Current Controversies Research Paper assignment and steps
Assignment: What do you care about? If you could change something about our world, our country, or our community, what would it be? Your task in this research project is to learn more about an issue that you care about and then advocate for a specific solution or opinion regarding that issue. Ideally, your topic will be related to your VR world, but in this election year, you may also choose an election issue that you think is important.
Research Steps (60 pts)
Step 1: In class, type a pre-research proposal (about 1-page, double-spaced) for your topic, answering the following questions:
a. What essential question are you attempting to answer?
b. Why are you interested in this topic?
c. What do you know already about this topic?
d. What is your stand on this topic today? Why?
You can answer the questions in this order or any order that makes sense to you. Just be sure to thoroughly answer each question (10 pts):
Step 2: Research Responses: Write three research responses that focus on the information below. One extra credit research response is also available. (30 pts)
Step 3: Group Discussions. Discuss and take notes on the following: What is your opinion on this issue? Did your opinion change after researching the issue? If not, how has your research validated your ideas; why wasn’t the other side able to persuade you? What surprised you in your research? (10 pts)
Step 4: Pre-write/Outline (10 pts)
Step 5: Intro and Background paragraphs: write 2 paragraphs that provide history/background for your topic.
Step 6: Full Draft up on googledoc (10 pts)
Step 7: Revise for large issues (organization, coherence, support, detail, etc); edit for grammar, sentences structure, spelling, word choice.
Step 8: Submit final draft of essay to turnitin.com, complete self-evaluation, and turn in required materials to Pam in a pocketed folder
Assignment Resources
1. Production calendar
2. Research Response assignment
3. Essay Rubric
4. Evaluating resources
5. Guidelines for writing a good thesis
6. Addressing the opposing argument: chem and bio weapons
7 Outline
8. Background info graphic organizer
About addressing the opposing argument:
When opposing arguments or points of view must be addressed there are a variety of ways to argue against or refute them. They can be place almost anywhere in the text, however, the strength and power of the opposing arguments and how familiar your audience is with them should be your main considerations. Here are a couple of options:
When opposing arguments are less persuasive or, at best, equal to, rebuttals are best saved till last where the opposing argument will appear less credible in light of your own:
· Introduction
· Your argument and evidence
· Rebuttal of opposition claims
· Conclusion
When opposing arguments are particularly strong and readily accepted, discrediting them point-by-point may be the best strategy for convincing an audience to consider alternative points or support a different position.
· Introduction
· Rebut first opposing argument followed by first counter-argument
· Rebut next opposing arguments, followed by further counter-arguments as you go along
· Conclusion
When opposing arguments or points of view must be addressed there are a variety of ways to argue against or refute them. They can be place almost anywhere in the text, however, the strength and power of the opposing arguments and how familiar your audience is with them should be your main considerations. Here are a couple of options:
When opposing arguments are less persuasive or, at best, equal to, rebuttals are best saved till last where the opposing argument will appear less credible in light of your own:
· Introduction
· Your argument and evidence
· Rebuttal of opposition claims
· Conclusion
When opposing arguments are particularly strong and readily accepted, discrediting them point-by-point may be the best strategy for convincing an audience to consider alternative points or support a different position.
· Introduction
· Rebut first opposing argument followed by first counter-argument
· Rebut next opposing arguments, followed by further counter-arguments as you go along
· Conclusion