Writing Your Senior Project From a Debate
1. Read the description of the social issue paper on the “Senior Project” hand-out. Make
sure you followed ALL of the instructions. Use the rubric from your last project and the
description to create a checklist for your writing.
2. DO NOT use Debate terms!!!
 “Harms” could be discussed as problems, difficulties, significant issues,
etc.
 “Inherency” could be discussed as the “reason the problems won’t go
away” or “the current attitudes(or laws) that prevent changes”
 “Solvency” could be discussed as “A possible solution…”
 There is no reason to really mention administration, etc. But, it may be
important for you to discuss “the cost of fixing the problem” (funding) or
“the ability to enforce the changes” (enforcement).
3. Include a refutation where you mention the arguments against you and prove they are
not important and/or valid. This may be at the very beginning of your paper, or at the
end. Be sure to transition into refutations



“Some people argue that….However, this is untrue because…..
Other arguments state that…..But, this is not the case because….
Although critics often claim that….Most people realize that this is not true.
4. In fact, make sure you transition into all quotes!!!!
 According to John Smith in his article “I Don’t Care,” the major cause of
poverty is “the number of people who are unemployed” (79).
5. Look up MLA format!!! You must cite all information that is not common knowledge.
You do not cite web-addresses in the parentheses following a statement (“In-Text
Citations,” 2010). A lot of you did that in your 1AC…DON’T DO IT IN YOUR PAPER!
You do not need to put all of the info in your parenthetical reference. Your bibliography
will list the rest. For instance, “In-Text Citations” comes from the Purdue On-line
Writing Lab. I will cite all of the info for that (including the web address) in my
bibliography.
6. Possible paper formats:
Problem/ Solution.
1st- Define the problem(s). Prove that they exist and are significant (Harms).
Show that problems will not go away by themselves (Inherency).This may be the
first few pages of your essay and will include A LOT of evidence.
2nd- Explain your solution(Solvency). Show how it will solve the majority of the
problems. Don’t get too specific ( administration, funding, etc.) unless it is
necessary to prove your point. You may use logic and observation as evidence,
but you may also use expert testimony and other research here as well.
3rd- Include a refutation at the end of your paper. Explain the MAJOR arguments
against you and REFUTE THOSE ARGUMENTS!!! Explain why they are not
significant/important/valid.
Argumentative Research Paper:
Choose this if you do not want to focus on the solution much or at all, but
merely want to prove that a problem exists.
1st- Explain the problems. Prove that they exist and are significant (Harms). This
will be the majority of your essay (at least ¾) and will include A LOT of
evidence.
2nd - Include a refutation at the end of your paper. Explain the MAJOR arguments
against you and REFUTE THOSE ARGUMENTS!!! Explain why they are not
significant/important/valid.
7. When in doubt, cite a source. Even if you have merely paraphrased an argument, CITE
IT!!!! It is better to be safe than sorry in this regard.
8. Write your paper now. Let it sit for a few weeks and then re-read it. Revise it. Add
things, delete them. Then….
9. Get your essay read by the tutors in the library. More than once!!!! Then have your
friends and parents read it. DO NOT HAVE ANY ERRORS ON YOUR FINAL
DRAFT!!!
10. Remember, you will not get your paper back until about two weeks before
graduation. Don’t let your paper grade be an unpleasant surprise that ruins the end of
your senior year. Try to do your best work and take this project seriously. In the past
seniors have not graduated because of their grade on this project. Don’t be that guy(or
girl)!