Bill of Rights Opinion Paper

 

During the next several weeks, you will be formulating an opinion on an issue related to the Bill of Rights. You will then write an essay, backing your opinion with facts. This essay will have the following components:

 

Because this project has multiple components, you must break the project down into manageable steps. We will be using the writing process to complete this task.

Step I: Decide on your topic. Choose a topic you feel will hold your interest through the course of research. Make sure you can find enough sources to support your research. Choose from the topics listed. Only 3 students will be able to work one topic. The first 3 students to sign up for each topic will be able to research that topic. You can either email your request or make the request in person. All topics must be chosen by Wednesday December 2, 1998.

Step II: You will need to write a bibliography for the sources you wish to use. You must have at least 5 sources. No more than 3 sources can come from the same category. (For example, 3 different internet sites, 1 newspaper article, and 1 book) Source categories include:

Once you've decided which sources you will use, you will need to write down bibliographical information. Use the following formats to complete your source information.

How to footnote?

You must have five documented sources in the preceding format by Friday, December 4, 1998. These should be in final draft format, either typed or handwritten in pen.

Step III: Take notes. You have two methods to choose from to take notes 1) Outlining or 2) Effective Reading. For each source, you will turn in a minimum of one page worth of notes in either the effective reading or outline format. Take notes on only the main points of the article in your own words. Only take the author's words if you find her statement particularly profound. Look at the following sources for examples. These notes are due Monday, December 7, 1998.

Step IV: Formulate your opinion and your outline. Now is the time you need to formulate an outline. The pattern for this paper will be similar to that of a five paragraph essay, except this paper will be a minimum of six paragraphs. Your outline is due Tuesday, December 8, 1998.
 
 
Step IV: Write your rough draft. Following the format of your outline, begin including your information taken from your notes. Remember to always refer back to your thesis statement and your topic sentence. Don't be random! Stay focuses on the goal! Your goal is to convince the reader your opinion is valid with multiple, related reasons. Any opinion can be proved valid if you back your beliefs with evidence. This is due Thursday, December 10, 1998.
 
 
Step V: Have somebody else (teacher/student/parent) read your paper. Check for the following items as well as those mentioned in the writing process under proofreading:
 
 
Step VI: Final Draft. Now is the time to create your final draft. Aside from double spaced, typed (12 font) and normal margins (1 inch), you also need to include the following. This is due Monday, December 14.
 
 
Step VII: Make sure your Step VI is stapled together prior to class.
 
Points and Due Dates!!!
 
Topic: Wednesday December 2 - 10 points
Five Documented Sources: Friday December 4 - 15 points
Notes: Monday December 7 - 75 points
Outline: Tuesday December 8 - 25 points
Rough Draft: Thursday December 10 - 25 points
Final Draft: Monday December 14 - 150 points
 
As you can see, this assignment is worth 300 points. Don't forget, you also have a Constitution test the last week of the quarter which we will also be working towards. You need to be doing 45-60 minutes of Social Studies homework each night or you will not be able to finish. You have 15 days to complete this assignment. Space out your time, but do not wait until the last minute.