Choose your position paper topic. Using the brainstorming list you've created based on this topic, collect five (5) credible online or print sources that support both (or more other) sides of the argument. As you look for sources that support your opponents' argument, put yourself in their place-- think how they would build their argument. What would be their best points? What kind of sources/evidence would they use to support their points? Remember-- if you miss your opponents' best reasons for holding their opinion, it will be easy for them to undermine your argument by showing that you have not considered one or more important ideas.
In a saved Word document (always back up your data in more than one place), summarize each source in about one paragraph. In your summaries, answer these questions for each source: What is the source about? What does it say? How is it related to your position paper? In your paragraphs, also include a few quotes, facts, statistics, other information, etc that you think you could use to strengthen your position.
*As usual, come to class ready discuss your posts.
**Whatever you use, make sure your sources are credible and not too biased. The arguments in your sources should be backed up with facts, data, and solid sources.
POSSIBLE SOURCES
Online Sources: The Internet can be a great place to look for sources, but you need to be careful. Most blogs or Web sites may offer heavily biased information and may support little support to back up their opinion. You should look for factual sources, and avoid sources that are too biased. You may also keep an eye out for television documentaries and radio broadcasts on your subject (you may find copies online), because they may often address both sides of the issue in a journalistic way. If you are not sure whether an online source is credible, ask the Professor!
Print Sources: Magazines, academic journals, books may be possible reliable sources of factual information. You can find academic articles through ODU Library's website: http://www.lib.odu.edu/researchresources/finddatabasesandmore.php Go to "Academic Search Complete." If you do this off campus, you will need your MIDAS ID and password to access the database. Once you access the database, you can search for sources with various keywords on your topic.
Empirical Sources: To back up your claims, especially if you are writing about a local or campus issue, you may consider generating facts yourself. You may set up an interview with an expert on your topic, or create a survey that will generate some data (there are free online survey tools, such as http://www.surveymonkey.com/) You can do field observation, experiment, etc and share your personal experiences as a result.
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