Position Paper

For this paper you have latitude to choose your own topic. You should pick a subject you care about and/or which interests you. You will be both informing us and persuading us.

Requirements:

1. Pick a subject/issue and argue FOR or AGAINST it. You must have at least THREE body paragraphs.

2. In each body paragraph, you must include supporting material you have found in the databases.

3. Properly document the material/quotes with parenthetical citations and a works cited list.

4. Use material from at least THREE database articles.

5. Variations to any of the above may be approved on a case-by-case basis.

For example, you could

· argue for or against keeping art and music classes in the public schools, legalizing marijuana, or requiring both men and women to register for the draft;

· argue that high school football (or some other sport/activity) should be discontinued because of the health implications;

· argue for the legitimacy of an “alternative” type of healthcare, such as acupuncture, homeopathy, or chiropractic.

You must

· narrow your thesis;

· consult and cite at least THREE database articles (more is fine);

· have at least THREE body paragraphs supported with specific examples;

· use at least one direct quote in each body paragraph;

· have a conclusion that emphasizes the overall and/or long-term benefits, ramifications, and/or importance of the subject.

In this paper, you will be practicing

· Writing an introduction

· Creating a narrow, clear thesis

· Developing your paragraphs with supporting detail and explanation

· Finding information from secondary sources to support your opinions

· Using direct quotes

· Citing quotes properly using in-text citations and works cited entries

· Writing a conclusion

· Using standard English grammar

· Using appropriate punctuation

Introduction

The introduction should lead smoothly to the thesis and perhaps give the reader a little background and/or history on the subject and/or explain its importance.

Thesis Statement

Make sure you make clear your position and your subject—without using “I.” Your thesis should be the last sentence of your introduction. Tip: To talk about people in general, use the plural “people”—not “someone”—thus saving me a lot of tedious circles because of number agreement issues!

Level of Formality

This is a formal academic paper. Please keep in mind the following:

· Do not use ‘I’

· Do not use ‘you’

· Choose more formal wording (like you were speaking to your boss or a teacher)

· Stay away from slang and colloquialisms

· Do not start sentences with ‘well’

Paper #3 Checklist

( I have a clear thesis that conveys my position on the subject without using “I.”

( My thesis is the last sentence of my introduction.

( My introduction gives any necessary context for the subject, then narrows to my thesis.

( My introduction is four or more sentences.

( I have clear topic sentences for each of my body paragraphs.

( I have at least three body paragraphs.

( I give evidence (examples and/or explanation) to support each of my topic sentences.

( I have used material from at least three database sources in my essay.

( I have been detailed and specific in my examples and explanations.

( I have used at least one direct quote from a database article in each body paragraph.

( I have included authors’ last names or article titles in parentheses after quotes or paraphrased material.

( I have included a citation for each source at the end of my paper.

( I have a conclusion that summarizes my paper and which indicates why what I’m saying is important.

( I have read my paper carefully for grammatical problems.

( I have read my paper aloud to check for awkward sentences and things that don’t make sense.

( I have checked the syllabus to make sure I am following the “Submitting Papers” guidelines.

( I have been to the Writing Center if I have had problems in the past with grammar, style, or other writing issues.

( I have been to see the teacher if I am having problems with any of the above.