Gale Student Resources in Context
FACTS.com Issues & Controversies
Proquest k-12
SIRS
SIRS
Academic Integrity
A List of Passwords for the Online Databases is Available Fro Student and Staff
A Bookcart Has Been Compiled
QUARTER REFLECTION PAPER
DUE DATE: FALL: MONDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2010
DUE DATE: FALL: MONDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2010
DIRECTIONS: Using the research done in class, evidence from the documentaries viewed, results from the cyberbullying survey, and independent research, develop a 2-3 page position paper on cyberbullying.
CONTEXT: Although out-of-school speech is constitutionally protected, new legal rights must be developed for school authorities so that they can respond to off-campus speech that endangers student safety and well-being.
TASK: DO YOU AGREE OR DISAGREE WITH THIS STATEMENT: Is cyberbullying a significant enough problem that schools should be able to regulate this behavior, even though it originates off campus?
COMPONENTS OF PAPER: You paper should be a typed, double spaced, 12 font, with standard margins, that includes a heading with your name, Great Moral Questions, Quarter 1- Cyberbullying Reflection Paper, and contain the following elements:
1. Introduction to the topic; thesis statement; preview of argument; statement of main position.
2. Main body of paper: point one, with its supporting statements; point two, with its supporting statements; point three, with its supporting statements; etc.
3. Arguments to the contrary should be summarized/discussed (either as part of the main body, or after it).
4. Summarize the main points of the paper, referencing how the thesis of the paper has been supported, or proven – presents recommendations to the school board regarding what should or should not be done about cyberbullying.
5. Works Cited -- your list of sources (if you are using MLA Style, the list of sources is called Works Cited).
EVALUATION: Your paper will be evaluated on the following criteria:
• (10 Points) POSITION – a clear stance is taken to support or oppose the task statement. If you have a “split decision”, you need to make that clear.
• (30 Points) DEFENSE OF POSITION – Discussion of the evidence that supports your main position on the topic.
o You must find ONE additional article NOT given in class to add to your analysis.
• (30 Points) PRESENTATION OF OPPOSING POINT OF VIEW – Discussion of evidence that goes against your main position on the topic.
o You must find ONE additional article NOT given in class to add to your analysis.
• (20 points) SUMMARY - the main points of the paper, referencing how the thesis of the paper has been supported, or proven.
o Do this as though you were going to make a formal presentation of recommendations to the school board regarding what should or should not be done about cyberbullying.
• (10 points) WORK CITED your list of sources (if you are using MLA Style, the list of sources is called Works Cited).
NOTE: You will NOT be evaluated on the position you take, only on how well you defend your position.
Recommendations for writing this paper:
Research and notetaking -- The next step is to explore books, periodical articles, and other materials on your topic. For the most part, this is done – you should use your journal as your analysis references.
• You have been given several articles as well as the results from the cyberbullying survey.
• In addition, you must locate TWO additional articles – not provided by the teacher, to support your argument.
Citation style -When you research, keep track of the facts and opinions you will use in your paper by noting down where you got them. Consistent, accurate documentation is critical to good research. Get used to noting down sources as you use them.
• Use NoodleTools to assist with citation formats. A link can be found on Moodle or through the WMHS Library.
Draft working outline –
As you go along, do an informal outline to organize the main ideas, major and minor details, you want to use to develop and support your thesis or arguments.
• In addition, outlining helps you present your ideas in a logical order.
Continue research and notetaking, refine your thesis and write first draft –
• From your reading you should be ready to rewrite your thesis statement into a clear, brief sentence that precisely focuses your paper.
• Your draft should be a well-crafted combination of direct quotations, idea summaries, and paraphrased ideas—all properly credited.
• Your originality will shine through in the way you organize the information and express your thoughts. In fact, the very flow of your ideas will flesh out your argument.
The key to good writing is rewriting. Have someone, like a friend or a tutor, read your draft. Lastly: edit, format and proofread once more.
This paper counts as 40% of your grade.
