9th Grade Economics Position Paper
Name ______________________
Task: You will research and write an essay that will defend a position on one of the economic topics below.
After the essay is completed, you will use your research to defend your argument in a debate format with
another class.
Goal: You will create a well-developed thesis statement that defines your position on the topic. You will need
to use reputable evidence from a variety of sources to prove your argument and support each piece of evidence
with your own ideas and analysis. A good essay will be convincing, well-researched and well-written using
economic terminology.
Topics:
1. The U.S.Government should invest in alternative energies such as wind and solar to improve the
economy.
2. The U.S. Congress should pass a balanced budget amendment to reduce long-term debt
3. The U.S. Government should not raise the minimum wage because it hurts small businesses
4. The U.S. Government should spend money to bail out key industries such as the Auto Industry in times
of economic crisis
5. The U.S. Government should spend more money on reducing its debt than on domestic social programs
6. The U.S. Government should substantially increase social services for people living in poverty in the
U.S.
7. The U.S. Federal Government should substantially increase its transportation infrastructure investment
in the United States
8. The state of New Jersey should ban all sugary drinks over 16oz in order to prevent obesity
9. The U.S. Congress should pass the DREAM Act in order to reduce costs and increase tax revenue.
10. The U.S. Government should create a policy to limit the amount of debt college students taking out
loans can acquire, and work to help them get out of debt quicker.
Nuts and Bolts:
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3-5 pages
1.5 or double spaced, Times New Roman or Arial font - 12pt
At least 4 sources (Only 1 may be an encyclopedia)
Use footnotes or endnotes for: direct quotes, non-original or controversial material (Found in 3+ sources)
Bibliography in correct Chicago/Turabian format
Written entirely in third person
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Outline Due: Tues 12/18
Final Draft Due: After Winter Break ( we will set a due date when we return)
Resources to get you started:
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Opposing Viewpoints (MFS Library Database)
Points of View (MFS Library Database)
http://www.procon.org
http://idebate.org/debatabase
http://www.debate.org/debates/economics/
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http://www.nytimes.com/roomfordebate/topics/economy