This week, we continue working on the position paper. Writing a Works Cited will help you to know what sources are available for you to help you support the ideas in your position paper. Writing an outline of your paper will help you organize your thoughts before you get started with writing the first draft.
After successfully completing the position papers lessons, you should be able to:
Determine the purpose and structure of a position paper.
Understand how to write a position paper.
Last week, you selected the topic for your Position Paper. Now, you need to do some research on that topic and get a good idea of what your main arguments will be. For this paper, you will need between 4 and 7 sources to support your arguments.
During Week 7, you read the Leeward CC Information Literacy Tutorial, which gave you information on how to find credible sources. Please review the Tutorial as needed prior to selecting your sources. It is highly recommended that you use sources from one of the Leeward CC research databases.
Once you have your sources, you will need to put them into Works Cited format. You can use the information from Writing Using Sources and the handouts at the bottom of the page to help you with the MLA format. You will be submitting the Works Cited along with an outline of the paper. A template for this assignment is provided at the bottom of the page.
Once you have your research completed and your Works Cited done, it's time to write an outline of your ideas. This way, I can make sure you are on the right track before you put a lot of work into the paper.
Please follow this template when composing your outline and your Works Cited. You can make a copy of this Google Doc template file to make this process easier.
Part 1: Outline
I. On this line, explain your subject. What will you be writing about?
II. On this line, state your position in a complete sentence. "My position on this issue is ....."
III. On this line, write the first argument in support of your position. Write it as a complete sentence.
A. On this line, give a supporting idea
1. Give details or example
2. Give details or example
B. On this line, you can give another supporting idea
1. Give details or example
2. Give details or example
IV. On this line, write the second argument in support of your position. Write it as a complete sentence.
A. On this line, give a supporting idea
1. Give details or example
2. Give details or example
B. On this line, you can give another supporting idea
1. Give details or example
2. Give details or example
V. On this line, write the third argument in support of your position. Write it as a complete sentence.
A. On this line, give a supporting idea
1. Give details or example
2. Give details or example
B. On this line, you can give another supporting idea
1. Give details or example
2. Give details or example
VI. On this line, write at least one of the counterarguments that you will address in your paper. What is the opposing point of view for your position and/or your argument(s)? How will you refute the counterargument? (Note: the counterargument can go elsewhere in the essay, so this section can be moved as needed)
A. On this line, you can give more details to support your refutation
VII. On this line, write your conclusion, which should summarize your main points.
Part 2: Works Cited in MLA format
Write your first entry here. At the end of the entry, write one sentence that explains how you will use this source in your paper.
Write your second entry here. At the end of the entry, write one sentence that explains how you will use this source in your paper.
Write your third entry here. At the end of the entry, write one sentence that explains how you will use this source in your paper.
Write your fourth entry here. At the end of the entry, write one sentence that explains how you will use this source in your paper.
Continue on with any more sources.
After completing the reading, please do the Outline and Works Cited for the Position Paper. Details are in the "Activities" section below.
This is the activity that you need to complete this week. The activity is due by 11:55 p.m. on the due date.
Outline and Works Cited for Position Paper. Following the template above or by creating a copy of the Google Doc template, compose an outline and a Works Cited for your position paper. Be sure to use MLA format for the Works Cited.
Due by xx/xx.
Points: 30