For this paper, the task is to investigate an issue and explore it from different perspectives. The primary goal is to inform readers with accurate, neutral, and fair summaries and analyses of different sources whose perspectives on the issue differ.
The issue for this paper is Universal Basic Income.
sources to use:
https://www.bloomberg.com/opinion/articles/2020-10-03/would-a-universal-basic-income-make-us-lazy-or-creative-germany-study-explores
https://www.marketwatch.com/story/why-universal-basic-income-is-a-bad-idea-2019-06-19
https://www.npr.org/2021/03/04/973653719/california-program-giving-500-no-strings-attached-stipends-pays-off-study-finds
It should be unbiased, neutral, and objective, and maintain an academic tone. This paper is an exercise in summarizing and analyzing popular media and properly integrating sources into your writing
While your perspective will determine your thesis, remember that the main aspect of this paper is to concisely summarize and paraphrase the different perspectives on this issue.
For a comparative analysis, the thesis should identify not only the subject to be evaluated but something about each side of the issue and the conclusion you’ve drawn.
position on the topic(against)
Thesis template to be used: While some claim that a UBI could (something positive about UBI), in fact, a UBI would (the most convincing reason that a UBI is a bad idea).
I. Introduction
Introduce the topic (universal basic income) with a hook: a quote, question, anecdote etc.
Explain its relevance as a timely object of study (in other words, tell your reader why we’re talking about it. What events or conditions have made it a national issue?)
Thesis statement
II. Body paragraphs (Repeat for 2-3 body paragraphs)
1. Start with a strong topic sentence that lets your reader know that the paragraph will be examining either the potential positives or potential negatives of the issue (but not both in the same paragraph).
2. Use direct quote(s) from the article(s). Remember to use quotation marks and proper in-text citations. You will need to use at least 1 direct quote from each source you use in the body of your paper. You must use at least 2 sources (out of the 4 articles and 2 videos).
3. One body paragraph will look at all of the potentially positive things about a UBI, while the other will look at all of the potentially negative things (based on the chart you made). Remember, you should be objective, avoid first person, and stay in academic voice.
III. Conclusion
Present a wider perspective on the argument. You’ve gotten into the nitty-gritty of the issue in the body paragraphs, so now you’re taking your reader back out to a broader view. Again, why does all of this matter?
Your position on the issue. Here you will reiterate what you claimed in the thesis. DO NOT USE FIRST PERSON. Also, remember that I am not grading you on your opinion; rather, I am grading you on how well you compose and execute the essay, integrate the sources, and present the perspectives on the issue.
Closing sentence (mic drop moment). This can be a quote, a question, a call to action, etc. Leave your reader intrigued, motivated, or speechless.
IV. Works Cited
Because you will have at least 1 direct quote from at least 2 of the sources, you will need to list both on your Works Cited page. Please see the Purdue Owl for how to cite an article from a web magazine. You may also use the videos in this lesson on UBI, but will need to cite those as well if you do use them (the same page on the Purdue Owl tells you how). No other sources should be used.
