Should animals be used for laboratory testing?
Descriptive Title
Below are the required elements for the Pro-Con Analysis. Please leave all headers where they are (but update the titles as necessary) and enter your content underneath them.
Introduction
• Grabber / hook – See “Essay Grabbers and Closers” handout in the Helpful Resources tab on D2L for ideas
• Introduce your topic
• Provide background information on the topic – What is being debated and why?
• Explain why you selected this topic
• Thesis statement – clearly state that you will analyze each side of the debate
Pros and Cons
Pro / “For” Side
• Transitional device + topic sentence that names the side you will analyze first
• Summary of pro side, including major arguments and reasons. In other words, who speaks out for this side? What do advocates for this side say and how do they support their arguments?
• Include at least one example of supporting evidence / source cited in MLA style
• This section cannot contain your personal opinion. Stay unbiased, fair, and unemotional.
Con / “Against” Side
• Transitional device + topic sentence that names the side you will analyze next
• Summary of con side, including major arguments and reasons. In other words, who speaks out for this side? What do advocates for this side say and how do they support their arguments?
• Include at least one example of supporting evidence / source cited in MLA style
• This section cannot contain your personal opinion. Stay unbiased, fair, and unemotional.
Analysis & Conclusion
• Transition statement (e.g. “In conclusion” or “In closing”)
• Summarize both the pro and con side’s major points
• Answer the question: Who has the stronger argument? Which side will you defend in the next assignment (Position Essay) and why? You cannot simply state your own position; you must discuss why one side is more convincing to you as a result of your analysis.
• Memorable closing statement – See “Essay Grabbers and Closers” handout in the Helpful Resources tab on D2L for ideas
Works Cited
List your sources here.
