Fact Sheet: Opposing Viewpoints Paper

By JPUncategorized

Objective

The objective of this research paper is to explore a controversial issue through the lens of Rogerian argumentation, which emphasizes empathy, understanding, and common ground rather than winning a debate.

By analyzing opposing viewpoints on your chosen topic, the paper aims to demonstrate how both sides of an issue can be valid in different contexts, identify shared values and concerns, and propose a compromise or middle-ground solution that respects multiple perspectives.

The research paper will investigate the reasoning, evidence, and underlying values of each position while seeking to reduce hostility and find mutually beneficial outcomes. Ultimately, the paper seeks to demonstrate how understanding diverse viewpoints can lead to more productive dialogue and realistic solutions to complex social issues.

Background

In an increasingly polarized society, the ability to understand and respect opposing viewpoints has become a critical skill.

Traditional argumentative approaches often treat debates as competitions to be won, which can create defensiveness and entrench people more deeply in their positions. Rogerian argument, based on psychologist Carl Rogers’ principles of empathetic communication, offers an alternative approach that prioritizes mutual understanding over victory. This method requires fairly representing opposing views, acknowledging the validity of different perspectives, and seeking common ground. By examining controversial issues through a Rogerian lens, we can better understand how people with different values, experiences, and priorities arrive at their positions, and how dialogue can lead to compromise rather than conflict.

Understanding Rogerian Argument

Rogerian argument is fundamentally different from traditional argumentation. Here are key principles to remember:

The Goal is Compromise, Not Victory: Your purpose is to reduce hostility and find common ground, not to prove one side right and the other wrong.

Fair Representation is Essential: You must present opposing views accurately and respectfully, as someone holding that view would present it themselves. Misrepresenting or mocking opposing views violates the Rogerian approach.

Empathy is Required: You must demonstrate genuine understanding of why people hold different positions, not just what they argue. Consider the values, experiences, and concerns that lead to each viewpoint.

Context Matters: Acknowledge that different positions may be valid in different contexts or situations. Few issues are black and white.

Common Ground Exists: Even on polarizing issues, opposing sides often share underlying values or concerns. Finding this common ground is central to Rogerian argument.

Compromise is Possible: Your goal is to propose a solution that respects multiple perspectives and offers benefits to different sides, not to declare one position entirely correct.

Tone Matters: Maintain a respectful, neutral tone throughout your paper. Avoid sarcasm, loaded language, or dismissive phrasing.

Prerequisites

  • Format: please utilize the MLA Checklist to ensure your paper or essay is in correct MLA format. If MLA format is incorrect, you will be asked to resubmit in correct format. You will receive a zero until the resubmission is received.
  • Topic: Your paper must analyze opposing viewpoints on a controversial issue from the Gale Opposing Viewpoints database available through your library, and propose a compromise.. Access the database here. Papers that don’t use a topic from this database will not be accepted. If you’d like to write about a related topic not found in the database, consult with me for approval.
  • Interview: at least one source must be an interview of a person who is affected by or has knowledge of the one or both of the opposing views.
  • POV: This is a paper and not an essay, so it should be written in third person point of view (he, she, they). Papers that don’t meet this requirement will be returned to the student using the same process as incorrect MLA format.

Requirements

The Final draft of your paper must be a minimum of 1500 words (~4 pages) long, not including your Works Cited page, and should include the following structure:

  • Introduction Paragraph:
    • Hook: Begin with a hook to engage the reader.
    • Bridge: Provide background information about your controversial issue and why it matters.
    • Thesis Statement: End with a clear thesis statement that acknowledges the legitimacy of multiple perspectives and proposes a compromise. Remember the template: [issue] + [acknowledgment of multiple valid views] + [your proposed compromise].
  • Body Paragraphs:
    • Background paragraph(s): Include at least one (1) background paragraph that provides context on the matter of contention.
    • Statement of Opposing Position (argumentative): One or more paragraphs that fairly and accurately present the first major position on this issue, including its reasoning, evidence, and underlying values.
    • Statement of Understanding (example): One or more paragraphs acknowledging contexts or situations where the first position makes sense and is valid.
    • Statement of Your Position (argumentative): One or more paragraphs that fairly and accurately present the second major position on this issue, including its reasoning, evidence, and underlying values.
    • Statement of Contexts (example): One or more paragraphs acknowledging contexts or situations where your position makes sense and is valid.
    • Common Ground (argumentative): One or more paragraphs identifying shared values, concerns, or goals between the opposing positions.
    • Proposed Compromise / Benefits (example): One or more paragraphs explaining how your compromise fulfills the ideas outlined in the Common Grounds paragraph, and the benefits available as a result of the adoption of your compromise.
    • Paper must include at least three (3) quote structures with correctly formatted ITCs. Note: papers may only contain one long quote structure, no longer than 75 words.
    • Topic Sentences: Focus on establishing a clear topic sentence for each body paragraph.
  • Conclusion Paragraph:
    • Restatement of Thesis: Restate your thesis statement to remind readers of your proposed compromise.
    • Summary of Findings: Summarize the main points from your body paragraphs, emphasizing the validity of multiple perspectives and the benefits of your proposed solution.
    • Call to Action: Encourage readers to approach controversial issues with empathy and openness, or to consider your proposed compromise in their own thinking about this issue.
  • Works Cited Page:
  • Correctly formatted Works Cited Page.
  • Paper must use a minimum of three (3) sources. One source must be an interview.

