Dialectic Essay Outline

Paragraph One:

  • This is your introduction to explain what your essay is about. You need to include:
  • The focus questionRe: Nature and Nurture – come up with your own version of the question
  • Outline what the two viewpointsDefine “nature” and “nurture” – what is the focus of each point of view
  • Provide historical background to the issue– What is at the root of the discussion? How long has this “debate” been going on? (use reading as well as references made in video “Genie”, for ex.)
  • Explain why this issue is significant(Brief – why do we need to be discussing this?)

Paragraph Two:

  • This is viewpoint “A” – one side of the question – You need to have a “thesis” here – ex. “Nature, our genetic make-up, is the primary influence on who we become. The impact of our genes affects not only our physical features but our temperament, emotions, and ……….”
  • Explain, perhaps, who might hold this viewpoint– reference researchers, psychologists, perspectives (ex. Freud, Zimbardo, Milgram, Dr. Money, etc.)
  • Support this viewpoint with at least 3 main ideas (examples, reasons) – case studies, research, experiments … more is BETTER!!
  • Each main idea must be well explained and supported
  • ***note: this is usually the viewpoint you support***

Paragraph Three:

  • This is viewpoint “B” – This is the other side of the question – SEE Paragraph TWO – repeat for other point of view
  • Explain, perhaps, who might hold this viewpoint
  • Support this viewpoint with at least 3 main ideas (examples, reasons)
  • Each main idea much be well explained and supported

Paragraph Four:

  • This is the viewpoint analysis – again, have a well-written topic sentence here
  • Explain the weaknesses of the viewpoint you DO NOT support – critique some of the studies used – you may look up criticisms, some are implied in readings and videos. BE careful, as you are not the expert

Paragraph Five:

  • Clearly state YOUR PERSONAL thesis– You will support one side over the other (however marginal you feel the weight is); be sure to have a strong thesis statement
  • Detail the reasons for your opinion
  • Be careful not to be repetitive – this is hard…you have already presented both sides, but now you must present YOUR opinion and in such a way that it is interesting!!
  • Conclude with explanation as to why the issue is important - important for human nature? Child rearing? Crime and punishment? Education? – I want you to be very considerate here…demonstrate that you have thought about this as an important area of psychological research
  • Consider the “So what?” question
  • Discuss “future relevance” to the question….