History of Your Life
Gun Control Position Paper
A position paper is an essay that presents an argument about an issue. Typically, a position paper is
written after reading about and discussing a particular issue. The central goal of writing a position paper
is to state and defend your position on the issue. As you write the position paper, you will practice skills
such as articulating a thesis statement that contains an overall claim, developing an argument with
reasons and evidence, and using transitions and reader cues for coherence. You will also practice the
following skills:
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collecting information from readings on a particular issue
positioning one's claim in relation to other positions on the issue
documenting sources using MLA in-text citations and works cited
choosing an effective organizational strategy
researching the library and Internet for sources
Purpose of the paper: To argue your position on gun control in the United States using information
and evidence gathered from classroom activities and library research.
Strategies:
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Focus on a specific, clearly stated thesis on the issue.
Develop your argument by defending your with evidence from classroom activities & outside
research. Use clearly stated reasons and relevant, effective evidence. Reasons should represent
sound logic.
Organize your paper in a way that effectively conveys information to your readers, is easy to
follow, and presents your position in relation to those of the authors.
Document all outside sources using MLA in-text citations and works cited.
Write in a style that is clear, readable, appropriate to audience, and free from distracting errors in
spelling, grammar, and usage.
Requirements:
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Length: 3-5 pages
Sources/References: minimum of 3, one of which must oppose your position
Documentation: Parenthetical in-text MLA citation and work cited
Format: typed, double spaced, 1-inch margins, 12 point Times New Roman
Sample Outline:
I.
Introduction
A. Introduce the general issue
B. Background information about the issue
C. Gradually lead up to your Thesis Statement
II. Background Information / Counterargument
A. Explain the context of the issue
1. What’s the history of the issue?
2. What makes the issue so important?
B. Counterargument
1. Research that supports it
C. Reiterate your point-of-view to refute Counterargument
III. Point 1
A. Topic Sentence
B. Research, Examples, and Discussion
C. Explain how the point relates to your thesis
History of Your Life
IV. Point 2
A. Topic Sentence
B. Research, Examples, and Discussion
C. Explain how the point relates to your thesis
V. Point 3
A. Topic Sentence
B. Research, Examples, and Discussion
C. Explain how the point relates to your thesis
VI. Point 4
A. Topic Sentence
B. Research, Examples, and Discussion
C. Explain how the point relates to your thesis
VII. ETC….
VIII. Conclusion
A. Revisit / summarize your thesis (don’t simply restate it).
B. Ask yourself the “so what” question. Why does what you wrote about matter to your
audience, to society, etc.?
Points to remember:
1. You may need more than one paragraph for each point you make. Do not fall victim to the “5
paragraph essay” format you may have learned. When you feel that you are introducing a new
facet of the point you are making, start a new paragraph.
2. Transition smoothly from one point to the next. Do this by previewing the following
paragraph at the end of the current one you are writing, OR by referring back to the previous
paragraph at the beginning of the current paragraph. Think about what connects the two
points. Why are you placing them in the order that you are?
Thesis
Statement
Distinguished
(6 points)
Developed a strong thesis as the focal
point of the paper and was both
strongly and thoroughly supported
throughout the paper.
Proficient
(5 Points)
Developed a thesis and included it in
the appropriate place in the paper.
Some of the information supported the
thesis statement.
Developing
(4 Points)
Thesis statement needs to be
developed further. The thesis is not fully
supported in the paper.
Initial
(3 Points)
A clear position is not present
throughout the paper.
Strong
Reasons
History of Your Life
Position is supported with welldeveloped with thought reasons out
that show strong analysis and
conclusions based on the information.
Position is supported with developed
with distinct reason, reasons are more
general and need to be developed
further; analysis and conclusions need
to be strengthened.
Reasons are weak and/or repetitive.
They need to be developed and
explained further.
Reasons are not developed or are
repetitive. Ideas can be difficult
to understand.
Position is supported in depth with a
variety of sources. Substantial valid and
accurate information in the form of
expert opinion, statistics, research
studies, etc. has been used throughout
the paper. Information is relevant and
supports the writer’s ideas.
Ideas are well organized and the
structure of paper is clear and easy to
follow. Paragraph transitions are logical
and maintain the flow of thought
throughout the paper. Conclusion is
logical and flows from the body of the
paper.
Rules of grammar, usage,
and punctuation are followed; spelling
is correct. Language is clear and precise;
sentences display consistently strong,
varied structure.
Position is supported with sources. Valid
and accurate information has been used
throughout the paper. Most of the
information is relevant and supports the
writer’s ideas. A mix of general and
specific information is used.
Position needs to be supported with
more valid and accurate information.
Some of the information may not be
relevant and/or does not support the
thesis.
Paper lacks valid and accurate
information that is not relevant
and does not support the
position. Little to no support from
researched information is present
in the paper.
Most ideas are organized and the
structure of the paper is mostly clear
and easy to follow. Paragraph
transitions are present. Conclusion is
logical.
Organization of the paper needs to be
strengthened. Paragraph transitions
need improvement. Conclusion does
not flow from the body of the paper.
Paper has little organization and
many diversions, often shifting in
purpose detracting from the
message of the writer.
Paragraphs are disjointed and
lack transition of thoughts.
Rules of grammar, usage, and
punctuation are followed with minor
errors. Few or no spelling errors.
Paper contains grammatical,
punctuation, and spelling errors.
Language uses jargon or
conversational tone.
References more than 4 credible
sources, with at least 2 sources from
the opposing side.
Cites all evidence obtained from other
sources in MLA format both in text and
works cited.
References at least 4 credible sources, 1
from the opposing side.
Cites most evidence obtained from
other sources. MLA format is either
inconsistent or incorrect.
Too few transitions used, or used
correctly. Paper contains few
grammatical, punctuation and spelling
errors. Language lacks clarity or includes
the use of some jargon or
conversational tone.
Meets minimum requirement of 3
credible sources, 1 from the opposing
side.
Cites some evidence obtained from
other sources. MLA format is either
inconsistent or incorrect.
Depth & Variety
of Evidence
Mechanics
Sources &
Citations
40% of Total Score
Organization
60% of Total Score
RUBRIC
Points
Fewer than credible 3 sources;
may be missing source on the
opposing side.
Does not cite sources.
Total
18