Instructions: The structure of your research paper will be similar to the one in the previous module, but be sure that you incorporate the
opposite side of the argument. This means you should now LITERALLY add a counter-argument to your third essay. Of course, your thesis
statement should reflect this new addition to the body of the essay, so your introduction will be slightly different from that of your
third essay, but the first three body paragraphs of this paper are, quite literally, the first three body paragraphs of your previous
essay. This paper must be formatted in proper MLA style. Please see the Purdue University OWL or MDC LibGuide on MLA style for help.
Sample Structure:
I. Part 1: Your Perspective (mostly Essay 3)
o This part will really just be the beginning of your previous essay, with some tweaks to your thesis and introduction to reflect
the counter-argument you will add in this paper. Make sure you clearly explain your position on the issue and what points support your
stance. Be sure to incorporate secondary sources from the MDC Database.
II. Part 2: The Other Perspective
o Consider the other side of the issue and what are the counter-points. Also, be sure to incorporate secondary sources from the MDC
Database.
III. Part 3: Rebuttal
o This is where you directly address the counter-points from the other persective.
IV. Part 4: Your Final Conclusion
o Your final conclusion is the place where you make your final point. Be sure to revisit your introduction here and give a final,
powerful thought.
Evaluation Criteria:
• The most important thing is that you fully use you analytical skills in using the appropriate rhetorical structure (i.e. argument
essay structure).
• I will be looking to see how well you appeal to your audience and how well you stress the logical and emotional aspects of your
association with the person/place (ethos, pathos, and logos in your support). Also, I will be looking for the use of opening and
concluding strategies (Tip: Make sure you have a clear thesis statement at the end of the introduction, and remind the reader of this
thesis in the conclusion of the essay).
• The style will be formal, and I want to see how well you can utilize the standards of American Edited English.
• I am not looking for grammatical perfection, but the essay must be readable and free of mechanical errors that distract your
reader.
• All these criteria will be considered in light of the Gordon Rule Rubric.
Post your MLA Outline
Part V: Think about the research paper you have just written:
1. What did you do?
2. Why did you select this topic?
3. What did you learn?
