1. Persuasive Research Paper Five paragraph argument paper on a controversial issue

2. Mode: Persuasive/Argument Paper Persuasion = the art of convincing people to do or believe something Argument = genre of writing that requires the student to investigate a topic; collect, generate, and evaluate evidence; and establish a position on the topic in a concise manner “What is an argumentative essay?” The Purdue OWL. Purdue U Writing Lab, 2010. Web. 18 Jan 2014.

3. Persuasive/Argument Paper To write an argument essay, you’ll need to gather evidence and present a well-reasoned argument on a debatable issue. You will argue for one side of your chosen controversial issue. Your research-based arguments must convince your audience that your view/thesis is true, valid, & correct.

4. Topic:Cross-Curricular Choose a debatable or controversial issue... in sports, science, the earth and the environment, government/politics, animal welfare, education, arts & culture, media & communications, etc. Choose your own topic from the list of topics on the Points of View database.

5. New in 8 th Grade!!! To give credit to your sources, you must use in-text citations and a Works Cited page, NOT a Works Consulted page You will follow MLA Format for your research (MLA = Modern Language Association) and you will use the MLA proper heading, page layout, pagination, documentation, etc.

6. Samples of In-Text Citations A week later, corrections officer Shannon Smith, who was guarding prisoners by the side of the road, was killed by a woman distracted by a phone call (Besthoff). In Japan, for example, accidents linked to cell phones fell by 75% just a month after the country prohibited using a handheld phone while driving (Haughney A8). Works Cited Besthoff, Len. “Cell Phone Use Increases Risk of Accidents, but Users Willing to Take the Risk.” WRAL.com. Capitol Broadcasting, 9 Nov. 1999. Web. 12 Jan. 2001. Haughney, Christine. “Taking Phones out of Drivers’ Hands.” Washington Post 5 Nov. 2000: A8. Print.

7. Sample of First Page in MLA Format

8. Sample of Works Cited Page

9. Research: Documentation of Sources 1) You must use at least four in-text citations Used within the text of your paper Reference in parentheses that gives credit to the source; e.g., (Smith 23). Directs readers to the full source entry on the Works Cited page

10. Research: Documentation of Sources 2) Works Cited page Last page of your paper (page three) Must list at least three sources on your Works Cited page Lists only the sources you have cited in the text of your paper

11. Length: Five Paragraphs five paragraphs on two pages maximum; the Works Cited page is page 3 Library Time: Provided 6 days in the library to complete research

12. Choosing a Topic Step 1: Identify three possible topics of interest. Step 2: Write three research questions, one for each topic of interest. Step 3: Read articles on databases (do research!) to answer your research questions. Step 4: Write one final research question. Step 5: Answer research question with your thesis statement. Step 6: Your thesis statement is what you will prove with solid research in your paper.

13. Example Sample Research Question: Should PA public school students be required to wear uniforms? Answer/thesis: Pennsylvania public schools should require all students to wear uniforms. or Pennsylvania public schools should not require their students to wear uniforms.

14. Keep pace... Do your work ON TIME! Don’t fall behind... Do your best!