How do I write an 8 page argumentative research paper?

Question

first we had to make an outline, i don't even know how to make that, now I don't know exactly what to write about, my topic is genetic engineering and I don't know exactly how to form this paper

Answer 1

Outline: What you are going to say in each paragraph in as few words or less. Separate categories as follows

Roman Numbers (I II III IV V etc) = main part of whole essay
ie intro, basic arguement, pros, cons

Capital Letters (A B C D) = Main points under roman numbers ie. genetic engineering

Numbers (123): Points to be made about those main points
ie. genetic engineering is blah blah blah

Small Letters (a b c d) = minor points that apply to the above

To put it all together is will look like this
I. Intro
A. Genetic Enginerring
1. definition
a. scientific definition
b. social definision
2 debate surround It
a. why it's controversial
3. Basic arguements for
a. arguement 1
b. arguemetn 2
c. arguement 3
4. basic arguements against
(see 3.a b and c)

Now Take Each of the Numbers and make those a new roman number. Just keep breaking it down as much as possible. New Capital letters should be a new paragraph under the same subject. Think of each roman number as it's own mini paper (intro, support paragraphs, close)

Good Luck

Answer 2

First you have to read up on the subject. Do a Google search for:
genetic engineering pro / con

Then take a position on the subject. Are you for or against GE? Hint: the fact that this subject has been suggested at all implies that your teacher is opposed to it. Unless you are passionately for it, which few are except corporate profiteers, I recommend you take the negative position.

For your paper, you will have to present both the pros (if you can find any) and the cons. One good source for the cons is the Greenpeace website. Take notes on 3x5 cards, with one sentence on each card. Sort them into at least four related stacks. Each stack will represent one of your arguments.

Your basic outline will look something like this:

Working Title

I. Introduction
A. Definition: what is genetic engineering?
B. Brief history: when did it get started, what progress has
been made?
C. Thesis Statement: what is your point of view?
D. Transition: brief mention of your arguments

II. Argument #1 (first stack of notecards)
A. Example and how it supports your point of view
B. Counterargument and why you think it is wrong

III. Argument #2 (second stack)
A. Example and how it supports your point of view
B. Counterargument and why you think it is wrong

IV. Argument #3 (third stack)
A. Example and how it supports your point of view
B. Counterargument and why you think it is wrong

V. Argument #4 (fourth stack of notecards)
A. Example and how it supports your point of view
B. Counterargument and why you think it is wrong

VI. Conclusion
A. Sum up what all your arguments have illustrated about
the subject
B. Some thoughts on the broader implications of what you
have just said or shown

Answer 3

Are you for or against genetic engineering?
Once you decide that, do research to find support for your side. (Make sure you look at the other side too so your paper can negate those arguments.) Decide on 4-6 points that you consider to be the strongest and easiest to defend. Write your paper, citing supporting authority as instructed for footnotes, end notes, or in paper scientific notation.

The Outline could be fairly simple:

I State main thesis, for or against genetic engineering.

A Major Point 1
1) Minor points or rebuttal
2) Minor points or rebuttal

B Major Point 2
1) Minor points or rebuttal
2) Minor points or rebuttal

Same for C, D or however many major points you have

II Conclusion - a restatement of the thesis and summary urging the reader to accept your point of view.

Answer 4

Very good sites to help you.

The first is a sample outline...
http://owl.english.purdue.edu/workshops/hypertext/ResearchW/argutemplate.html

This site gives you two written samples of argumentative research . Scroll down to Argumentative, persuasive essays
http://www.ipl.org/div/aplus/linkscommon.htm#argument

This site has some good genetic engeneering topics/ arguments scroll to #5 then on from there..
http://www.universitip.com/essays/default.asp

Hope this helps :-)

Answer 5

Figure out if you are pro or con.

Find supporting factual detail to bolster your argument.

Write the paper.