You have selected your topic, crafted a prompt, and consider multiple sides on the issue
in your timed-writing. The next (and final) step is to write your final research paper where you
determine your ultimate stance on the issue at this time based on the information you have
gathered through your research. You have to ask yourself: Which position makes the most
sense?
While this paper undoubtedly builds on your previous work, it is a new paper. This
means that you can use research/arguments/ideas from your previous position papers;
HOWEVER, you are not simply copying and pasting your arguments. Instead, you are writing a
new paper. Even though you may take a position that you wrote about for your timed-paper, this
paper should be added to and refined.
Here are the guidelines:
• Introduction to the argument
• Two or more paragraphs
• One paragraph hook
• One paragraph to give the background information, create the
need for the thesis, and provide the thesis.
• Give your final thesis (stance with previewing of the
body).
• Body of the argument
• 2-4 key reasons to support your stance.
• For each reason, you may use 1-3 paragraphs to further that
point.
• Include a counterargument.
• 1-2 paragraphs.
• A counterargument is the voice of the naysayer. With a
counterargument you can
Date Item Checklist
Thursday, July 28 at
11:59PM
Full draft due for Writing Response Group (WRG) on
BB/DB
Sunday, July 31 at
11:59PM
Response due to your peers’ drafts
Wednesday, August 3
at 11:59PM
Final draft due
!1
English 101 Professor Stefanie Johnson Shipman
• refute it
• “People claim X. However, what they are
overlooking is Y because of Z” + evidence
• acknowledge it
• “People claim X, and though they are correct in
that, position Y is still the best choice. It is the
best choice because….” + evidence
• Conclusion of the argument
• Restate your thesis and key points.
• End with a final thought.
Additional information:
• Must be typed and in MLA format (Times New Roman, size 12, double
space).
• Must include at least six sources. Five of those sources must be library-based.
• Must include a works cited in MLA format.
• In-text MLA citations and quotation integration needed.
• 1500-1750 words (approximately 6-7 pages double spaced).
• Include your word count at the end of your paper.
Grading:
• You will be graded on:
• Thesis
• Effectiveness of introduction
• Organization of paper (purposeful, controlled paragraphing)
• Argument development/strength
• Inclusion of a refuted or acknowledged counterargument
• MLA format (includes citation mechanics, works cited, quotation integration,
etc.)
• Clarity of ideas
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