Government Mock Congress Research Caveat Outline Template (Page 3 of 3) in pdf

VII.

Defense/Validation of Policy Proposal

A. Topic Sentence:______________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________

B. Evidence:____________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________ citations: (

)

C. Analysis of the evidence:______________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________

VIII. Conclusion

A. Restated Thesis:_____________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

B. Answer to SO WHAT question:________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________

Useful Hints and Definitions

Each Roman Numeral (I, II, III, etc.) will be a separate paragraph in your rough draft. The Introductory Paragraph section

includes everything you need for your first paragraph. The minimal requirements for each of the body and conclusion

paragraphs are also included.



Hook: An interesting opening to your paper. You may use any of the following: a startling fact or statistic, an intriguing

quotation, a question, a short description of an event or person, a brief background or identification of a problem of a

problem, an explanation, or a definition.



General Information: Give your reader some general information about the topic. Imagine that they know very little

about the topic. What general information do they need to know to understand your paper?



Thesis: Explain your stance and, in general terms, the policy you think best addresses the problem.



Topic Sentence: What is the main idea of this paragraph?



Evidence: Give several specific pieces of evidence that demonstrate your main idea for this paragraph. This could be a

quote or might be paraphrased but you should include a parenthetical citation either way.



Analysis: Explain why YOU think this example demonstrates your main idea. This is your commentary and should be

your own words. However, do NOT speak in first (I, me, we etc.) or second (you) person.



Viewpoint 1 and 2: Describe the opposing viewpoints on the topic. You may wish to use 2-3 paragraphs to identify the

main point from each side.



Conclusion: Defend your policy proposal in the conclusion, using the strongest evidence of support.

Government Mock Congress Research Caveat Outline Template Page 3