English AP Language and Composition Research Paper Assignment 2012
Ms. Stuart
Assignment: Choose a position from the list on this sheet and write an essay in which you
incorporate a variety of evidence to develop the position. Incorporate research as you write your
argumentative essay using either the classical or Rogerian construction model.
Grade: This assignment will count four times in the writing category; it is worth twice what a
regular out of class essay is worth. Submission of topic choice, annotated bibliography, outline, and
rough draft will count as one quiz grade.
Due Dates
Topic Choice
Annotated Bibliography
Outline
Rough Draft
Final Essay
A3 and A4
Monday, March 5
Friday, March 9
Monday, March 12
Tuesday, March 20
Monday, March 26
B4
Thursday, March 8
Thursday, March 8
Monday, March 12
Monday, March 19
Tuesday, March 27
Requirements
1. 3-5 typed pages, double spaced, MLA format
2. At least 4 sources (please refer to section on this assignment sheet regarding sources) AND
printouts or copies of all sources in a folder or large envelope. Combing portions of sources
you used in a word document is acceptable, but all sources must be clearly labeled.
3. Submission of Bibliography, Outline, Rough Draft, and any prewriting notes. These
components combined will count for one quiz grade.
4. Paper must be created for this assignment; it cannot be a previously submitted paper
Requirements for Sources
1. No encyclopedia, written or online, including Wikipedia, wiseGEEK, About.com or other
encyclopedia sources
2. Variety of scholarly, academic print (articles, books, online database articles) and non-print
(documentary, video) sources; use the library’s database to search newspapers, magazines,
scholarly journals, and transcripts
3. Academically appropriate sources – news magazines, newspapers, books, news network
websites like CNN, BBC, NPR, PBS, or other academic websites – Be aware of the potential
bias of your sources
4. If you are not sure if your sources are acceptable, see me for approval
5. Print out of make a copy of information you use from sources
Positions (source for positions National Forensics League Online)
1. Vigilantism is justified when the government has failed to enforce the law.
2. The protection of public safety justifies random, mandatory drug testing throughout society.
3. Limitations upon the content of student publications by secondary school administrators
are justified.
4. The American criminal justice system ought to place a higher priority on retribution than
rehabilitation.
5. Development of natural resources ought to be valued above protection of the environment.
6. A victim’s deliberate use of deadly force is justified as a response to physical abuse.
7. The United States Government ought to provide for the medical care of its citizens.
8. Secondary education in the United States ought to be a privilege, not a right.
9. When in conflict, protection of the innocent is of greater value than prosecution of the
guilty.
10. Violent juvenile offenders ought to be treated as adults in the criminal justice system.
11. In the United States, plea bargaining in exchange for testimony is unjust.
12. Secondary education in America should value the fine arts over athletics.
13. All United States Citizens ought to perform a period of national service.
14. Violent revolution is a just response to oppression.