P ER FO RM AN C E AS S E S SM ENT T AS K
Issue Analysis Paper
Competencies
V.4: Analyze a claim from multiple points of view.
V.5: Investigate a controversial issue through structured research.
V.6: Break down a complex issue into its component parts, evidence and
reasoning.
V.7: Discriminate logical from emotional appeals.
Directions to Learner
For this performance assessment you will write a 5-7 page Issue Analysis
paper. The purpose of a position paper is to structure an argument, based on
research, showing why your position on a controversial issue is better than
another position. You want to convince your readers to agree with you. In order
to prove your points, you need to appeal to logic, authority, and emotions. You
also need to show both sides of the argument, but you need to show where
problems exist with the opposition. Ask your instructor for some examples of
controversial issues if you can’t decide on one. Be sure that your paper is in
APA style. Here are your steps:
1.
Choose a topic to research for your paper.
2.
Find five sources to research your topic. These should be credible sources.
Make sure you have information in your sources on both sides of the issue.
A good argument brings in the opposition in order to show the author has
researched the issue before concluding which side is the better choice.
3.
Read and annotate the five sources. Decide where you stand on this issue,
what the common arguments are, what each side says about the issue, and
why your side is the better choice.
4.
Be sure to include a works cited page. Make sure it meets the criteria on the
scoring guide, and is in APA style.
5.
Submit your final paper and the scoring guide to your instructor for
evaluation.
Directions to Evaluator
For this performance assessment learners will prepare a position paper after
conducting some initial research. Review the directions and scoring guide. Add
any additional information specific to your competencies or the content learners
must address.
Position Paper Scoring Guide
Scoring Standard
You must achieve a rating of at least “yes” or “2” on each criterion to demonstrate competence. Work
receiving a “no” will not be evaluated further until corrected, and points may be deducted on a
resubmission.
Rating Scale
3: Work exceeds criterion by showing insight, creativity, resourcefulness, or attention to detail
2: Work meets criterion at a basic level of competence
1: Work does not meet criterion
0: Work is missing, incorrect, or incomplete
Scoring Guide
Criteria
Ratings
•
paper is centered around a topic on which there is a disagreement
Yes (1)
no (0)
•
learner locates information which can be used to support claims and cites that
information in a works cited page.
Yes (2)
no (0)
•
learner demonstrates awareness of viewpoints other than own, and enumerate the
conclusions, reasons, and evidence for each point of view
3
2
1 0
•
learner builds cases of relatively equal depth for opposed conclusions on a single
topic
3
2
1 0
•
learner withholds judgment until comprehension of all points is complete
3
2
1 0
•
learner analyzes a claim based on its individual main points, and analysis lists
separately the main idea, reasons and evidence
3
2
1 0
•
learner correctly identifies specific emotional and logical appeals in somebody
else's persuasive attempt
3
2
1 0
•
Learner generates logical and emotional appeals as part of your own persuasive
attempt
3
2
1 0
•
learner can target researched information to specific points within the case
structure
3
2
1 0
•
learner uses APA style and a logical research plan for the Issue Analysis paper
3
2
1 0
•
paper evidences correct grammar, punctuation, and spelling
3
2
1 0