School Shootings/Gun Control

Description

Persuasive Argument Research Paper Rubric (a more detailed rubric will be used explaining how the points will be assigned): Language and Content: 60 points In-text documentation: 20 points References or Works Cited: 20 points TOPIC: School Shootings/ Gun Control: Choose a topic in which you approve or disapprove of some kind of gun control policy specifically targeted to help eliminate school shootings (gun control, along with metal detectors, gun control targeted to mentally unstable families, etc.). Your topic and approach, whichever position you take, should offer solutions on what can be done about keeping students safe from school shootings. • Take a position: This is not merely a pro/con paper where you list both sides of an argument. In this paper, you will take a side. Know your position. • State the opposition’s viewpoint: Because this is an argument, you must bring up the opposition’s position and do your best to establish counterarguments to refute it. • Do more research: A minimum of five references is required for this paper. They must all be from different sources. • Write in formal English: This is a research paper, so keep to the formal third person (avoid “I” and “You”) and avoid personal anecdotes. • Proofread carefully! If you are not sure of your writing skills, you may go to one of

• Revise, edit, and proofread. I can’t stress this enough. • Format correctly according to the documentation style your professor assigns. To assure that your Microsoft Word program does not force those extra spaces on you, remember to go to Paragraph > and click on the box on the left-hand corner that reads “do not add extra spaces between like paragraphs.” Basic Requirements: A research paper is an expanded essay that presents your own interpretation, evaluation, or argument, using what knowledge is already available on the subject. This type of paper involves studying a topic in order to find the best possible information in that field. Your paper must present your own opinions and ideas supported by your research, correctly credited to the original authors and organizations. • Length: 900-1,500 words. A minimum of 900 words is required in order for your essay to be substantial. What is important is that you get your point across. • Organization: Introduction, supporting paragraphs, and a conclusion. • Language: Use formal language and avoid the use of first and second person — avoid references to yourself (NO “I believe, in my opinion” etc.), no personal anecdotes, and do not address the reader (avoid “you” altogether). • Documentation: five correctly documented quotes or paraphrases from five adequate sources. • Style: APA style is usually used for the type of research you will be doing. Continue in that style unless otherwise stated by your professor. • Cross-referencing: You must use in-text citations (also known as in-text references) or signal phrases each time you use the words or ideas of your sources in the essay. Cross-reference your work as explained in your handbook. The handbook is especially necessary for this essay. • Support: You’ll need a minimum of five sources. Support your ideas with expert opinion, facts, statistics, and other information you find in your research. It is a mistake to create a Frankenstein research paper by copying and pasting