ISSUE RESEARCH PAPER
DUE: FEBRUARY 3, 2014 for all classes
Issue Debate (Research): 1500 words (4-5 pages, 12’ font, Garamond, 1.5 spacing) not including bibliography
Choose an issue (approval required), type a research paper including the following:
 Background of issue
 Thesis with support (detailed and thorough) and counter-arguments
 A political cartoon of issue (with analysis)
 Connection of issue to the Constitution (freedom, principle, article) in Conclusion paragraph
 MLA citations (6 - 8) 4 - 6 media, 1 cartoon, 1 U.S. Constitution
Due dates:
By Jan 10
Jan 21/22
Jan 23/24
Jan 30/31
Feb 3
Points (out of 200):
Submit topic for approval
10
Notes/notecards check (6-8 for full credit)
30
Typed outline of essay
20
Typed rough draft with bibliography for in class peer edit
40
All Classes: Final essay (Turnitin.com AND paper copy) with self-evaluation
100
Up to 10pts EC on final essay for (adult) evaluation of final draft
Topic ideas (topic needs to be “researchable”)
http://712educators.about.com/od/speechresources/a/Debate-Topics-for-High-School.htm
http://openvocabs.org/top-ten-government-essay-and-research-paper-topics
http://www.dallas.k12.or.us/DHS_Library/web/popular.htm
Notes/notecards: to minimize likelihood of plagiarism, please use separate paper/cards per source. HANDWRITTEN.
Include citation, “quotes”, notes IN YOUR OWN WORDS AND NOT COMPLETE SENTENCES
Outline of essay: to assist in organization of information, please type an outline using the following format:
Title of Paper
I. Introduction
A. Background information connecting the reader to the subject.
B. Thesis statement.
C. Brief overview of the main points you will make in the paper.
II. First Thesis support
A. First sub point
1. Support information
a. example/detail
2. More supporting information as needed
a. example/detail
B. Second sub point (see format above)
III. Second Thesis support
A. First sub point
1. Supporting information
a. example/detail
2. More supporting information as needed.
B. Second sub point (see format above)
IV. Counter-arguments
A. First sub point
1. Supporting information
2. Response/rebut
B. Second sub point (see format above)
V. Conclusion
A. Review your position and main points made in the paper.
B. Connect issue to Constitution in meaningful way.
C. Explain why this issue is important or useful.
1
ISSUE RESEARCH PAPER
DUE: FEBRUARY 3, 2014 for all classes
Final essay grade based on depth of coverage, balanced presentation of both sides, detailed (with examples) analysis of
media coverage, final copy quality, and correct MLA citations. If you want an “A”, write an “A” paper, .
Criteria /
Points
Excellent (A)
Good (B)
Approaches
expectations (C-D)
Doesn’t meet
expectations (F)
Background /
10pts
Establishes all of and
only the necessary
background for reader to
understand thesis
statement
Takes a clear stand on
the issue; the reader
knows exactly what the
author’s position is
Provides compelling and
accurate evidence that
supports thesis;
relevance is clear.
Establishes most of or
some additional
background information
Establishes few of or
needless background
information
Establishes little to no
background for reader
A position is present, but
not clearly expressed;
reader must reconstruct
it from the text
Provides necessary
evidence to support
thesis; relevance of may
not be clear.
Expresses a main idea
but doesn’t take a
position
No attempt is made to
articulate a position
There are numerous
factual mistakes,
omissions, or
oversimplifications.
Alternative
interpretations are fully
explained and
responded to
Alternative
interpretations are
somewhat explained and
responded to
Connection to
Constitution /
5pts
Cartoon with
analysis /
10pts
Specific reference made
and insightful
connection articulated.
Demonstrates in-depth
understanding of
cartoonist’ point of view,
use of symbols,
exaggerations and
stereotypes, & humor
and irony.
Specific reference made
connection articulated.
Not enough evidence is
provided to support
thesis, or evidence is
incorrect, or incomplete,
or oversimplified.
Alternative
interpretations are
mentioned &/or little
attempt to respond to
them is evident
Reference made or
limited connection
articulated.
Demonstrates some
understanding of
cartoonist’ point of view,
use of symbols,
exaggerations and
stereotypes, & humor
and irony.
Clarity & style
/ 5 pts
Essay is well organized,
adds new insight to
topic; is grammatically
correct and well-written.
Essay lacks cohesiveness
and shows no evidence
of proofreading for
spelling/grammar.
Bibliography
(MLA) /
20 pts
Wide range of reliable
sources used, all sources
correctly cited in
bibliography.
Essay is not well
organized and difficult to
follow line of reasoning.
May have a few
grammatically errors.
Minimum source
requirements not met
OR bibliography may
contain significant
errors.
Thesis (your
position) /
10pts
Evidence
(2 supports
for your
position) /
20pts
2 Counter
evidences /
20pts
Demonstrates
reasonable
understanding of
cartoonist’ point of view,
use of symbols,
exaggerations and
stereotypes, & humor
and irony.
Essay is well organized
and is grammatically
correct and well-written.
Range of sources used,
but author relies heavily
on one or two OR
bibliography may
contain minor errors.
Alternative
interpretations are
mentioned & little
attempt to respond to
them is evident
Reference made AND
limited connection
articulated.
Demonstrates limited
understanding of
cartoonist’ point of view,
use of symbols,
exaggerations and
stereotypes, & humor
and irony.
Minimum source
requirements not met
AND bibliography may
contain significant
errors.
2