1
Adapted from COE 102 (J. Ervin, 2013).
Taking Sides Position Paper Instructions1
(a) Position Paper (Final): You will write a 4-6 page formal position paper on the issue
examined in the Taking Sides text. Your position must be informed by the “Yes” and
“No” sides of this issue presented in this text.
1. You will submit a 2-3 page draft of your paper for in-class revision and feedback.
The content of your Final Paper will include the following:
1. An overall introduction to the issue. What exactly is the issue at hand? What is
your paper going to be about? What are we looking at here?
2. Your position on the issue. What is your position? Why do you take this
position? What information supports your position? Be sure to be clear about
your position. Go in-depth as to why you take it, and what is out there to support
it.
3. The opposing side of the issue. What does the other side say? What are the
objections to your position? How would someone who takes a different position
make their case? What information supports the opposing side?
4. The refutation of the opposing side. Why are the objections raised by the
opposing side incorrect and/or not persuasive? Why is the information supporting
the opposing side not persuasive in comparison to your own position?
5. Bring it back to your position and summarize it for the reader. Briefly state why
you still maintain your personal position, even though there are objections.
6. Response to Feedback. How have you responded in your final paper to the
feedback given you in class about your draft (i.e., both peer and teacher
feedback)?
Your final paper will include these headings (corresponding with the grading rubric):
Introduction
My Position
Opposing Position
Refutation of Opposing Position
Position Summary
Response to Feedback
References
*Any and all information (e.g., idea, statement, fact, figure, etc.) that comes from a
source must be appropriately cited within the content of your paper and referenced in
either APA 6th edition or MLA formatting.
1
Adapted from COE 102 (J. Ervin, 2013).
Taking Sides Final Position Paper Rubric
Criteria Criteria Explanation Possible
Points
Points
Given
Introduction of
Topic Introduces the issue overall
Describes what the paper is going to be about and what is being examined
5
Your Position
Gives a clear description of your position on the issue
Gives a detailed and thorough description of why you take such a position
Gives a thorough account of what information is out there to support your
position
Informed by the Taking Sides reading
25
Opposing Position
Shows the other side of the issue
Gives an account of the objections to your position
Shows information that supports the opposing side
Informed by the Taking Sides reading
25
Refutation of
Opposing Position Explains why the objections to your position raised by the opposing side
are incorrect and/or not persuasive
Explains why the information supporting the opposing side is not
persuasive in comparison to your own position
Informed by the Taking Sides reading
15
Summary of Your
Position Provides a final summary of your position
Briefly states why you still hold your position in relation to the opposing
position
Informed by the Taking Sides reading
10
Response to
Feedback Gives a clear explanation of specific changes made to the paper in
response to peer and teacher feedback provided in class
5
Citations/
References Resources are cited appropriately throughout the paper
Resources are cited in-text using APA or MLA standards
A reference list is provided using APA or MLA standards
5
Writing
Organization of paper is logical and easy to follow. Writing is clear and
legible, with proper use of grammar. Paper has been edited and includes
appropriate citations/references.
10
Total
Possible
Points:
100
Total
Points
Given:
Paper is to be typed, double spaced, with 12-point Times New Roman font and 1 inch margins all around
1
Adapted from COE 102 (J. Ervin, 2013).
(b) Position Paper Draft and Peer Editing – 60 Points
For your draft, submit a 2-3 page paper with the following:
1. Issue/introduce the topic
2. Discuss your position, why you take that position, and what information you have so far
to support your position
3. Discuss the opposing position/objections
4. Discuss refutations of the opposing position
5. Summarize and briefly discuss your position and why you still maintain your position,
even though there are objections
Your draft will include these headings (corresponding with the grading rubric):
Introduction
My Position
Opposing Position
Refutation of Opposing Position
Position Summary
References
Position Paper Draft and Peer Editing Rubric:
Criteria Criteria Explanation Possible
Points
Points
Given
Introduction Provide thoughtful and clear introduction to draft. 3
Your Position Gives thoughtful first draft of your position on this issue
that is informed by the Taking Sides reading.
12
Opposing Position Provide main objections and first draft of opposing
position that is informed by the Taking Sides reading.
12
Refutation of
Opposing Position
Explain why the opposing position’s objections are
incorrect and/or not persuasive in relation to Taking Sides
reading.
10
Summary Explain why you still hold your position in relation to
opposing position
3
Format and
Writing
Organization of paper is logical and easy to follow. Writing
is clear and legible, with proper use of grammar. Paper has
been edited and includes appropriate
citations/references.
10
Peer Editing Provide thoughtful and thorough in-class revisions. 10
Total
Possible
Points:
60
Total
Given
Points:
Paper is to be typed, double spaced, with 12-point Times New Roman font and 1 inch margins all around
