Short Essay - Position Paper:  Throughout the semester, students will be researching their debate topic.  The internet assignments will supplement other research materials and the arguments used in Taking Sides by focusing attention on the civil liberties/civil rights aspect of the question, the ideological and partisan dimensions, and the involvement of interest groups and the branches of government.  By the end of the semester, it is hoped that each student will have significant mastery of the topic and the issues involved, as well as being prepared to take a personal, well-reasoned position on the policy question under discussion.  Students are not expected to defend their assigned debate position, but rather formulate their own stance on the issue. It is at this point that the student should compose a three to five double-spaced page position paper on their topic.  The paper is worth 60 points and the bibliography is worth 30 points.  Peer review is worth an additional 10 points.

 

The following format should be used:

Opening paragraph:  The first paragraph of the essay should briefly define the issue being addressed. (what policy is under review) and state the thesis.  The thesis in this instance should include the student’s position on the issue linked to the most compelling support for the selected positon.  It should sum up the main idea the student wants to make about the position chosen to defend.  The thesis statement serves as a working guide to organize the defense of the selected position.  The best opening paragraph begins with a general statement, followed by a clarifying statement or two, and ends with the thesis sentence.  Some introductory paragraphs pose questions that are explored in the discussion of opposing points of view.

Supporting paragraphs/Body of the Paper: 
For each of the main arguments (review the debate worksheet), write a paragraph that supports the position.  As applicable, identify those who advance this argument and the rationale they use in making the point.  The paragraphs in the body of the essay break down the central point

or thesis into manageable parts, discuss each part, and relate each part to the others.  For each paragraph include a general statement or topic sentence, a specific or clarifying sentence and sentences that provide details or examples.  Remember that this is a good place to cite sources.

Paragraphs to Discuss Opposing Views/Body of the Paper:  For each of the main arguments that run counter to the student’s selected position, write a paragraph that first lists the opposing perspective and then refutes it.  Be careful not to criticize unfairly those who hold opposing views, but rather explain why the argument is not convincing, may be irrelevant, or only be partially true.  Again include in each paragraph a general statement or topic sentence, a specific or clarifying sentence, and sentences that provide details or examples.  As applicable, identify those advance this argument and the rationale they use in making the point.  Remember that this is a good place to cite sources.

Concluding paragraph:  The final paragraph should restate the thesis as the student summarizes their main assertions or points.  Make certain that any questions posed in the introduction are answered and that a course of action based on the evidence presented is suggested.  

Sources Cited:  Sources used in the essay should be cited either in the text or in a bibliography (any academic format is acceptable, but MLA is preferred).   A separate link to Purdue University’s online writing lab is shown as a resource separately.  This gives excellent guidance on how to cite your sources in the text and to complete a solid bibliography.  The SRJC Writing Center (in Emeritus) is available to assist students less familiar with academic citations and bibliography formats.  Remember that citations and bibliography is thirty points out of the total grade for this assignment.  Spend enough time on this part of the assignment to get all your points.