Your Task:
Write a 800-1800 word research essay presenting opposing viewpoints for the topic selected. Use your critical thinking skills to present the different perspectives in a clear and thoughtful manner.
Use Headings
Use headings to clearly organize your paper. Include the following headings:
Introduction
Arguments For
Arguments Against
Conclusion
References
Thesis
Have a clear thesis statement as the last sentence in your introduction paragraph.
Topic Sentences
Use clear topic sentences at the beginning of each body paragraph. All other sentences in that paragraph need to directly relate to this topic sentence.
Write in 3rd Person Point-of-View
No second person (you, your), and no first person (I, me, my, mine), or combination of those (we, us, our). Third person is he, she, it, they, researchers, doctors, sociologists, patients, adults, dogs, cats, rocks (third “person” isn’t limited to people). When you are stating what you believe are good ideas, you do not have to say “I believe that” or “it is in my experience…”
Avoid Bias. This paper must be based on research, using critical thinking, and focused on the topic itself. Avoid using biased sources. This is easier said than done! Any source could have a potentially biased slant, so use your critical thinking skills. Places to locate articles/information with limited bias:
Peer-reviewed journals through the Gurnick Library. This is your best option!
Reuters
Associated Press
Pew Research
NPR
Al Jazeera
C-SPAN (watch the original recordings yourself instead of relying on second-hand summaries)
If you want to use a source obtained from a location other than those specifically listed above, ask your instructor first.
You can also visit sites such as All Sides and ProCon.org that present opposing viewpoints on topics to explore the biases on purpose, which can be helpful for this paper. Sometimes these sites are good for getting ideas, and you then find other sources for your research.
When presenting a biased view, be clear in your own paper that this is a biased view as opposed to being presented as fact. You can do this by including phrases such as “___’s perspective is that___” or, “One fear expressed by [group name] is that ____.” Remember, you are writing as the objective outsider
Be Current
At least four sources must have been published within the past 5 years.
Of those, at least one source must have been published no more than 12 months before the date this paper is submitted.
If you have more than four sources that you actively use within your paper (meaning you cite these sources in the body of the paper), then it is possible to get permission to use a source older than 5 years. Contact your instructor with any request to use an older source.
Your paper will include the following:
Cover page
Introduction – one or more paragraphs, with a clear thesis statement
Body:
Two or more body paragraphs stating the arguments for the topic
Two or more body paragraphs stating the arguments against the topic
Conclusion – one (very well-developed) or more paragraphs. Suggestions: restate the current situation, discuss upcoming developments such as legislation, propose ways this conversation could move forward – including suggesting additional research that could be done, etc. Hint: For the conclusion, think of yourself as a diplomat who is offering suggestions based on the research you presented in the body paragraphs.
References page with at least four reputable sources.
Use in-line citations throughout your paper to cite your sources. Each source on the references page must be used at least once in the paper.
