Southwest Middle School
2012-2013 Argumentative Research Project
Eighth Grade
Overview
Argumentative communication involves defining issues and proposing reasonable solutions. Argumentative works
include but are not limited to debates, problem/solutions, speeches, and letters to the editor. In middle school,
students must learn the differences between an informal hallway confrontation and a logical, detailed, coherently
organized argumentative work; therefore, sixth grade students learn the foundations of argument. After
establishing the foundations of argument in grade six, the argumentative environment is emphasized in grade
seven with refinement occurring at grade eight. By the end of middle school, students should be able to construct
engaging, thoughtful solutions to problems as well as detailed, well-argued, coherent, and convincing responses.North Carolina Standard Course of Study-Middle School Language Arts, 2004
TASK: Complete an argumentative research project during the 3rd quarter.
Rationale:
Successful completion of this project will help students refine their understanding of written arguments and the
ability to create arguments. In addition, this project will serve as preparation for the N.C. graduation project that
all students must complete to obtain a high school diploma. Lastly this project is aligned to the NCSCOS for middle
grades English Language Arts and will integrate material from the NCSCOS for 8th Grade Social Studies.
Required Project Components:
Your project will consist of 2 separate parts:
1.
Argumentative Research Paper: An argumentative research paper is a combination of a traditional
research paper and a persuasive essay. An argumentative paper makes a claim about a topic and
justifies this claim with specific evidence. The claim could be an opinion, a policy proposal, an
evaluation, a cause-and-effect statement, or an interpretation. The goal of the argumentative paper
is to convince the audience that the claim is true based on the evidence provided.
a. 5-6 page argumentative research paper with a works cited page in proper MLA format.
b. Minimum of 6 sources; no more than 4 of which can be internet sources. Each source must be
used at least once inside of the paper.
c. Present at least three pieces of evidence but no more than five to support your claim.
d. Students need to use Times New Roman font, size 12, double spaced without spaces between
paragraphs and 1 inch margins.
e. Paper structure: Title, introduction, a clear argumentative thesis statement, body paragraphs
with support, and a conclusion.
f. Use parenthetical documentation within your paper.
g. Do not plagiarize; include a works cited page for all resources.
h. The paper must be typed and printed.
i. Students must also submit their paper online to Turnitin.com to be automatically checked for
plagiarism.
2. Presentation and Visual: Upon completion of the paper, students will present their research to
their class mates. Students must create a visual aid that can be displayed. This is not a place to just
print the paper out and paste it on to. It should have pictures and be organized to deliver the most
important points found in the research. Visual aids can include a poster, a model, or a tri-fold
board, a PowerPoint presentation, or an original, homemade movie.
Self-Assessment for the Argumentative Research Paper
How well you meet these requirements determines your grade. A good argumentative research paper will:
1.
2.
3.
Have a clearly stated, argumentative thesis statement in the introduction
Have at least three clearly stated and fully developed reasons
Have direct explanations of why those reasons prove that your argument makes sense
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
Have at least 6 well-chosen, relevant academic sources, no more than 4 of which are internet.
Have explanation for every quotation, and have more explanation than quotation.
Have all sources documented in the paper, right after they are used!
Have exact words in quotation marks!
Have clear, logical organization and transitioning
Be focused - everything must go towards proving your thesis!
Have a separate Works Cited page that lists every source used in the paper - papers without this will not be
accepted
SWMS Middle School Argumentative Research Project Due Dates
Date
1/29-1/30
1/31-2/1
Component
Argumentative Research Packet goes home.
Letter to parents home to be signed and returned.
Students begin looking at topics to select their top 3.
Parent Letter Due back to teacher with parent signature.
Permission Slip for the Public Library Due with parent signature.
1/31-2/7
Students do some initial research of the topics that they find most interesting in order to create a
list of their top 3 research topics. Students should be making sure there is enough GOOD
information on the topic and make sure that they are able to find an argument to base their paper
off of. CAUTION- any sources of value should be PROPERLY documented to refer back to.
2/8-2/11
Students submit a list of their top 3 research topics in order from most to least desired.
