Position Paper – Global Warming
Assignment: You will work individually to write a paper expressing your conclusions about global
warming based on the evidence presented in class. You must answer the two questions: (1) Is global
warming a problem/crisis? and (2) Is global warming affected by human activity? Your paper must be a
minimum of 2 pages double spaced with 1 inch margins and 12 point Times New Roman font, though it is
almost certainly not possible to do a good job in just 2 pages.
Citing Evidence: You must back your positions with evidence from any of the sources presented in class
and from sources you locate on your own. Since each of our sources contains at least twenty pieces of
evidence, you must pick and choose what you feel are the most important pieces of evidence. This evidence
should be presented in clear and logical sequence.
Every bit of evidence you use in your paper must be credited to a source. All sources must be cited.
Sources used in class can be cited as “AIT” (An Inconvenient Truth) , “GGWS” (The Great Global Warming
Swindle) , “Dimmock” (Court transcript; Stuart Dimmock vs…).
Example: “Polar bears are drowning as a result.” (AIT)
“Poverty is an environmental problem.” (GGWS)
Other sources should be cited informally but completely.
Example: “Most melting occurs on the western edge of Antarctica.” (Newsweek, 4/7/08, page 48)
“Methane is a potent greenhouse gas.” (www.peta.org/globalwarming)
Precautionary Principle: In your paper, be sure to address the concept of the “Precautionary Principle” in a
manner that (1) demonstrates your understanding of the principle, (2) indicates whether you feel it applies in
this case, and (3) describes the impact, if any, of over-reacting to this issue.
Unintended Consequences: In your paper you will no doubt be discussing actions you feel should or
should not be taken. Be sure to discuss the impact of any possible unintended consequences of those actions.
Grading criteria: Your paper will be graded based on the following:
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)
The accuracy of the evidence cited
(6)
The significance of the evidence cited
(7)
Including original sources not covered in class (8)
Coherence and organization of your arguments
Clear summary of your conclusions
(9)
Mechanics: spelling, grammar, etc …, not style
Citation of source(s) for each piece of evidence
Including the precautionary principle
and any unintended consequences
Following these directions
Peer Review: 25% of your grade (10 of a possible 40 points) will be based on a peer review of your paper
by 2 of your classmates, chosen randomly. If you object to this peer review idea, you must let me know
before the peer review process starts. I will then decide 100% of your grade.
Plagiarism: School policy on academic integrity applies. First offense results in a 0 for that paper. Second
offense results in being dropped from the class with an F. Do not copy and paste even one phrase without
properly using quote marks and crediting the author of the phrase. You should use a verbatim quote only if
the quote is particularly clever or from an interesting source. Do not fill your page with quotes – you are to
supply your ideas and opinions, not those of others.