ASSIGNMENT 1
Now that you have conducted some research and began documenting your resources, your next step is to create a formal outline for your paper. Outlines are essential in the writing process, so that’s our task for the week. In order to help you with this task, I have provided a simple outline/template for you below. Be sure to provide specifics for each section. In the past, I have had a student or two who would respond to each section with things like, “Introduction: I plan to go to the library; Talking Point 1: I will talk to my priest and get his feedback on my topic, etc.). Please don’t do that. Instead, provide your actual background, evidence (w/parenthetical citations), etc., for each. Essentially, you are writing your paper EXCEPT in a formal outline format.
*DO NOT WRITE YOUR PAPER YET. THE OUTLINE AND PLANNING MUST COME FIRST. Assignment 1 is due no later than Wednesday, April 17 , by 11:59 pm.
SAMPLE OUTLINE FOR POSITION PAPER
1. Introduction
___A. Introduce the topic with an interesting hook (e.g., anecdote, hypothetical situation, historical reference, shocking statement, an intellectual puzzle/game, etc.).
___B. Provide history / background on the topic
___C. Describe your view of the issue. State your position / thesis statement 2. Opposing Argument
___A. Briefly describe some of the counterarguments
___B. List some facts or details that support the counterclaim
___C. Refute the opposing view using facts or details that support your side
3. Your Argument – 3 Points of Attack. ___A. State the first point of your argument
_____1. Give your personal opinion about the point
_____2. Provide evidence, research, testimony, other detail that support your opinion _____3. Offer additional personal commentary / analysis
___B. State the second point of your argument
_____1. Give your personal opinion about the point
_____2. Provide evidence, research, testimony, other detail that support your opinion _____3. Offer additional personal commentary / analysis
___C. State the third point of your argument
_____1. Give your personal opinion about the point
_____2. Provide evidence, research, testimony, other detail that support your opinion _____3. Offer additional personal commentary / analysis
4. Conclusion
___A. Restate both sides of the argument ___B. Summarize your three argument points ___C. Provide a plan of action
ASSIGNMENT 2
Once you submit your formal position paper outline, you may go ahead and write your paper.
*Unless you hear from me saying otherwise. Be sure to keep a check on your email.
Just a reminder about guidelines: 2,000-3,000 words; MLA or APA format (your choice – with parenthetical citations and works cited/bibliography page); 10-source minimum (yes, I added three extra); write in 3rd-person point of view
Submit your work in the following order all on ONE DOCUMENT:
Position Paper, Works Cited / Annotated Bibliography, Formal Outline, Appendix (if applicable).
Final position papers are due no later than Monday, April 29 @ 11:59 PM.
Resources
● Sample Detailed Formal Outline
○ https://valenciacollege.edu/wp/cssc/documents/SampleArgumentOutline.pdf
*Please copy & paste the above link into a search window.
● Sample Position Papers
○ MLA format:
https://projects.ncsu.edu/eslglobe/nmswishe/Model%20Argument%20Paper.pdf
○ APA format: https://depts.washington.edu/owrc/Handouts/Hacker-Sample%20APA%20Formatted%20 Paper.pdf
*Note: You may have to copy/paste the above links into a search window.