The Research Position Paper is the culminating essay of the research project. In the Issue Proposal, you began to develop your understanding of a controversial issue and consider how to answer the “So what?” and “Who Cares?” questions. The Annotated Bibliography allowed you to research multiple perspectives on your chosen issue and analyze these viewpoints in relation to your owns view. These assignments work together to support your final two texts in the Research Project – the Research Position Paper and the Research Position Paper Presentation.
In this essay, you will take a position on a controversial issue and developed a convincing argument based on credible evidence from scholarly research. Your argument will advance the existing conversation on this issue. Remember, you are writing about the same issue for the entire research project. If you wish you change your topic, you must rewrite all documents in the project.
Developing Your Argument
The basic structure of the research paper should include these components:
Introduction – Present the issue to your audience. Answer to “so what?” and “who cares?” questions by explaining why this issue is significant and why your audience should take an interest in it. Explain the controversy surrounding the issue and objectively address the differing points of view on this topic. End the introduction by introducing your own position on the issue (thesis statement).
Thesis Statement – Provide a thesis statement that clearly explains your position on the issue. The thesis statement must be arguable, significant, and specific. You claim should advance the conversation on this issue.
Supporting reasons and evidence – The central claim should be supported by convincing reasons and evidence. Reasons should include rhetorical appeals (ethos, pathos, and logos). Credible evidence from academic sources should be used to support reasons and convince readers to accept your claim. Utilize the lessons from They Say / I Say to seamlessly integrate sources by introducing and explaining them appropriately.
Counterargument / Rebuttal – As this is a controversial issue with multiple viewpoints, the essay should anticipate counterarguments and address them fairly. Make concessions when necessary while maintaining the integrity of your argument.
Conclusion – Synthesize the paper’s central ideas for the reader. Reaffirm your argument without repeating what has already been stated in the introduction. New arguments should not be introduced in the conclusion. Leave the reader with a clear understanding of your argument and how it fits in to the overall issue.
Evaluation Criteria:
identifies an arguable/controversial issue appropriate to the assignment
provides an introduction that addresses the rhetorical situation and answers the “so what?” and “who cares?” questions
includes a thesis statement that is arguable, specific and significant and advances the conversation on the present issue
develops well-supported reasons to support the thesis statement
supports reasons with credible evidence from a variety of research
addresses counterarguments fairly and effectively
use sources effectively (15-20% of the essay should be from outside sources) and integrates them appropriately
cites sources correctly, both in-text and on the Works Cited page in MLA style
constructs a logically structured, well-organized, coherent argument
sentences are lively, engaging, and relatively error-free
essay is 5-7 FULL pages, in MLA style (12 pt. TimesNewRoman font, 1″ margins on all sides, double spaced, etc.) with a Works Cited page.
Use the order calculator below and get started! Contact our live support team for any assistance or inquiry.
[order_calculator]