topic
• Give background info: Why should the
reader care about your topic? What is
controversial about it?
• Transition to your thesis
• Thesis (This is a statement, NOT a
question

7. • Let the reader know your stance
Large schools have a negative
•Lay out your “Action Plan”.
effect on student learning, student
Clearly state what you are going to
involvement, and student to do
prove and how you are going
emotional health.
it.

8. Plan your introduction
State your in a single sentence side: Thesis
List 2 reasons why you are right: Topic
Sentences

10. •Present the other side of the issue in a fair and objective
manner.
•The structure is the same as any other Body Paragraph!
Here are some samples:
samples
TS: There are some people who believe . . .
CS: There is more to the issue than just this . . .
However . . .

11. TS: CM:
Transition: CS:
CD:
CM:
CM:
Transition:
CD:
CM:

12. •Restate the thesis
•Sum up the body
Move on to a big idea
•In a perfect world how should things be?
•What’s the moral of the story?
•What should people be doing?