:
Exploring a controversial* topic or issue: Presenting both sides
Providing fair, reasonable support for one side believed to be stronger or better
*According to an online dictionary, "controversial" is defined as a "dispute, especially a public one, between sides holding opposing views" ("Controversial").
"Controversial." The freedictionary.com. 2012. Web.
The Basics
Providing an objective summary of the opposing position
Addressing the imitations of opposition position
Addressing the differences between positions: opposition, position taken
Addressing the strengths and limitations of position being supported in the argument
Providing reasons that support the position being taken
Developing credibility: ethos
appears knowledgeable
sources are credible
addresses opposition
uses appropriate language
seeks common ground
addresses the common good
Supporting claim: logos
evidence: facts, statistics, examples, illustration, expert opinion
reliable, representative, relevant
Appealing to emotion: pathos
promise of gain or enjoyment, fear of loss or pain, anger or disgust
legitimate use of emotional appeals helps the reader identify with the issue
Establishing Context
See Hacker A2-a
Johnson-Sheehan, Richard and Charles Paine. Writing Today. 2nd ed. Boston: Pearson, 2013. Print.