Instructions for Day w/ Sub

Remember this is a persuasive research paper. Your objective in writing your 5-7 page paper is to persuade your audience to agree with your stance on an issue.

Pull out your rubric and timeline. Remember this is due Nov. 13. It is important that you use each day to work productively. Remember also that you need a thesis which should include your issue, your stance on the issue, and a blue print for the paper. In your argument you will need to support your stance on the issue. You will also need to include a counterargument which you fairly address and can tie back to your thesis. Thus you need research or sources from both sides of the issue you pick. Your topic list is on the back of the rubric. You must pick a topic from that list, however, the topics are rather broad and you could argue a specific issue of your choice. It is important that you develop a stance. I’m not saying this is black and white, but you do need to have a clear cut position on the issue and a possible argument against your stance. If there is no possible argument against your stance it probably won’t be much of a persuasive paper.
Today we will be in the library to begin research. We will have a seating chart to ensure that you may get the most use out of your time. Mrs. Larson is very experienced and can lead you to good sources. When we go into the library she will give you a run down on research. Listen to her – she will give you specific information on good resources for persuasive research papers. I also listed some great tools on the assignment blog. Google scholar is a great tool for research, as well as ebsco host, sirs, or any of the other search engines available on the library site. Do not look past the books in the library. We are using the library, where books are, instead of the computer lab, where books are not, for a direct reason – the books! Please do realize these are very good sources, especially when you are first starting your research. It is easiest to start in a book then use the internet when you know what to search for. When we meet again for class on the 3rd you need to have a topic chosen and 2 pgs of notes (that is 2 pgs double spaced size 12 typed, or a front/back page of written notes). You may do these however you wish – bubble chart, bullet point, note card etc. I don’t want to limit your learning style – use what works for you. Do note where the information comes from though, and perhaps it is best to have an in progress works cited page saved in word so you don’t have to scramble at the end.

These directions are posted on the web blog and may be accessed once you are in the library. Get good work done and I’ll see you Monday! P.S. please do email me w/ questions, I’ll try to take my laptop w/ me and perhaps I can answer while I am there.