Guidelines and Instructions for Completion of Argumentative Papers

Spring, 2008

1.  Papers will be argumentative, in other words, cadets will research an issue, take a side on the issue (this is called a position), and argue that position.  THIS IS NOT AN INFORMATIVE PAPER.  Grading will include how effectively the argument is made. 

 2.  Papers will be documented with at least three sources recorded in the paper's bibliography.  Acceptable sources include articles, books, published programs, and interviews with subject matter experts.  Interviews will include a two page description of the interview and the qualifications of the person interviewed.  Opinion polls and the like are not acceptable. 

 3.  Papers will be typed in a COURIER or similar font with a pitch not larger than 12 characters per inch.  Margins will be one inch on left, right and bottom with one and one-half inch margin on the top of each page.  Any illustrations or charts will be attached as a separate page and will not be used as filler to increase page count.  Papers will include 3 pages of typed text, not counting the bibliography, title page, or any illustrations or interviews.  (Interviews must be supported by a two page description of the interview and the qualifications of the interviewee).

 4.  Papers will be written in the third person (he, she, they, it, etc.).  First person (I, we, us, our, etc.) and second person (you, your, etc.) will not be used in the paper.  Papers must have an introduction, body and conclusion.  The conclusion should contain no new information.  The thesis statement must appear in the introduction.  You must use complete sentences and well structured paragraphs of at least three to five sentences.

5.  Papers will be produced in Modern Standard American English.  You will not use slang, gutter-speak, jive or any of the current "shortcuts" to English.  Contractions will not be used.  Standard abbreviations that are recognized in formal documents may be used if they are properly introduced the first time they are used.  As an example, if I were to use the abbreviation for United States I would first introduce it like this: ...the United States (U.S.)......  After that I would be free to use "U.S." for "United States."

6. Do your own work.  Papers found to contain plagiarism will be rejected, and you will be assigned a makeup paper.

7.  This is an opportunity to "get ahead of the game" and complete papers early.  Be aware that these papers are a very important part of your grade.  Failure to submit a paper, or plagiarism on the makeup, will result in your failing this course.

8.  All papers must argue logically; you must avoid the use of emotion in your papers.  Study your subject and develop a series of arguments that support your position.  Do not develop arguments that support the other side.  Remember, this is an argumentative paper.  You are trying to convince an adult audience, not your fellow students.  The audience you are trying to persuade pay taxes, pay rent or mortgages, worry about the cost of health care, and are concerned with trying to help their children get a quality education.  You are not writing to a group of high school students.  You must try to understand what is important to your audience, and how each of your arguments will change their minds.

9.  Final paper topic selections are due by 31 January, thesis statements are due 7 February, outlines are due 14 February, hand-written rough drafts are due 21 February, and completed papers are due no later than 28 February.

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