GMO Research Paper Directions
Name
Objective: To research and write a persuasive paper that answers the following question:
SHOULD PEOPLE BE CONCERNED ABOUT GROWING & EATING
GENETICALLY MODIFIED ORGANISMS?
Research Tools
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Research articles provided on the media center website: http://www.greenwichschools.org/page.cfm?p=165
o Click on Databases/Online Research
o Password: research
 Contemporary Issues  Opposing Viewpoints in Context
 Science  Science in Context
Media and Government links provided on my wiki page: http://lynchbiology.greenwich.wikispaces.net
GHS Media Center books (check out books on your own time)
Wikipedia to get a quick overview of topics that you are considering and generate keywords for searching
other sources. Do not rely on Wikipedia for cited research in your research paper.
Works Cited and Font
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Follow the guidelines used in your Student Handbook on how to properly write a works cited page. This is
found in the back of your handbook. The guidelines are also found on my wikipage.
The essay should be typed double spaced using Times-New Roman or Arial 12-point font & 1-inch
margins.
Pacing Guide
Task
 Decide your position on GMO’s.
 Decide what 3 reasons you are going to write about to support your position. Each idea
will be its own body paragraph.
 Research supporting scientific facts for your 1st and 2nd body paragraph.
 HOMEWORK: Fill out the GMO Research Paper Note Packet for your Introduction
paragraph, 1st and 2nd body paragraphs.
 Research supporting facts for your 3rd body paragraph
 Fill out the GMO Research Paper Note Packet: 3rd Body paragraph and Conclusion
Paragraph.
DUE DATE
 Submit your paper and works cited page to turnitin.com
 Make sure you received a confirmation email from the website.
Name:
Category
Introduction
Paragraph
Body
Paragraph #1
Body
Paragraph #2
Body
Paragraph #3
Conclusion
Paragraph
Works Cited
&
Grammar
GMO Research Paper RUBRIC
Criteria
Points
Brief background information is provided to establish the importance of
the essay topic. What are GMOs? How are GMOs made?
Your thesis/position statement is clear. (Thesis statement does not begin
with “this essay is about”).
Your three supporting reasons (main ideas) are briefly stated.
2
Clear introduction sentence for your 1st reason.
2
The 1st reason is supported with at least 2 scientific facts, not just what
you feel.
Information in the essay is presented in the students’ own words, not “cut
and pasted” from research sources. (complex terms must be explained)
Your 1st reason is persuasive. You mention the opposing view and refute
(discredit) it.
Clear introduction sentence for your 2nd reason.
The 2nd reason is supported with at least 2 scientific facts, not just what
you feel.
Information in the essay is presented in the students’ own words, not “cut
and pasted” from research sources. (complex terms must be explained)
Your 2nd reason is persuasive. You mention the opposing view and refute
(discredit) it.
Clear introduction sentence for your 3rd argument.
The 3rd reason is supported with at least 2 scientific facts, not just what
you feel.
Information in the essay is presented in the students’ own words, not “cut
and pasted” from research sources. (complex terms must be explained)
Your 3rd reason is persuasive. You mention the opposing view and refute
(discredit) it.
1
5
2
2
2
5
2
2
2
5
2
2
Your position and arguments are summarized. NO NEW INFORMATION IS
INTRODUCED. (What do you want the reader to remember?)
3
Alphabetized and Double Spaced Citations
1
Medium of Publications are identified (print, web, video, dvd)
Capitalized each word in the titles of articles, books, etc, but did not
capitalize “the” “or” “an”.
Used italics for titles books, magazines and videos and “quotation marks”
for title poems, articles, essays and chapters.
There are no obvious grammar, spelling or punctuation errors. (Such as
the use of “their – there” and “to – too- two”.
1
1
Total Points
Score
4
1
3
50
Your
Score
GMO Research Paper Notes/Outline
Introduction Paragraph
Notes
Background
Info:
What are
GMOs?
Background
Info:
How are GMOs
made?
Thesis
Statement
List your 3
supporting
ideas (main
ideas for each
body
paragraph)
Works Cited
Body Paragraph #1
Notes
Supporting
Idea
#1
Supporting
Scientific Fact
#1
Supporting
Scientific Fact
#2
Take notes on
recognizing and
discrediting the
opposing view
to your idea.
Look for
loopholes and
flaws to reject
the opposing
view.
Works Cited
(May not be needed)
Body Paragraph #2
Notes
Supporting
Idea
#2
Supporting
Scientific Fact
#1
Supporting
Scientific Fact
#2
Take notes on
recognizing and
discrediting the
opposing view
to your idea.
Look for
loopholes and
flaws to reject
the opposing
view.
Works Cited
(May not be needed)
Body Paragraph #3
Notes
Supporting
Idea
#3
Supporting
Scientific Fact
#1
Supporting
Scientific Fact
#2
Take notes on
recognizing and
discrediting the
opposing view
to your idea.
Look for
loopholes and
flaws to reject
the opposing
view.
Works Cited
(May not be needed)
Conclusion Paragraph
Notes
Restate your thesis statement.
Give a sense of completion.
Summarize your three reasons
to support your statement.
No new information can be
provided.
Give the reader something to
think about at the end of your
paragraph. Try one of the
following:
A call to action…
Offer a solution…
Make a prediction…