Marc Turetzky
Spring 2016, Pols1
Pro-Con Research Paper Guidelines (25%)
This paper is worth 25% of your grade. I do NOT accept late papers so please do NOT ask for extensions. Just plan to
complete the paper on time and all will be well. Papers are due IN CLASS on …
The Assignment Details:
(1) Papers should be AT LEAST 10-11 pages in length, NOT including title page or bibliography;
(2) Please include a title page, which should include your name, class, section, and date. Be creative or just go with the
standard “Should assisted suicide be legal: pro or con?”
(3) This is a research paper so when you borrow information from a paper, a book, a website, etc. you MUST cite that
source in the body of the paper.
a. The rule of thumb is to cite a source RIGHT AFTER you use it in the body of your paper. Don’t be shy about citing. Do
it every time you directly quote or paraphrase (write in your own words) from a source.
b. If you directly quote from your source and don’t cite it, how am I supposed to know the origin of this information? The
bibliography isn’t helpful in this instance because it will contain multiple sources. See the problem? The remedy is to cite,
cite, cite. If you don’t I will have to assume you are either intentionally or inadvertently plagiarizing from your sources.
Plagiarism is a serious violation of the student honor code and if it is detected, I will fail you on this assignment.
(4) You MUST include a bibliography. In your bibliography, make sure to include AT LEAST TEN different
sources. Failure to include 10 sources means you will lose one-half a letter grade off your final paper grade. Please do
NOT use Wikipedia, askjeeves, ask.com etc as they are not useful or very serious sources of scholarly information. You need
to use sources available via the class (Dye text, my power points) and on the Pols1 Gavilan College Library Page (Opposing
Viewpoints in Context, CQ Researcher, Debate.org, pro-con.org and so on).
(5) Make sure to edit, edit, edit. Turn in a polished, crafted draft. Don’t just write and then submit. That’s a sure recipe for an
unsuccessful grade. If you want to submit a rough draft I will read and provide feedback. Free of charge…
(6) Make sure to include an introduction and a conclusion.
a. Your introduction should be a few sentences explaining your topic in general terms which leads the reader to your thesis
(your main argument). Each sentence should become gradually more specific, until you reach your thesis.
b. The conclusion brings closure to the reader, summing up your points or providing a final perspective on your topic. All
the conclusion needs is three or four strong sentences which do not need to follow any set formula. Simply review the main
points (being careful not to restate them exactly) or briefly describe your feelings about the topic.
You could research any number of issues, among which are:
-Should certain fatty, unhealthy/junk foods (ice cream, snickers bars, potato chips) be taxed at higher rates than healthy
(salads, fruits, etc) foods?
-Is health care a constitutional right for all citizens OR a consumer product for everyone to buy for themselves/a personal
responsibility?
-Was the enactment of ObamaCare a good thing for the United States?
-Is illegal immigration helping or hurting America-look at the pros and cons and make a determination.
-Should Marijuana/Gay marriage/etc be legalized?
-Should assisted suicide be legal?
-Should we raise the voting age to 21?
-etc