2/12-2/13
2/14 – 3/3
Students will have class with Mrs. Morris, the Media Specialist to discuss the research process.
Students research their topic on their own for HOMEWORK and create at least 1 source card
for each source that they plan to use in their paper.
3/1-3/4
DUE: 3 Source Cards- Students must have at least 6 sources for their paper so at this point in the
process they need at least half of their sources. They must turn in complete source cards for at
least 3 sources. If all source cards are done, they may submit all.
Students will go to the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Public Library at Steele Creek to research for the
class period. Students will have access to various print resources and will have wireless access.
Students need to COMPLETE their research for HOMEWORK.
3/5-3/6
3/7-3/19
3/20-3/21
3/22-3/25
4/10-4/11
4/12-4/19
Students will have class with Mrs. Morris, the Media Specialist to get tips on how to organize all
information into their final paper as well as how to integrate quotes and use parenthetical
citations.
Writing workshop during class.
Final 3 Source Cards DUE
PAPER DUE
*Students on the DC trip are expected to turn in upon their return on the 12th of April.
Visual Presentations
Argumentative Research Topics:
The theme for this project is controversies in American History. Controversy involves strong opinions and
conflicting opinions. The topic you choose should highlight a controversy in this nation’s history and you should
pick a side to defend. You do need to be aware of what “the other side” believes and be prepared to disprove it.
You must choose from one of the topics listed below.
Era of Exploration
1. Native Americans vs. Conquistadors. Hero vs. Villain
2. Forced Assimilation- Forcing the Native Americans to convert to Christianity, change their dress, attend
white schools, etc.
3. Columbian Exchange- Were the effects positive or negative?
4. Which way of life was better- Native Americans living a sustainable lifestyle, or the Europeans using the
natural resources the US offered to create a booming economy?
Colonization
1. The Lost Colony- Which theory of what happened to the colony is the best theory.
2. The Salem Witch Trials- were they guilty?
3. Did Pocahontas save John Smith?
Revolutionary War
1. Did the French and Indian war cause the American Revolution?
2. The Sons of Liberty- Terrorists or Vigilantes?
3. Treaty of Paris- Was it successful or not?
4. Was the American Revolution a rebellious act of ungrateful children against a caring and concerned parent?
US Constitution and Government
1. Powers of the different branches
2. Federalism vs. Anti-federalism.
3. Privacy vs National Security (4th Amendment)
4. Is the 2nd Amendment relevant to today’s society? Look at the historical context of why it was written.
5. Is the Electoral College Outdated?
6. Do American citizens really have the freedom of speech, press, expression?
Westward Expansion
1. Indian Removal- Why should Native American groups be treated as sovereign nations when they live inside
the United States?
2. Daniel Boone- Was he a traitor?
3. Was Meriwether Lewis murdered?
4. Did the possibility of wealth in the California Gold Rush outweigh the risk of losing your life?
5. Was the United State justified in its quest for Manifest Destiny?
Civil War/Reconstruction
1. Should the slaves have been gradually or immediately emancipated?
2. Andersonville Prison Camp- How should prisoners of war be treated?
3. Did Lincoln provoke the attack on Fort Sumter?
4. Did Jefferson Davis help plot Lincoln’s assignation?
5. Why did Gen. Robert E. Lee call for Picket’s Charge?
6. Did the 13th Amendment truly free the slaves?
7. Did the black codes, Jim Crow laws, and Plessy v. Ferguson take away the rights guaranteed to African
Americans by the 14th Amendment?
8. Did the passing of the 15th Amendment allow African Americans to vote?
9. Can Eli Whitney be blamed for the Civil War?
10. Who led the most successful slave rebellion- Nat Turner, Gabriel Prosser, or Denmark Vesy?
11. Was John Brown a hero or a terrorist?
12. Which was the superior military leader- Ulysses S. Grant or Robert E. Lee?
Imperialism/Progressivism/Industrial Revolution
1. Wealthy companies and workers rights
2. Local Gov’t Corruption- Spoils System
3. Labor Unions
4. Who kidnapped the Lindbergh baby?
5. Was Amelia Earhart a spy?
6. Who did the most to advance women’s rights- Susan B. Anthony, Prudence Crandall, Elizabeth Blackwell,
Alice Paul, Cary Nation, Sojourner Truth, Mary Church Terrell, Elizabeth Cady Stanton?
7. Native Americans getting the right to vote.
8. Who was the most effective at resisting the taking of Native American Land- Sitting Bull, Crazy Horse, or
Geronimo?
9. Was “yellow journalism” responsible for the Spanish American War?
10. Should John D. Rockefeller, Andrew Carnegie, or Cornelius Vanderbilt best be remembered as clever
entrepreneurs, or unethical robber barons.
11. Who did the best at exposing the life of the poor- Jacob Riis, Upton Sinclair, or another muckraker?
