Defines the
topic with reasonable depth, showing understanding and the need for a defended
position. Articulately presents a thesis statement that is arguable and
substantive. Includes a well-structured introduction that includes a thesis,
some supporting reasons, and at least suggests a counterargument. Offers at
least three reasons in support of the thesis, with some evidence that each will
be backed by at least two pieces of evidence or logical arguments. Addresses a
counterargument directly and provides evidence you’ve considered a thoughtful
rebuttal. Lists at least two credible sources for supporting arguments,
avoiding over-reliance on non-academic sources. Suggests what the conclusion
will likely include. Outlines can take many forms, and I prefer to keep it
simple. As long as the following get you’re your outline, you’ll have the
skeleton of a properly structured essay: 1) Briefly describe what you the topic
you would like to write about. 2) Write your thesis statement. 3) Write a one
paragraph introduction to your paper that (a) clearly states your thesis, (b)
briefly states all of your reasons in support of your argument (as you will
elaborate on in part 4), and (c) briefly states why someone who disagrees with
you is wrong. 4) Write at least 3 reasons to support your thesis with at least
2 pieces of evidence or arguments that support each of your reasons. 5) State
in ONE sentence what you think the strongest objection is to your thesis and
then state in ONE sentence why you think the objection is wrong. 6) List at
least 2 sources you will use to help make your argument – only ONE of them may
be a dictionary or Wikipedia. 7) Write a one paragraph conclusion that brings
your thesis and all of your points together. 1. Topic: Summarize your topic
here.
2.Thesis: Write
your thesis clearly and simply here.
3. Introduction:
Write a one paragraph introduction that summarizes all of your points and
reasons and DEFINITELY contains your thesis.
4. Reasons:
Reason 1: Write one of the main reasons you will use to support your thesis
Supporting evidence/argument #1: Write one thing to make me accept your reason
(some sort of argument, evidence, statistic, etc.) Supporting evidence/argument
#2: Write another thing to make me accept your reason Reason 2: Same as above
Supporting evidence/argument #1: Supporting evidence/argument #2: Reason 3: And
same as above again Supporting evidence/argument #1: Supporting
evidence/argument #2:
5. Objection and response Objection: Write the
strongest objection to your argument here. Response: Write how you would
respond to the objection. 6. Sources: Source #1: ONLY ONE may be a
dictionary or Wikipedia Source #2: 7. Conclusion: Write a one paragraph
conclusion that contains a brief summary of your reasons and drives your point
home. Example of a paper outline : Example of a thesis statement: “I agree with
Socrates that Philosophers should rule us.” If you want to add more, then put
your strongest and most important reason into it as well, such as by saying, “I
agree with Socrates that Philosophers should rule us because they are so
amazingly brilliant and kind.” These would be reasonable thesis statements in
response to a question like, “Do you agree with Socrates that Philosophers
should be rulers? Why or why not?” THEN you would go on to elaborate in good
detail giving good reasons supporting your thesis statement. See below for an
example of how to do this. ? Name: Noah Levin 1. Topic:There is a lot of
disagreement over the effectiveness of online classes, especially in comparison
to in-person classes. I would like to argue that they can be just as effective
if they are run properly. 2. Thesis: Online courses can be
just as effective as in-person courses when designed and taught properly. 3.
Introduction: A lot of people believe that online courses can never be as
effective as in-person courses, but I disagree. I maintain that online courses
can be just as effective as in-person courses when designed and taught
properly. I believe this because all of the elements that are present in an
in-person class can be maintained, and sometimes even enhanced, when done
online. Many people have the misconception that discussion and interaction
cannot take place in an online course, but with the proper use of things like
discussion boards, blogs, wikis, and chat rooms, discussion and interaction can
still take place effectively. In fact, because students have more time and are
not “put on the spot” in online forums, discussing online can be more fruitful
than it is in person. Additionally, with the plethora of media devices
available to use, such as live webcasting and videos (both pre-recorded, like
YouTube, and created by the instructor), there can be no loss in the
effectiveness of instructional delivery, despite the fact that traditional
lectures might not be present. Student engagement can also be had through the
use of interactive media, like games and activities, which would be analogous
to what could be done in an in-person class. When all is said and done, if an
online course is run properly, it can be just as effective as an in-person
class. 4. Reasons: Reason 1: Discussions and interactions between students
can take place online Supporting evidence/argument #1: Discussion boards, etc.,
are good tools for discussing Supporting evidence/argument #2: Students can
think more about what they want to say before posting Reason 2: Instructional
delivery is not hindered from going online Supporting evidence/argument #1: All
of the materials that a student would use in a class, like textbooks, can still
be used online Supporting evidence/argument #2: Instructors can, at the very
least, post videos of their own lectures online, which would make them no worse
than in-person classes Reason 3: Online games and activities can be useful in
engaging students Supporting evidence/argument #1: Playing a game online can
help get students engaged and applying learning points Supporting
evidence/argument #2: For philosophy, there are a lot of interactive
activities that have students directly apply critical thinking concepts,
perhaps even better than could be done in an in-person class 5. Objection and
response Objection: Online classes cannot work as well because students don’t
get the personal interaction with an instructor as they do in in-person
classes. Response: Instructors can interact with students plenty with online
courses through chat rooms, video chats, discussion boards, emails, and phone
calls. 6. Sources: 7. Conclusion: Although in-person courses have their perks
and conform more with traditional educational methods, online courses can be
just as effective when designed and taught properly. A properly designed online
course will make use of available technologies and media to help engage
students in creative and inspiring ways. They will also include plenty of
discussions and interactions using web-based boards and blogs. The important
thing to note, as numerous studies have illustrated (see the studies by Ithaka,
2012, and the US DOE, 2010), is that student learning is not hindered in online
courses as compared to in-person courses. But this is not to say that any
online course will be good – they need to be designed and taught properly so
that the important educational elements that are present in traditional
in-person classes are not lost and ideally end up enhanced. Also, who doesn’t
want to be able to attend class in their underwear at 3am?