1) INTRODUCTION with THESIS Statement: “ I believe that X is true” (with reasons: not “Affirmative Action should be discontinued” but “Because it prevents companies from hiring the best candidates for jobs by saddling them with racial criteria, Affirmative Action should be discontinued”).
2) REASONS:
“I believe that X is true because A”
“I also believe X is true because B”
“ ————————— because C”
3) OBJECTIONS: “However, it could still be objected that X is wrong because”:
“Not A” (explain)
“Not B” (explain)
“Not C” (explain)
“And furthermore, D”
4) RESPONSE: “But these objections are not adequate to show that X is wrong because”:
“A is more true than Not A” (explain)
“B is more true than Not B” (explain)
“C is more true than Not C“ (explain)
“And Not D because” (explain)
5) Therefore, X is right. (Based on the weight of evidence, logic, reasonable view of facts, etc.)
For the OBJECTION, you need to find the best possible argument against your position and give it the strongest and most plausible formulation possible. The INTRODUCTION should give an account of what you are about to argue, and the CONCLUSION should summarize what you have done in the body of the paper. Do not introduce any new arguments in your conclusion.