Drug abuse negatively impacts academic performance

INTRODUCTION PARAGRAPH

You will begin your outline with a complete draft of your introduction paragraph. This should be around 150 words long, or 5–6 sentences. Utilize the information from the “Introductions” lecture in this module, as well as from your assigned textbook readings, and experiment with the strategies for writing introductions you have learned about. Your introduction paragraph will lead into and end with your thesis statement—this will give your readers a clear idea of your argument and the main issues you will address in your paper before the body paragraphs begin.

SUPPORTING POINT 1: Each supporting point section of your outline will begin with a topic sentence—a single sentence that conveys the main point of your paragraph—and will include a number of sub-points or supporting details.

• It’s important for each of your main supporting points to have a number of sub-points, as this shows that your points are substantial and robust enough to support a scholarly argument.
• Evidence from your research should be used to back up each supporting point.
• Research can be incorporated through the use of direct quotations, paraphrases, or summaries, and an in-text citation should always be included to credit words or ideas that are not your own.
• Three to five sub-points should be adequate to fully explain each of your supporting points.

SUPPORTING POINT 2: Each of your supporting points should deal with only one primary area of support for your thesis statement.

• Sub-points will be used to elaborate on and develop each supporting point.
• If you find that your sub-points for any given supporting point are covering a very broad range of information, it could be a signal you need to create a separate main supporting point.
• Aim to include at least one piece of information from a scholarly source for each supporting point.
• If you are unable to find research to back up any of your supporting points, it is an indication that your point is not as strong or as credible as it could be and may need to be replaced with a more credible argument.

SUPPORTING POINT 3: Begin with a clear topic sentence, and follow with three to five sub-points.

COUNTER-ARGUMENT 1: Fully explain potential counter-arguments to your thesis statement.

• Include a few details about why someone might take that stance.
• Do your best to treat counter-arguments fairly.

RESPONSE TO COUNTER-ARGUMENT 1: To maintain the strength of your argument, it’s important to respond to each counter-argument with further evidence that your thesis statement is valid.

• Responses to counter-arguments will rely heavily on logic.
• You may utilize additional information from your research to help refute counter-arguments.

COUNTER-ARGUMENT 2: Clearly and fairly explain a potential objection to your thesis.

RESPONSE TO COUNTER-ARGUMENT 2: Provide a fair and logical response to the counter-argument, using information from your research if necessary.

CONCLUSION PARAGRAPH: At the end of your outline, include a fully developed conclusion paragraph. Refer to the module’s lectures and readings for ideas about how to conclude your paper. Remember that a conclusion should not merely summarize the information you have presented; it should instead aim to tie together your main points, reiterate your argument, and leave readers engaged with something to consider about the topic after they are done reading.

REFERENCES: Include a list of all sources used in creating your outline. Remember, you should have at least one source per each of your main supporting points. The sources on your references list should be alphabetized and presented in APA format.