Terms

Zinn

One-Pager

Top 10 Major Events

Hall of Fame (Word)

Creating a DBQ

Levels of Questions

Harvard Outline

Philosophical Chairs

Position Paper

Article Review

Book Review

Primary Source

Secondary Source

MLA Citation

Purpose:
The purpose of a position paper is to have you read two comparative statements (opinions) from two different historians on a controversial question. You must assess both sides argued and then take a side yourself.

Method:

1. Read both of the articles.
2. Determine the problem or issue that is at the heart of the argument.
3. If possible from the information given, determine the author’s frame of reference.
4. What position does each author take on this issue?
5. Formulate your own thesis.

Development:

1. Present the problem or issue, the position of each author (their thesis) and your thesis in the first paragraph.
2. Develop in one paragraph per author the supporting evidence each one uses to support his position (interpretation).
3. In the remaining two to three paragraphs you are to develop support for your own position.
4. With which author do you agree?
5. What evidence offered in the articles enables you to draw that conclusion?
6. What other outside evidence (other assigned textbook or reading) enables you to draw that conclusion?

Format:

1. Position papers are to be written in proper essay style.
2. Use the MLA style sheet.
3. The essay should be two to three pages in length and should be typed.
4. Include a standard title page as a cover sheet.