I am writing an oppossing views essay on the effectiveness of the death penalty. Any thoughts on how I should begin? I understand that I am not supposed to give my opinion. Thanks!

You begin by researching your topic.

Develop a thesis statement.

Then make an outline of what you want to say in the body of the paper.

Write the body of your paper, making sure that you have at least three points supporting your thesis.

After you've done that, then -- and only then -- write the introduction of your paper.

And why aren't you supposed to give your opinion?

We actually will give our opinion in the final draft. She broke the assignment into 2 parts. The 1st part is actually just to help us learn how to write our final essay. In the final essay, you will take a side. I have pulled alot of research together, just stuck on how to put a thesis statement together. This is usually the part of the essay I struggle with.

what i learned about writing is that how to organize.

When writing an opposing views essay on the effectiveness of the death penalty, it's important to approach the topic from a neutral standpoint. Here are a few suggestions to help you begin your essay:

1. Start with a hook: Begin your essay with a thought-provoking statement or anecdote that grabs the readers' attention. This could be a compelling statistic, a controversial quote, or a brief overview of a high-profile death penalty case.

2. Provide background information: Offer a brief introduction to the history and purpose of the death penalty. Explain its origins and how it has been used in different societies throughout history. This will help provide context for the opposing views you are about to explore.

3. Present the opposing arguments: Focus on presenting both sides of the debate without revealing your own opinion. Explain the arguments in favor of the death penalty, emphasizing points such as deterrence, retribution, and the potential for closure for victims' families. Be thorough and objective in your exploration of these perspectives.

4. Address counterarguments: After presenting the arguments in favor of the death penalty, it's important to address the opposing viewpoints. These may include concerns about potential wrongful convictions, the possibility of executing the innocent, racial and socioeconomic bias within the criminal justice system, the moral and ethical implications, and the high costs associated with the death penalty.

5. Transition to the body of your essay: Finally, provide a smooth transition from your introduction to the main body of your essay. This transition should clearly indicate that you will be exploring the arguments and evidence for both sides of the debate in a fair and balanced manner.

Remember, the goal of an opposing views essay is to present and analyze different perspectives, allowing readers to form their own opinions based on the evidence provided. Avoid expressing your own stance throughout the essay, focusing instead on explaining and exploring contrasting viewpoints.