Grading Criteria

For the Progress Check:

  • Word Count (50 points): 750 words minimum
  • Argumentative Thesis Statement (50 points total):
    • Debatable (10 points): Your thesis Statement is debatable.
    • Specific (10 points): Your thesis Statement is specific.
    • Concise (10 points): Your thesis Statement is concise and only one sentence long.
    • Template (10 points): Your thesis Statement follows the template ( [issue] + [acknowledgment of multiple valid views] + [your proposed compromise] ).
    • Last Sentence (10 points): Your Thesis Statement is the last sentence in your introduction.

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For the Final Draft (see requirements above for details about each of these sections):

  • Word Count (26 points): 1500 words minimum
  • Introduction (10 points): Introduction with Hook, Bridge, and Thesis Statement.
  • Body:
    • Background paragraph (6 points).
    • Statement of Opposing Position (6 points).
    • Statement of Understanding (6 points).
    • Statement of Your Position (6 points).
    • Statement of Contexts (6 points).
    • Common Ground (6 points).
    • Proposed Compromise / Benefits (6 points).
    • Quote Structures (6 points).
  • Conclusion (10 points): Conclusion with Restatement of Thesis, Summary of Findings, and Call to Action.
  • Works Cited Page (6 points).

Instructions

  1. Select a Topic: Browse the Gale Opposing Viewpoints database and choose a controversial issue that interests you and has clear opposing viewpoints. Topics should be genuinely debatable with reasonable arguments on multiple sides.
  2. Research Multiple Perspectives: Use the database and other credible sources to understand the different positions on your issue. Pay attention not just to what people argue, but why they hold their positions—their values, concerns, and reasoning. Avoid sources that are extremely one-sided or disrespectful of opposing views.
  3. Practice Empathy: As you research, actively work to understand each perspective on its own terms. What concerns motivate people who hold this view? In what contexts or situations would this position make sense? What legitimate values underlie this position?
  4. Identify Common Ground: Look for shared concerns, values, or goals between opposing positions. Even people who disagree strongly often share underlying values (like safety, freedom, fairness, or wellbeing) but differ on how to achieve them.
  5. Develop Your Compromise: Based on your research, develop a middle-ground solution or compromise that respects multiple perspectives and addresses shared concerns. Your solution should be realistic and show how both sides could benefit.
  6. Write: Your paper should present multiple perspectives fairly and respectfully, demonstrate genuine understanding of different positions, identify common ground, and propose a compromise solution. Maintain a neutral, respectful tone throughout. Your paper should be no less than 1500 words.

Thesis Statement Criteria

Your thesis statement should follow the standard structure, with these criteria:

  • Your thesis statement should introduce the main claim of your essay or paper (in this case, a compromise).
  • Your thesis statement should come at the end of your introduction paragraph.
  • Your thesis statement should be only one sentence long.
  • Your thesis statement should be debatable, specific, and concise.

Thesis Statement Template

Your thesis should acknowledge multiple perspectives and propose a compromise solution. Consider this template:

[issue] + [acknowledgment of multiple valid views] + [your proposed compromise]

Examples Using The Rogerian Thesis Statement Template

Here are some examples to get you thinking:

  • Issue: For or against laptop use in classrooms
    Thesis: Although some argue laptops hinder student engagement, many students find them essential, so we should establish clear guidelines for laptop use for course-related activities only.

  • Issue: Mandatory homework in high school.
    Thesis: Mandatory homework reinforces learning and builds discipline, but many students find it stressful, so we should limit weekly homework and provide flexible deadlines to promote academic growth while respecting students’ need for balance.

  • Issue: Social media use among teenagers
    Thesis: Social media often exposes teens to harmful content and reduces face-to-face interactions, but teens argue it fosters self-expression and connection, so we should encourage moderated time-limited use supplemented by digital literacy education.

Conclusion

This assignment is an opportunity to develop critical thinking, research, and communication skills that will serve you well beyond the classroom. In a polarized world, the ability to understand multiple perspectives, engage respectfully with those who disagree, and seek common ground is increasingly valuable. Your analysis should demonstrate not only research skills but also empathy, open-mindedness, and the maturity to acknowledge that complex issues rarely have simple, one-sided solutions. By approaching controversy through a Rogerian lens, you will gain insight into how productive dialogue can lead to better outcomes than adversarial debate, and how understanding different viewpoints can inform more nuanced, realistic, and inclusive solutions to society’s challenges.