WWI
1.
2.
3.
4.
Should the United States have gotten involved in Europe’s conflict?
Was the Zimmerman Telegraph a justifiable reason to enter the war?
Technology of War- Are gases an acceptable weapon?
Did the United States’ growing imperialism make it a target for conflict leading up to WWI?
Roaring 20’s
1. Is prohibition to blame for gangster and mob violence?
2. What caused the Red Scare of 1919-1920?
3. Did the changing styles of women actually change the role of women? Why or why not?
4. Did the right side win in the John Scopes trial? Should evolution be taught in school?
5. True or false: The Great Migration improved life for blacks in the United States.
Great Depresssion
1. Hoover vs FDR- should government aid be provided in times of need- why/why not?
2. Could the crash 1929 have been averted?
3. Which group is most to blame for the conditions that led to the Great Depression: political leaders, business
leaders, and common citizens?
4. How was the prosperity of the 1920’s cause the Great Depression?
5. Did the New Deal end the Great Depression? Why or why not?
WWII
1.
2.
3.
4.
WASP- Women Airforce Service Pilots- What should the role of women in combat be?
Was the United States justified in establishing the Japanese-American internment camps?
Did the United States look the other way at the beginning of Hitler’s rise to power?
Did the US have to use the atomic bomb to end WWII?
Cold War
1. Should the United States be able to draft soldiers during a time of war?- Vietnam War
2. Nuclear Weapons- do they make a nation safer or more at risk?
3. Should the US government support other nations that fight our enemy? Supporting Proxy Wars
4. Were the Rosenburgs guilty of espionage?
5. Who assassinated John F. Kennedy?
6. Was the Tonkin Gulf Incident justifiable to lead to the Vietnam War?
Civil Rights
1. Reconstruction vs Civil Rights Movement? Which was the leading contributor to equal rights?
2. Who killed Martin Luther King, Jr.?
3. Who killed Malcolm X?
4. Who was the greater Civil Rights leader: Malcolm X or Martin Luther King, Jr.?
5. Why was the United State ready for change in political and social equality in the 1950’s and 1960’s and not
before?
Popculture
1. Marilyn Monroe- Murder or Suicide?
2. Did the counterculture movement make drugs acceptable in US society? Why/why not?
3. Support or refute: The invention of television is the reason why Richard Nixon lost to John F. Kennedy in
the presidential race.
1980s and Beyond
1. Should the United States have fought a war against Iraq to liberate Kuwait? (Desert Storm)
2. Was affirmative action successful? Is it still necessary today?
3. Should President Bill Clinton have been impeached for his moral shortcomings?
Outline format for an Argumentative Research Paper
Title:
I.
Introductory Paragraph
A.
Background information: Provide a brief overview of the topic for your audience.
B.
Thesis Statement/Claim statement: What are you going to prove in your paper? State your
three 3 pieces of evidence (reasons to support your claim).
II.
Paragraph #1
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
F.
III.
Paragraph #2
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
F.
IV.
Topic sentence
Introduce your first piece of evidence that supports your claim.
Elaborate on your evidence.
Example + explanation of how it supports your topic sentence.
Conclusion sentence/Concluding thoughts on how (all) the example(s) support thesis.
Transition statement
Paragraph #4-Counterarguments (Arguments that are against your claim)
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
VI.
Topic sentence
Introduce your first piece of evidence that supports your claim.
Elaborate on your evidence.
Example + explanation of how it supports your topic sentence.
Conclusion sentence/Concluding thoughts on how (all) the example(s) support thesis.
Transition statement
Paragraph #3
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
F.
V.
Topic sentence
Introduce your first piece of evidence that supports your claim.
Elaborate on your evidence.
Example + explanation of how it supports your topic sentence.
Conclusion sentence/Concluding thoughts on how (all) the example(s) support thesis.
Transition statement
Topic sentence
Discuss possible counter-arguments to your claim.
De-bunk each counter-argument.
Conclusion sentence/Concluding thoughts on how (all) the example(s) support thesis.
Transition statement
Concluding Paragraph
A. Sum up what the reasons have illustrated re: thesis (just list)
B. Some thoughts on the implications of what you've just said or shown (just list)
Name__________________________________________________________________
Argumentative Research Project Proposal Worksheet
For my research project, the three topics that most interest me are:
1.
2.
3.
Based on my research, I would make the following argument for each topic listed above:
1.
2.
3.
Argumentative Essay Rubric
Name_______________
Period_______
Essay – 100 points
SCORE SIX (A+) - A six paper is superior. It does ALL OR MOST of the following:

