Writing a Position PaperWriting a Position Paper

Position PaperPosition Paper

• Definition:– An essay that focuses on a controversial issue while

advocating one opinion and denouncing the rest

• Goal:– To convince the audience your opinion is valid and

worth listening to

ResearchResearch

• Research before you decide which position to support

• As you read, list the pros and cons

• Include supporting evidence for both sides:– Factual knowledge– Statistics– Informed Opinion

OrganizationOrganization

• Title

• Introduction– Lead up to a thesis that organizes the paper

• Claims and Counterclaims

• Conclusion– Restate your thesis

• Works Cited

Sample OutlineSample Outline

• I. Introduction– Introduce the topic– Provide background– Give your thesis

• II. Counter Argument– Summarize 2 or more

counterclaims – Show support for– Show points against– Give evidence against

• III. Your argument– Give at least 3 main

supporting points• Include your opinion

and supporting evidence for each

• IV. Conclusion– Restate your thesis– Summarize your

opinion and opposition– Closing statement

The AssignmentThe Assignment• 3-4 pages on the cause of the Terminal

Cretaceous Extinction (fall of the dinos)

• 2 possible causes:– Impact Theory– Volcano Theory

• An “A” paper will:– Take one side of the argument and persuade the

audience you have a deep knowledge of your opinion and why it is correct and how the opposition’s opinion is flawed

Who do I write to?Who do I write to?• Your audience is your peers – fellow

scientists already educated on the basics

• Feel free to use scientific terms

• Do not explain every detail, especially if it was covered in class

• Do not write unnecessary explanations for length

SourcesSources• Impact Theory:

– MINIMUM—must use the textbook then choose either #2 or #3

– 1. Textbook

pg. 433-437• “The Terminal Cretaceous

Extinction” and “Death from Outer Space”

– 2. What Happened 65 Million Years Ago?

– 3. The Day the Dinosaurs Died

• Volcano Theory:– MINIMUM– Use #1 and #2

(choose either 2a or 2b)

– 1. The Volcanism-Greenhouse Dinosaur Extinction Theory

– 2a. Doubts on Dinosaurs

– 2b. Dino Extinction Theory

More SourcesMore Sources

• Want to use another source not on the list?– Cannot substitute, must be in addition to.

• Only one extra website allowed– But no limit to reputable scholarly documents– Example: GeoRef (Milner Online)

Important DatesImportant Dates

• Rough draft due for peer review (Exchange day)– Monday, April 14

• Bring draft and peer review sheet back to class with comments– Wednesday, April 16

• Final draft due– Monday, April 21

Peer ReviewPeer Review

• Monday, April 14 - exchange rough drafts

• Make necessary marks on their paper

• Also write ½ - 1 page on 3 questions:1. What part of the writing did you like? Why?

2. What part(s) were difficult to read? Why?

3. If this were your paper, what would you change? Why?

• Responses must be typed

• Wed., April 16 – bring both back to class

Final DraftFinal Draft

• Due Monday, April 21

• 3 parts:1. Final draft

2. Your rough draft with peer review marks

3. Your peer review on classmate’s paper

• #2 and #3 are worth 15% of your grade

• See class website for link to grading rubric that includes point distribution