MYP Position Paper – Vaccinations
Your position paper should allow you to “take a stand” on whether or not you feel as though vaccinations are
valuable / necessary, or if they are not. Based on the information you have read in the Case Study, as well as looking at
the links posted online, you will need to make a clear statement to answer this question:
Do the benefits of vaccination outweigh the perceived risks to using them?
You can take a stand either way. There is not one correct answer here. However, regardless of which you support, you
MUST have evidence that is clear on the issue to “back you up” and support your statement. You should plan to link the
evidence to what you have learned in class about viruses, and to information you will learn online from your research.
You should plan to have a paper that is 1-2 pages in length (double-spaced).
Assignment Criteria:
⃝ A CLEAR statement that is NOT biased as to your position on the issue
⃝ Clear information / data / evidence that supports your statement. Explain the ways in which science is applied and
used to address a specific problem or issue.

Include reasons WHY this information supports your position. For example, you cannot simply say
“everyone should be vaccinated” – there needs to be a REASON based on your EVIDENCE for why
people should be vaccinated.
⃝ Discuss and evaluate the implications of using science and its application to solve a specific problem or issue,
interacting with a factor

In addition, include, are there ever exceptions to your position? For example: if you are against
vaccination – should it be for a certain population of people (i.e. babies??) because of ??? (and fill in the
question marks). So, you can include other issues in your position – but I would include no more than 12 “exceptions” if you feel those should be included.
⃝ Proper English and Grammar – Consistently apply scientific language to communicate understanding clearly and
precisely
⃝ Document sources completely using MLA format. You must have at least 5 references. Please use in-text citation.
⃝ Initial draft of paper due 10/27(A day)-10/28(B day) – comments/suggestions will be made to improve
⃝ Final draft of paper will be due 11/4/15(A day) - 11/5/15(B day)
Grading Rubric:
Criterion D: Reflecting on the impacts of science
Achievement
level
0
1–2
Level descriptor
The student does not reach a standard identified by any of the descriptors below.
The student is able to:
1. outline the ways in which science is used to address a specific problem or issue
2. outline the implications of using science to solve a specific problem or issue, interacting with
a factor
3. apply scientific language to communicate understanding but does so with limited success
4. document sources, with limited success.
3–4
The student is able to:
1. summarize the ways in which science is applied and used to address a specific problem or
issue
2. describe the implications of using science and its application to solve a specific problem or
issue, interacting with a factor
3. sometimes apply scientific language to communicate understanding
4. sometimes document sources correctly.
5–6
The student is able to:
1. describe the ways in which science is applied and used to address a specific problem or issue
2. discuss the implications of using science and its application to solve a specific problem or
issue, interacting with a factor
3. usually apply scientific language to communicate understanding clearly and precisely
4. usually document sources correctly.
7–8
The student is able to:
1. explain the ways in which science is applied and used to address a specific problem or issue
2. discuss and evaluate the implications of using science and its application to solve a specific
problem or issue, interacting with a factor
3. consistently apply scientific language to communicate understanding clearly and precisely
4. document sources completely.
Grade conversion:
Conversion from
MYP→ Gradebook
1
64
2
70
3
76
4
82
5
88
6
94
7
100
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