Persuasive Debate/APA style research paper

Topic: You and a partner will choose a topic that deals with a ethical question in a science field. Topics like cloning, gene therapy, stem cell research, genetic engineering, clinical drug trials, animal experimentation, physician assisted suicide, antibiotic use, xenotransplantation, ADHD treatment, treatment for depression, vaccine/autism link, carbon sharing, ethanol, alternative fuels, etc. Any scientific endeavor that raised ethical questions would be an excellent topic for this paper. Ask a science teacher for topic ideas. One of you will present a case for the scientific advancement; one of you will present a case against the scientific advancement.

Debate: Pro: 5 min. case: Con: 5 min. case. Each speaker has a second mini speech-- 2 minutes for refutation and final comments.

Each speaker will use power point: Slides will include key arguments with evidence. 1 cover slide, 1 thesis slide, 1 background slide, 10 slides with evidence supporting your opinion—1 piece of evidence per slide. (Convert statistics to bar graphs, pie charts, tables etc.) Source citation slide. This power point will become your outline for your paper.

Everyone will vote on each debate and write a one paragraph explanation for his or her decision.

Paper Length: 4-5 pages (Standard font—Times New Roman size 12)

Paper Format: Introduction, background, presentation of arguments against your opponent’s arguments, presentation of arguments for your side of the debate.

This paper will be a paper of argumentation. You are expected to formulate a thesis that can be defended with arguments. Arguments are claimssupported by research with your analysis as to how the research supports that claim.

APA style: You will write the paper in APA style. (This is very different from MLA and many college instructors will expect you to have some experience having used this format.) Yourmanual is in Write for College p. 372-443. You are responsible for the information in that section and you are expected to use that manual as your guide. In addition, I have the actual manual for APA in my room—3 copies—which you may consult if the answer is not in Write for College.

You will need to consult at least five (5) outside sources. Your predominant resources should be found in the subscription databases on the library website. Internet sources may be used if an author and clear credentials are listed. If no author is listed but a credible organization is listed as the creator of the website, check with me for permission to use it. Otherwise, use of internet websites without proper credentials will not be accepted. I would suggest that you search on SDLN. There is a link on the library’s website for the library catalogue. Get a public library card (it’s free!) and use it to order books and periodicals on interlibrary loan. If you have your library card, getting a book from SDSU is a one minute computerized process. (Then you have to wait for them to send it to the public library, but the information will be invaluable.) Our library can also order things for you but it will be slower. Knowing how to use interlibrary loan is a skill that all college students are expected to have.

  • You will be required to have a variety of resources. All resources must be printed from their original source. If you do not want every page, when you print, select the page range that you do want to use. Always print with a printer friendly version. Always check to see if the citation is printed out. DO NOT COPY AND PASTE THE ARTICLE TO A WORD DOCUMENT! This is to maintain the integrity of the research process. Always save the document in your favorites. Each data base has a place for you to collect your chosen documents as well.

1 book minimum (use interlibrary loan if necessary, netlibrary)

3 periodical articles (which could be found on proquest, elibrary, newsbank, infotrac, ebscohost) in a journal or magazine, or actual newspaper

1 optional resource (could be another book, article, website with proper credentials)

Avoid encyclopedia articles except as background knowledge for your paper

Parenthetical citation: (use APA style) It is expected that all body paragraphs (all arguments) be supported by research. Use EASY BIB found on the LIBRARYpage connected to the school’s website.

Plagiarism: You must document any quoted words, paraphrased words, or summarized words from outside sources using the author date system. Proper documentation on the research paper is a requirement for passing this course. Improper documentation is plagiarism. Handing work in which is not your own is plagiarism. You may NOT recycle papers you have done for other classes. We will be using Turnitin.com a plagiarism checking website.

This paper includes the following:

Cover page

Abstract

4-5 pages of text using the headings prescribed in the manual

References page

Figures will be on sheets following the references page (a minimum of one figure is required.)

The paper will be worth a total of 100 points.