Participation in Government Research Project
Controversial Issues: Research Paper
Task:
1. Research the historical background of a public policy issue.
2. Develop at least 3 arguments in support of, and against, that issue.
3. Write a research paper about this topic using the outline below.
4. To use the Issue Paper Organizer located to the right:
a) Login to your WFSD Google Account.
b) Click on the picture of the organizer.
c) Go to FILE and then MAKE A COPY of it into your WFSD Google Drive.
Introduction - Historical Background & Thesis Statement:
State your topic and give an overview of the two sides of the issue.
Provide historical background on the topic
End this section with your thesis statement, which outlines what you will prove in the body of your paper.
Body - Arguments & Evidence:
Prove your thesis statement by discussing at least 3 arguments that support your side of the issue.
Include evidence (using facts from newspaper/magazine articles and informational websites) to back up your arguments.
Remember to quote at least 5 sources and give credit to these sources with proper citations.
Conclusion - Your Opinion and Concluding Thoughts:
Express your own position on your topic and how you feel about the issue.
Develop your argument using evidence to show why your opinion is justified.
Works Cited Page - (Last Page):
List in alphabetical order all of the sources you used to write your paper.
Your list must be in MLA format.
Use Microsoft Word or Citation Machine (see project folder for directions) for help making your Works Cited page.
RESOURCES
Pro/Con Articles:
Current Newspaper and Magazine Articles:
Supreme Court Cases:
Daily Objectives
Day 1 Objective: Students will be able to develop a thesis statement that takes a stand on a controversial issue, and research the historical background of that issue.
Day 2 Objective: Students will be able to identify 3 arguments in support of their thesis statement.
Day 3 Objective: Students will be able to identify 3 arguments in support of their thesis statement, with supporting evidence in the form of quotes, statistics, and court cases.
Day 4 Objectives: Students will be able to gather supporting evidence for their 3 arguments; Students will be able to incorporate parenthetical citations into their paper when quoting from sources; Students will be able to arrange their sources into a Works Cited page when they use quotes, statistics, and other evidence from sources.
Day 5 Objectives: Students will be able to produce an introductory paragraph that includes the historical background of their issue and their thesis statement; Students will be able to organize and develop their 3 body paragraphs - each will express an argument that supports their thesis, will contain evidence from articles, and will use parenthetical citations where appropriate.
Day 6 Objectives: Students will be able to complete their introductory and body paragraphs; Students will be able to develop a conclusion that summarizes their issue and expresses their own opinion on the topic.
Day 7 Objectives: Students will be able to complete their issue paper and cite a minimum of 5 sources using proper MLA format.
Day 8 Objectives: Students will be able to review their paper and make any necessary adjustments before submitting the paper.