Outline

Brianna Blanton

English 103

Mrs. Lamos

Research Paper—Outline

I. Introduction

            1.  Hook: Include a statistic on the number of athletes that have admitted to trying steroids, or have been charged with steroid offenses.  Also, might include a well-known athlete and a quote about his/her reflection on his/her own steroid scandal.

            2. Thesis: The use of steroids in sports is not only illegal and unfair, but also detrimental to the health of a training athlete.  This paper will discuss how steroids are not beneficial to an athlete and how steroids can damage their career, and ultimately their own body. 

            3.  Implications: What are the life-long effects of steroids? Is there more harm in taking the steroids than actual benefits?  What legality issues do athletes potentially face when they tamper with steroids?

-Source:  Marion Jones article

II. Background information on the science of steroids

-Discuss the different types of steroids that athletes can take and how they may take them.

-Include information on the positive effects and why many athletes feel the need to partake in using steroids.

-Introduce the harmful, lasting effects that steroids can have on an athlete. 

-Source: Anabolic Steroids and “Are Steroids Worth the Risk?”

III. Legality Issues facing Abusers

-Introduce the topic by facts and articles about well-known athletes that were busted for taking steroids.

-Talk about the legal issues athletes can face if they are charged with steroid abuse, and what is taken away from them if this happens.

-Source: ESPN article

IV. Steroid in Sport and the Unfairness it Bulks up

-Include how steroids are incorporated into the Olympics and other sports that are known for steroid use.  The reasons why many athletes take steroids could be a good data point to include for these statistics.

-Talk about how it is unfair for some athletes to be taking steroids and face competition that is only using natural talent and hard work.

-Include information on the number of drug tests done on collegiate and professional athletes.

-Source: Rob Beamish’s book includes reasons why an athlete might feel obligated to take steroids and also includes information on steroids in the Olympics. 

V. Stopping the Scandal of Steroids

-Summarize the major points in the paper.

-Talk about how the media addresses the issue and how people can become more aware of the issue.  

-Address how the negative effects steroids have outweigh the temporary, if any, benefits steroids produce.