Science: Position Paper

Science Position Paper 6

Science: Position Paper on Energy

Name: Date: Hour:

In a position paper, you do three things.

1. Choose a topic and form an opinion about the topic

2. Do research to find facts to support your opinion

3. Write paragraphs about each key point of your topic, including the research data you found.

The major focus of our semester is energy, so your position paper will be related to energy. Here is a sample list of topics. If you think of a topic not on this list, ask your teacher to approve it before you start working on your position and your research.

Topics / Positions
Energy Sources / The United States need more power plants to meet energy needs.
Nuclear energy the best option to meet the United States’ power needs?
Damming rivers is a good way to increase the amount of electricity generated.
Energy Costs / Allowing the DM&E railroad to transport coal through Rochester would help plants in the East produce cheaper electrical power.
Coal gassification plants are a lower cost, cleaner energy source than burning coal.
Problems related to energy use / Global warming is going to cause major catastrophes in the future if businesses don’t stop releasing chlorofluorocarbons into the atmosphere.
Acid rain is increasing, largely because government loopholes allow industries to evade emissions laws.
Alternative Fuels / Farmers should receive subsidies to grow crops that can be used as fuel.
Wind power is the best option for meeting future energy needs.
Energy Savings / Different styles of home construction could dramatically decrease energy use.
Homeowners can save a lot of money if they winterize their homes.
Energy used by vehicles / Drivers should be required to buy hybrid cars that run on both gas and electricity.
The government limit the sales of vehicles that don’t get good gas mileage?
More cars and trucks should be converted so they can use bio-diesel fuel.
SUVs should be classified as cars rather than trucks so they have to meet stricter energy guidelines.
Renewable Resources / The government should be focusing on renewable energy sources, such as wind power, for the future.
Wind- and water- powered devices should be developed so that the nation doesn’t need to rely on imported oil.
The government should provide funding and tax breaks for companies that explore renewable energy sources.
Nuclear Energy / Nuclear waste is a real problem because there is no safe way or place to store it.

Write your topic choice here:

What is your position on this topic?

Teacher initial for approval: Date Hour:

As you begin the research process, it is important you ask the right kinds of questions. You’ll ask different questions at each stage of the process.

Types of Questions When?

1. Premise
After you have chosen a topic, what is the premise or main idea that you are going to research? If your topic is nuclear waste, what points are you going to research and write about regarding nuclear waste? This is your POSITION. / After you choose a topic
2. Key questions
What do you want everyone to understand about your topic after they finish reading your paper? In other words, what are the main points and key subtopics you need to find, research, and write about? / Once you start your research
3 Clarifying questions
Have you given enough details or information to help your reader understand each subtopic you have identified? Have you found research to support each point you have made? / When you are organizing your paper
4. Contradictory questions
Does everyone agree on your topic, or have you found examples of opposing viewpoints? Global warming is a good example. While most scientists believe global warming is a real problem caused by human pollution, a small number of scientists believe the current warming trend is part of a normal cycle in the climate of the Earth. / If you encounter an opposing viewpoint

Writing Process

1. Choose a Topic and a Position

2. Locate sources about your topic

Find sources that contain information about your topic and support your position. You will need a minimum of 3 sources and a maximum of 5 sources. When you finish your paper, you will need to do two things:

a. Works Cited

You will list all of the sources that you used to find facts to support your position. For each source, you will need to write the title, author, date of publication, publisher, and page numbers consulted. Start keeping track of your sources right now!

Source 1:

title author