1.  Introductory Paragraph

• A. What do I need to say to set up my thesis/main argument?

• general background information on your topic
  

• general intro describing your controversial debate issue

• B. Thesis Statement (mentions the main points to come)... problems, causes, effects, positives, negatives, solutions, economic, social, political arguments, etc.
  

• Main idea of body paragraph 1:

• Main idea of body paragraph 2:
  

• Main idea of body paragraph 3:

Body Paragraph 1

• Topic Sentence/main idea #1:
  

• example(s), evidence from sources, (citation):

• explain how the example(s) supports your first main idea:

• Concluding sentence on how the example(s) supports your original thesis:

Body Paragraph 2

• Topic Sentence/main idea #2:
  

• example(s), evidence from sources, (citation):

• explain how the example(s) supports your second main idea:
  

• Concluding sentence on how the example(s) supports your original thesis:

Body Paragraph 3

• Topic Sentence/Main Idea #3:

• example(s), evidence from sources, (citation)

• explain how the example(s) supports your third topic sentence
  

• Concluding sentence on how the example(s) supports your original thesis:

Concluding Paragraph

• sum up what your three reasons have illustrated (basically, restate the main point of what your thesis suggests)

• offer your own personal thoughts about the grander implications of what you've just said (what does it all mean regarding the bigger picture?  So what?  Why should we be concerned or interested about what you had to say?)