"Status quo is a Latin term meaning the present, current, existing state of affairs. To maintain the status quo is to keep things the way they presently are" (Wikipedia).
1 Acknowledge that this is a disputed topic. Describe the two sides and what they believe. Don't give reasons, just define the two sides.
2 Tell who holds the status quo. The side that holds the status quo is the side that is currently the accepted by most experts in the area. This is important to know because the writer needs to know if he or she is writing against the status quo, or if he or she is writing a support of the status quo.
Examples
Against the Status Quo Social-political topics Abortion, now legal, should be outlawed. A program distributing condoms by schools should begin in Michigan.
Michigan should have a death penalty. Michigan should outlaw spanking. Michigan should treat violent teens like adults. Students, now are able to choose the school they attend, should be forced by law to attend the school closest to them. Students should be able to hear arguments against evolution. Gay people in Michigan should be allowed to marry. Spanish should be accepted as a second national language. The developmental theory of homosexuality should be replaced; it is genetic. Child-rapists should never be released from prison.
Scientific or Paranormal topics It should be accepted that UFOs are alien spaceships visiting Earth. The evidence shows that Bigfoot is alive in North America. Atlantis once existed as actual historical place. The dead sometimes haunt the living. Homosexuality should be considered a hereditary disorder. Subliminal persuasion is a serious threat. Television is harmful for children. Watching television limits a person's thinking abilities.
Supporting the Status Quo Social-political topics Abortion should remain legal Condoms should continue to be distributed by stores and medical centers, not schools. Michigan should not adopt the death penalty. Michigan should continue to leave parenting to parents. Michigan should continue to treat violent teens as teens, not as adults. Students should continue to be able to choose the school they attend.
Students not be able to hear arguments against Evolution. Gay people in Michigan should not be allowed to marry. English should remain the sole national language. Psychologists should continue to see homosexuality as developmental. Child-rapists should continue to earn parole and be released back into the public.
Scientific or Paranormal topics There is no reliable evidence that UFOs are alien spaceships visiting Earth. There is no reliable evidence that Bigfoot is alive in North America. Atlantis must be considered mythical. There is no reliable evidence that the dead ever haunt the living. The origin of homosexual behaviors are developmental. Subliminal persuasion is not a serious threat. Television is not seriously harmful for children. Watching television has no effect on a person's thinking abilities.
