A sample claim-premise-proof outline Using censorship as the topic

CLAIM There should be some censorship in certain situations, but in most cases, censorship is harmful.

First, censorship of graphic, sensitive, or offensive images/material is appropriate (premise one) Racism, homophobia, sexually explicit images, and graphic violence are not appropriate in schools, daycare centres, or daytime TV where children can have access to them. In the case of the young girl who was stabbed to death in Abbotsford, news sites should not share the cell phone footage that captured the incident out of respect for her and her family.

News stations should not be showing disturbing images of such things as beheadings on TV Having some censorship allows us to limit the influence of hate groups such as the KKK.

For the most part, people should be able make up their own minds about what they read, watch, and listen to. (premise 2) Freedom of speech and thought are basic rights in a democratic society. Some people are interested in different kinds of entertainment, and we should not stifle people’s creativity. If we let the government control us too much, our lives will be worse off

Censorship is dangerous because it prevents a society from advancing (premise 3) Scientific and medical research should never be censored from the public Governments should not be able to censor information that relates to public interest The free exchange of ideas and opinions is vital for our society to progress