Writing a pros and cons paper

A pros and cons essay encourages you to develop critical thinking skills by examining an issue from different perspectives. 

Something related to your academic program Think of a topic to write about Something that can have advantages and disadvantages Something of concern/interest for people that want to study your program

Before you begin writing, you'll need to research your topic Before you begin writing, you'll need to research your topic. Learn what other people say about the particular issue, and pick the strongest arguments on all sides of the issue. If you're writing about a social issue, you might need to gather statistical data or look at research studies. But if you're examining something a bit more abstract such as the different perspectives on a piece of literature, you'll need to consult expert opinions. Scholarly journals, credible professional websites and university websites can provide you with a good starting point. Read a lot

Brainstorm

The introduction Thesis statement (what is the content of the essay?) Orientation/Contextualization (with a hook) Relevance of the topic (purpose of the essay) Thesis statement (what is the content of the essay?)

Facebook, Myspace, Twitter, and many other social networking websites have grown in popularity in recent years. Recent events involving child predators and other dangerous individuals using these sites have raised concerns about safety. Some view social networking websites with suspicion because they have limited understanding of what these sites really are or how they work. Used responsibly, social networking sites do not pose a danger or threat to anyone. In this paper, the advantages and disadvantages of social networks will be presented.

The Body (Two paragraphs) Advantages (Topic sentence) *Adv 1+ supporting details *Adv 2 + supporting details *Adv3 + supporting details Concluding sentence Disadvantages (Topic sentence) * Disadv 1+ supporting details * Disadv 2 + supporting details Disadv 3 + supporting details Concluding sentence

The language To introduce or list advantages: The first/main/most important advantage of...; One/Another/An additional advantage of ...; One point of view in favour of...; It is often suggested/believed/argued that...; Some/Many people suggest/feel/argue that...; etc To list and add points: Firstly/In the first place/To start/begin with ...; Secondly/In addition/Furthermore/Moreover/Besides...; Thirdly/Finally/Last; Last but not least; etc To introduce or list disadvantages: The main/most important disadvantage/drawback of...; One/Another/An additional disadvantage/negative effect of...; One point/argument against; etc

The language To introduce examples/reasons/results: For example/instance; such as; like; in particular; therefore; for this reason; because; as; since; as a result; etc. To show contrast: On the other hand; However; still; but; Nonetheless; Nevertheless; Although; Even though; Despite/ In spite of, etc. To introduce a conclusion: In conclusion; To conclude/sum up; All in all; Finally; Last; All things considered; Taking everything into account/ consideration; etc

The Conclusion Your conclusion should summarize the points you've made in the body. (You may also outline any further questions raised by your essay. For example, you might point out that advocates of the death penalty argue that it decreases crime and opponents argue that it doesn't, then note that there needs to be more research into this area) Additionally, state your position on the issue being discussed.