Single-Perspective Research Position Paper

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Topic: Race, Ethnicity, Nationality, OR Culture (Must pick and touch on only one) KEY THINGS: – AT LEAST 2-3 Sources must be cited from the following database: https://cypresscollege.libguides.com/az.php How to access: ID NUMBER: 01870888 | LAST NAME: HEAD – Only 1-2 normal web sources can be cited and they have to be credible. -MLA FORMAT -Present your ideas objectively. This means you will present the information in as fair and unbiased a way as possible, without the use of 1st person (I, me, my). 1.   –  Use the Toulmin model to identify the parts of your argument: (DOCUMENT INCLUDED WITH MORE INFORMATION ON THIS) a.    State a clear claim. The rest of your paper will support this claim. b.   Develop the claim with two or three subclaims. c.    Decide whether to spell out the warrants in the paper or to leave them implicit. d.   Decide whether or not backing is required. e.    Plan a rebuttal; in other words, think about the positions held by others on this issue and develop a rebuttal statement. Decide whether to qualify your claim. (THIS INFORMATION BELOW IS INCLUDED IN A DOCUMENT INCLUDED) Objectives: •        To provide the student with the opportunity to demonstrate the ability to take a position on an issue •        To enhance the student’s ability to present a convincing single-perspective argument •        To enhance the student’s ability to construct argumentation in writing through the use of the Toulmin model •        To use the argument theory learned in Chapters 5-7 •        To provide the body for the longer Research Project   Requirements: 1.    Develop the issue presented in the Exploratory Paper. 2.    Present a single-perspective argument on that issue. This means that you  will choose a position/perspective on your issue. Your position may change as you continue with your research. This is OK. However, you need to take one position for this paper. Being in the middle, i.e., being “for” with some qualifications or being “against” with some qualifications, qualifies as a position. 3.    Write a researched paper of approximately 1,000 words (4-5 pages). a.    Include at least four sources for support of the perspective being presented. i.    These four sources should be a combination of library research (including the online databases) and Web sources. Papers that provide ONLY Web sources will not receive a passing grade. b.   List the sources used on a Works Cited page. 4.    Present your ideas objectively. This means you will present the information in as fair and unbiased a way as possible, without the use of 1st person (I, me, my). 5.    Use the Toulmin model to identify the parts of your argument: a.    State a clear claim. The rest of your paper will support this claim. b.   Develop the claim with two or three subclaims. c.    Decide whether to spell out the warrants in the paper or to leave them implicit. d.   Decide whether or not backing is required. e.    Plan a rebuttal; in other words, think about the positions held by others on this issue and develop a rebuttal statement. f.     Decide whether to qualify your claim.   NOTE: See pages 238-240 in Perspectives on Argument for a sample Position Paper written by Kelly Dickerson. The question is “What should be done with young offenders?” The type of claim, the elements of the Toulmin model, and the proofs are identified in the margin. Also note how Dickerson worked quoted material into her paper. The quotations flow with the rest of the text, and they are clear. Notice how the introductions for the quotations, along with the in-text citations, show the reader where to find the original source. Use this paper as a model to help you   integrate your quotations into your paper.   When writing researched papers, it’s very important to document sources clearly because it helps the reader locate the original source if s/he wants to read further. In this class we are using MLA style, so be sure to follow MLA documentation style. Failing to do so will result in a minimum of one grade lower on the assignment.   Please note: the sample in our text uses 1st person; however, 1st person should not be used in your paper unless providing a brief personal example as support. A sample A-scoring Position Paper is also available in Canvas for your reference.   Don’t forget! The Exploratory Paper will serve as the Introduction to your final Research Project. The Position Paper (this assignment) will serve as the Body of your final Research Project. The Conclusion to your Research Project will provide a solution to the issue being discussed. You will have the opportunity to revise the first two assignments for your final Research Project.   Grading Criteria: ✓       Strength of argument ü   Development of claim ü   Writing ability ✓       Completeness of writing process ✓       Meeting the requirements of the assignment   Drafting, Revising, and Final Editing: You’ve already completed the prewriting and outlining activities for this writing assignment. Now it’s time to write it.   Using the prewriting and outlining activities you’ve already completed, follow the instructions in Chapter 3 for writing the first draft (see pages 86-88). The goal in writing this draft is to get your ideas down on paper. Don’t worry about technical issues like grammar or spelling or even organization. Just get your ideas down. Think of it as a focused freewrite.   Once you’ve completed the first draft, then you will work your sources into your writing assignment. Follow explanations and examples for integrating quoted material into your paper (pages 371-376). Use MLA documentation to cite in-text references and to create a Works Cited page (pages 377-385). Note: Our text uses an outdated form of MLA. For the updated version, refer to the MLA Documentation Style handout.