POSITION PAPER ON A CURRENT EVENT TOPIC

You will begin learning how to identify the main idea in informational text, as well as how to draw inferences from any supportive details that such text might provide. As we review various forms of communication in the media and analyze the style, tone, purpose, and point of view of any given author, you will begin recognizing various forms of appeal by authors and then distinguishing between persuasive and propaganda techniques. By the end of this unit of study, you should a) be able to distinguish investigative reports from opinion pieces by determining whether they are informational or persuasive in nature; b) recognize various forms of public communication and assess their potential impact on viewers, listeners, readers, consumers, and voters, etc.; c) be able to distinguish between balanced reporting, and that which is biased, promoting an agenda, or being used as propaganda. In addition, you should be more aware of the various direct and indirect methods used by people to successfully convey a message using any medium, as well as the effectiveness of these methods.

In lieu of a written exam on this material, you are being given the assignment of writing and presenting a position paper on an important issue of national and/or international concern. You may select an issue from the items that we have already listed in class during brainstorming exercises, or you may choose another issue with my approval.  In effect, you are being asked to write your own "editorial," advancing your personal opinion on an issue and addressing opposing views on the matter.

In order to complete this assignment, you will be required to do independent research on the topic/issue you choose. Virtually all of the topics we will discuss in class are already being fully debated and reported in national and local newspapers, periodicals, and on television. For this particular assignment, I am insisting that 80% of your sources be drawn from print media. Only 20% may come from the Internet or other sources. All sources used (a minimum of five for English I students; ten for English I Honors) should be listed separately (source, date, author, etc.) and attached to your paper in MLA bibliographic format on which you will be provided guidelines and instruction. When conducting your research, be sure to pay close attention to the validity and reliability of the information provided in the sources reviewed.

You are expected to give thoughtful consideration to the various points and arguments raised in the articles that you review on your topic prior to reaching a conclusion of your own on the issue. Your opinion should not be based upon biases, prejudices, or emotional arguments; it should contain a reasonable conclusion(s) that is based upon reliable facts that have been assessed in a logical manner.  Please note that there are no "wrong" or "right" opinions; many experts have differences of opinion on all of the issues we have discussed in class. In fact, you are encouraged to suggest a creative solution related to your issue that has not been discussed in class or mentioned by other commentators. Your conclusion, however, should be convincingly conveyed in both your written and oral presentations.

Expectations and guidelines related to your oral presentation will be presented to you at a later date. Please use the following format for your written paper:

·         minimum of 2 typed, or 4 handwritten pages, (double this length for Honors English)

·         double-spacing (i.e., a space between each line on your page)

·         12 point font

·         minimum of 6 paragraphs that includes:

                                    a)         a statement of the issue in controversy

b)                  your opinion or position on the matter

c)                  facts and arguments that support your opinion

d)                 facts and arguments countering opposing positions, if appropriate

e)                  a proposed solution or course of action

e)

In reviewing the print media sources that you select, I strongly urge you to use the following procedure that we will practice in class:

            1)         Scan each article to get an overview of the author's general position on the matter

2)         Read the same article in detail from start to finish, highlighting any points or arguments you feel are particularly strong or valid

3)                  Transfer each individually highlighted point or argument to a separate index card

4)                  Repeat the process with each successive article

5)                  Prior to writing your position paper, review your index cards and arrange them in an order which appears logical and supportive of your opinion

6)                  Write your paper in the form discussed above, referencing the arguments or points in support of your opinion on the matter

Note:   You should paraphrase the material gleaned from these articles. Do not quote any material verbatim without using quotations and crediting the original author. This should be done sparingly, as I expect this paper to be an original work reflecting your own opinion based on an analysis of various arguments related to the issue.

While I do not expect a sophisticated effort from every student on this assignment, I do expect each student to assess the various factors related to his/her issue and to adopt a thoughtful position. Try to keep your sentences short and to the point. Your sentences should be complete, with appropriate punctuation and grammar. Honors English students will be graded more strictly on both form and substance. If you choose to type your paper, please use the spell check on your word processing program. If writing this paper by hand, you should use a dictionary. Parental assistance with editing, not initial drafting is not only permissible, but encouraged!

You will need to adhere to the following schedule:

First Due Date (TBA):   You must provide me, in writing, the name of the topic/issue you have selected in the form of a question, e.g., “Should the U.S. send more troops into Iraq?”

Second Due Date (TBA):    All research should be complete. You will need to provide me with an outline of your arguments and conclusion(s).

Third Due Date (TBA):   Papers are due on this date and oral presentations will begin that day in class. Your paper must be turned in by that date to receive full credit. No papers will be accepted after this date; however, extra credit will be given for papers turned in early.