Focuses and develops ideas in a sustained and compelling manner, showing creativity and insight.

Clarifies and defends or persuades with precise and relevant evidence; clearly defines and frames issues.

Effectively organizes ideas in a clear, logical, detailed, and coherent manner using appropriate structures to enhance the central idea or theme.

Demonstrates involvement with the text and speaks purposefully to the audience in an appropriate, individualistic, and engaging manner.

Uses multiple sentence structures and word choices effectively and with a sense of control for stylistic effect.

Commits few, if any, errors in Standard English rules for grammar/usage and mechanics.
SCORE FIVE (A) -A five paper is distinctly above average. It does ALL OR MOST of the following:

Focuses and develops ideas in an effective and detailed manner.

Defends and/or persuades with important and relevant evidence; defines and frames issues.

Organizes ideas clearly and coherently using structures appropriate to purposes.

Communicates a sense of commitment to the topic and to the audience's involvement.

Uses varied sentence structure and word choice effectively.

Commits few errors in Standard English grammar/usage and mechanics.
SCORE FOUR (B) - A four paper is adequate. It exhibits ALL OR MOST of the following characteristics:

Adequately focuses and develops ideas with detail.

Defends and/or persuades with support and clarity, using relevant evidence.

Organizes ideas in a satisfactory manner with adequate coherence and logic.

Uses a voice that is appropriate to audience and purpose.

Uses a variety of sentence structures and word choice, but occasionally displays some wordiness or ineffective diction; sentences may be predictable.

Commits some errors in Standard English grammar/usage and mechanics that do not impede meaning; indicates basic understanding of conventions.
SCORE THREE (C) - A three paper is inadequate. It is clearly flawed in SOME OR ALL of the following ways:

Focuses, but may not display mature or well-developed content.

Attempts defense or persuasive stance but position is unclear and/or evidence is brief, tangential or based solely on personal opinion.

Displays minimal organization; contains irrelevancies, digresses, rambles, or lacks logic.

Lacks sincerity of purpose in the writer’s attempt to involve the audience appropriately.

Uses sentence structure and word choice that are somewhat limited, simplistic, mundane, or otherwise inappropriate.

Contains flaws in Standard English rules of grammar/usage and mechanics that do not impede meaning; indicates some consistent misunderstanding
of the conventions.
SCORE TWO (D) - A two paper is very weak. It reveals serious and persistent problems in communications. It compounds the weaknesses of the 3 paper in
SOME OR ALL of the following ways:

Lacks focus and development; may list items with little or no supporting detail.

Defense or persuasive stance is unclear or absent; evidence is vague or missing.

Contains serious flaws in structure, organization and coherence.

Attempts, but fails in the writer’s attempt to involve the audience appropriately.

Uses sentence structure and word choices that are highly limited, simplistic, or otherwise inappropriate.

Displays consistent violations in Standard English rules of grammar/usage and mechanics that impede understanding.
SCORE ONE (F) - A one paper is extremely weak. It has few redeeming qualities. It at least mentions the topic, but generally fails to communicate with the
reader. It does SOME OR ALL of the following:

Simply repeats the topic or fails to provide adequate development.

Fails to establish a position and/or develop persuasive view; evidence is not apparent.

Shows almost no structure, organization or coherence.

Does not address the audience appropriately.

Uses limited and/or immature sentence structure and word choice.

Overwhelms the reader with serious violations of Standard English rules grammar/usage and mechanics.
Parenthetical Citations – 10 points
10-9 points
Your paper is nicely “peppered” with parenthetical or
in-text citations that contain all of the necessary
information and are correctly formatted and
punctuated. The first word from the citation is used if
no author is available.
8-6 points
Your parenthetical/ in-text citations contain most of
the necessary information and some are correctly
formatted and punctuated.
5 or less points
There are a few correct parenthetical or in-text
citations.
Works Cited – 10 points
10-9 points



Follows the assigned documentation convention
through correctly formatted Works Cited
entries.
Entire Works Cited page is formatted correctly.
All entries are complete and correct.
8-6 points



A few minor elements of a few individual
entries are incorrect (punctuation, capitalization
in titles, order of multiple authors in one entry,
etc.)
A few minor elements of the overall format of
the page are incorrect (hanging indent, title of
page, correctly spaced throughout.)
One entry is missing some information.
5 or less points




PLAGIARISM= A ZERO!!!
Many minor elements of individual entries
and/or of the overall format are incorrect
Major elements in individual entries are
incorrect (titles, names, publication
information, dates, formatting, type of source,
etc.)
Major elements of the overall format of the
page are incorrect (layout of page, order of
entries, etc.)
More than one entry is incomplete