Begin by defining controversial. Conduct online research or have the class brainstorm controversial topics. Consider recording fitting topics on the board. Have students select topics on which they have strong opinions. Have them summarize their stance on the issue and the three strongest supporting arguments. After these papers are collected, inform the students that their topic will be the opposing viewpoint. Next, it is important to inform them of the reasoning. People often miss the flaws in their own arguments, no matter how large the holes. Besides this additional attention to detail, they will practice critical thinking, which should be a basic skill of college-educated people, according to Dr. Davis on teachingenglish.com. Continue leading students through basic research and essay-writing techniques. To tie this paper into something larger, assign these same topics for a research project. Students will have the basis for half of their argument because a research paper should clearly all sides of an issue. As they conduct research, have them take notes supporting the side they actually believe in.
Many students are overwhelmed when assigned a writing project. Teach them basics in small steps by beginning with a paragraph. According to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, there is a five-step process to paragraph development. The first step is to write a topic sentence; students need to understand this is the controlling idea. The second step is to explain this idea. Step three is to provide an adequate example. Step four is to explain the example. The final step is to complete the paragraph. However, it is important to note that this last sentence should be used to transition to another paragraph when in a larger work. Have students practice writing paragraphs on a number of topics. Focus on opinion topics so there is no fear of giving incorrect answers as they build this base skill. Continue to more academic-oriented topics for direct application on a college level. Consider allowing students to practice writing initial paragraphs in groups and provide model paragraphs for reference.
For students to internalize the lessons, they must understand the value. Spend time in a group discussion of the importance of writing. This discussion should include personal, professional and societal benefits. Have students brainstorm careers that don't involve writing. They will quickly learn that there are few. Discuss in an open forum.