Restrictions on Fossil Fuels

I. Introduction (Rogerian Step One)

- General Introduction (how would you introduce this topic in an actual paper?)
Globally, fossil fuels provide for over 85% of all the energy we consume. When fossil fuels are burnt, they
release toxic gases into the atmosphere and can cause air pollution and serious health problems.
- Basic Context (give explanation as issue, basic definition or simple history)
Fossil fuels are currently the world's primary energy source. These include coal, oil, and natural gas.
Issues started arising when scientists discovered that the burning of fossil fuels resulted in climate
problems and global warming.
- Perspectives (give opposition perspective, then give your own; label each and be certain to give full
position)
Some people (mostly Republican politicians) believe that global warming doesnt exist and fossil fuels
arent that harmful. Fossil Fuels bring in a lot of money and are the easiest to get energy out of.
While it may be true that they are the easiest to get energy out of, that is only because the proper
technology isnt yet fully implemented for renewable energy, which could just as easily create more jobs
and bring in so much more money.
- Thesis Statement (detailed and clearly focused, presenting your position, and phrase it is a claim)
Fossil Fuels are causing harm to our environment, as well as our health, and there needs to be more
restrictions on them to prevent any further damage.

II. Opposition Perspective (Rogerian Step Two)

- Restate Opposing Perspective
Some people (mostly Republican politicians) believe that global warming doesnt exist and fossil fuels
arent that harmful. Fossil Fuels bring in a lot of money and are the easiest to get energy out of.
- Details (including history, what they believe and why)
Fossil Fuels are important to our society and bring lots of money into the economy.
- Accepted Context (under what conditions would this perspective be correct or considered acceptable)
None.

III. Writer's Perspective (Rogerian Step Three)

- Restate Writer's Perspective and Position

Fossil Fuels are dangerous to our health and environment and need to be restricted.
- Re-emphasize Claim
Fossil Fuels are causing harm to our environment, as well as our health, and there needs to be more
restrictions on them to prevent any further damage.
- Details (including history, what you believe and why)
I believe renewable energy can help restrict fossil fuels because it creates energy and can replace the
energy produced by fossil fuels.
- Accepted Context (under what conditions would this view be best received or most accepted)
Graphs and figures of real world data of emissions out of fossil fuel plants.
- Refutation of Opposition (what could you state to refute the opposition's perspective?)
Where else would the pollution come from?

IV. Common Ground (Rogerian Step Four & Proposal)

- Proposed Solution/Resolution as Common Ground (careful with phrasing, please)
Give and Take a little on each side; shut down some coal plants and open up some solar plants.
- Context (what needs to happen for this occur; why does your common ground work, and even how is
it common ground?)
This solution allows for less pollution and can create more jobs.
- Implementation (how will it be carried out)
Some solar plants can be opened up, while coal plants are shut down.
- Resources (what will be needed)
Solar Professionals

V. Alternatives
(Are there other viable options as to resolution, beyond the common ground perspective or solution you
gave in IV above, and if so, what are they?)

VI. Concluding Statements

- Predictions

I predict that people will soon start to realize the consequences of using fossil fuels. They will slowly start
to turn to renewable energy, upholding more restrictions on fossil fuels.
- Other Concerns (possibly to wrap up loose ends or ideas) or Rhetorical Questions