Term Paper – Position Paper
In this activity, you will research all sides of a controversial environmental issue (e.g. The
Keystone Pipeline, The use/ban of DDT, The Dakota Access Pipeline, Global Climate
Change, The US withdrawing from the Paris Climate Accord, Human population growth
and food security, energy use and environmental implications, Hydraulic fracking,
location of landfills etc.) to gain a better understanding of the environmental issue and
articulate a position based on the evidence Learning you have collected.
ves ObjectiAdd ressed by this Activity
Be prepared to apply critical and reflective thinking in environmental
science.
Articulate a position on an environmental issue.
Provide evidence that supports a position on an environmental issue.
Required Time
The completed paper is due before midnight on Saturday May 9th, 2020 and MUST be submitted through the final paper turnitin link in Canvas. Late submissions will not be accepted.
Papers should NOT be sent through my email
Description
You will prepare a 3-pages position paper that includes your opinions, viewpoints,
feelings, and the evidence that supports them. The 3-page limit does not include the
reference list and figures/data tables. Figures and tables if included, should not take up
more than one third of a page. All figures and or data tables should have a title.
The main reason for this activity is for you to use your critical thinking skills to analyze the
different arguments of an issue and then articulate your own position on the issue
(supported by evidence).
Assessment
A description of the evaluation criteria is included in the guidelines following.
Paper Guidelines
Position paper Due date
is 05/09/2020 A position paper differs from a traditional term paper in that it includes your
opinions, viewpoints, feelings, and the evidence that supports them. The main
reason for this activity is to understand an issue better by researching all sides of
the issue thoroughly. Choose an environmental topic that interests you (you can
select from the list above or choose a topic of your own). Research the different
sides of the issue and think about your position on the issue. Write a position paper
based on the guidelines outlined below. The paper should be 3 pages long (12 pts
font, 1 ½ spaced). If your paper is longer than 3 pages, I will grade the first 3
pages. Use at least 5 sources for the paper and make sure you use the proper
format (APA) for your paper and reference list. The following books, available at
the HCCs bookstore will help you explore different environmental issues:
Taking sides. Clashing views on controversial environmental issues / selected,
edited, and with introductions by Theodore D. Goldfarb
Taking sides. Clashing views on controversial environmental issues / selected,
edited, and with introductions by Thomas A. Easton
Evaluation Criteria and Guidelines: Point Values
Paper: Please turn in the cover sheet I provided
15 possible points
15 possible points
15 possible points
15 possible points
10 possible points
15 possible points
5 possible points
I. Introduction: Statement of the issue to be discussed. II. Description of more than one side of the issue supported by
relevant and multiple sources of information (use references).
III. Clear concise statements of your position on the issue. IV. Discussion of your position supported by relevant and
multiple sources of information. V. Questions that have arisen as you researched the issues and
information you need to understand the issue better.
VI. Concise summary statement restating the issue, your position, and the essential evidence that supports your position.
VII.Literature Cited (APA) Appropriate number (minimum of 5) Appropriate type (not only opinions)
Proper format (see below for examples)
Overall Important Communication Factors 10 possible points
Spelling and grammar
Neatness
Clarity and consistency of focus
Subtitles for each section heading in your paper
(required) Total Possible Points 100 possible points
Example of proper format for references IN TEXT:
Book or Journal Article: The wild boar has caused extensive damage to the wildlife reserve.
(Smith, 1993).
Personal Communication: J.W. Jones explained that the Smoky Mountains are used
quite extensively during the summer months (personal communication, August 24,
2000).
The Smoky Mountains are used quite extensively during the summer months (J.W.
Jones, personal communication, August 24, 2000).
Note: Personal communications should be referred only in text. Provide initials and as
exact a date as possible. Explain who the person is and why their input is important.
Examples of proper APA (American Psychological Association) format for LITERATURE
CITED:
Journal Article: Adelgid, B. W. (1999). Killing fraser firs in the Smoky Mountains. Journal of
Exotics and Introduced Species. 1 (15), 13-15.
Book: Boar, E. W. (1993). Upsetting the balance of the Merritt Island Wildlife Refuge. (3 rd
ed.). London:
Island Press.
On-Line Sources: Mussel, Z., Loosestrife, P. (September 23, 1999). Gaining a foothold in a new
environment [On-Line]. Available: http://www.eliminatingnativespecies.com/
A brief listing of some suggestions that should be implemented in your position paper to
ensure the highest quality:
Make sure your ‘voice’ is apparent in the paper – don’t overuse quotes. Use
the writing lab as a resource.
Have others proofread your paper for spelling, grammar, and organizational
problems. Have at least one literate, logical friend read through your paper
carefully to check for “flow of logic” mistakes, ambiguous statements, etc.
Make sure you write a position paper and NOT a traditional term paper. There is a
difference! If you are unsure about the difference reread the guidelines and talk with
me.
Reread these notes again before you turn in the paper.
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