Example outlines (rough)

Thesis:  in favor of same-sex marriage

 

Body Paragraphs:

 

·       Argument:  Constitutional right (benefits, 14^th amendment, DOMA, etc.)

·       Argument:  Evolving definition of marriage

·       Counterargument – against some people’s religion (refute with separation of church and state)

·       Counterargument – may be harmful to children raised by same-sex parents (concede some and refute the rest)

 

Thesis:  opposed to same-sex marriage but in favor of civil unions

 

Body Paragraphs:
 

·       Argument:  challenges the traditional definition of marriage (why the definition should not evolve; why it’s not the same thing issue as interracial marriage.)

·       Argument:  may be harmful to children raised by same-sex parents

·       Counterargument: government discrimination.  (refute by proposing civil union as an alternative)

·       Counterargument: separation of church and state (refute by again arguing why this supports civil unions)