Now that you’ve read, analyzed, and role-played with the sources, you have a bunch of notes and a deep enough understanding of the issue to explain your viewpoint as an evidence-based argument. Start by writing a clear thesis—though don’t expect that it will necessarily be your final polished one.

Don’t worry either about taking an all-or-nothing stand. In fact, a position that is qualified can demonstrate your awareness of the complexity of the issue—that it’s not black or white, but shades of gray. Start drafting with a simple template:

(I believe) that professional athletes (should/should not) be allowed to use performance-enhancing drugs because___________.

Once you have a working thesis, start matching sources to your ideas: some may support you, whereas others may provide an opportunity for you to push back on an idea you disagree with.

Title and author of source that supports your thesis:______________

Direct quote that demonstrates the support:______________ (page number)

Explanation of how that source supports your thesis:_________

Although most of the time, you’ll use sources as supporting evidence, you can also use a source that runs counter to your thesis; by conceding some portion of the argument, but refuting the bulk of it (see Chapter 3, p. 74), you can turn the source to your advantage. This move is similar to the “yes, but” mental exercise that we talked about on page 530.

532

Title and author of source that counters your thesis (or your position in general):_________

Direct quote that demonstrates the challenge to your position:__________ (page number)

Concession and refutation_____________