English IV (Bryant)
Pro / Con Essay
Structure your essay in the following way:
Introductory Paragraph
* Establish the status quo
* Don’t argue both sides of the issue
* State your position in the thesis statement. Do not use the first or second person.
Body paragraphs #1 Con/Pro paragraph
* State the con in the first sentence. Use a transition.
* Support the con with evidence.
* Use at least one quote
* Include full name and status of the source
* Include in-text citations
* Refute the con with a pro statement.
* Make sure that it is a direct refutation of the con.
* Use a transition of contrast (but, however, in spite of, on the one hand ... on the other hand, nevertheless, nonetheless, notwithstanding, in contrast, on the contrary, still, yet)
* Support the pro with at least two quote as evidence.
* Include full name and status of the source.
* Include in-text citations
* Round off the paragraph with a closing statement.
Body Paragraph #2 Con/Pro paragraph
* Repeat the process of body paragraph #1
Body Paragraph #3
* This paragraph may be a con/pro paragraph or simply a pro paragraph.
* If the paragraph is a pro paragraph, use at least two quotes to support the pro.
Body Paragraph #4
* This paragraph may be con/pro paragraph or a pro paragraph
Concluding Paragraph
* Sum up the paper without using repetitive language.
Distinguishing Pro from the Con:
Pro is the argument in favor of your position. Con is the argument against your position.