WRCM 102 CONTROVERSY ANALYSIS PAPER
Basic Overview
Marks: 10%
Length: 5-6 pages
Format: Double-spaced, 12 pt Times New Roman, APA format
Purpose
The purpose of this essay is to demonstrate your expertise and understanding of the controversy
– not to take a stand! You are only a REPORTER for this paper, stating the information of your
controversy.
Details
1. Write an essay explaining the history and current status of your public controversy. Your
essay should include:
a. An introduction with a clearly stated thesis and preview statement.
b. Coherent paragraphs in logical order that detail the history, current status, and
language of the controversy.
c. A brief conclusion.
2. Attach an annotated bibliography with a minimum of 10 sources in OPVL format.
NOTE: Your thesis is NOT your opinion on the issue. It is simply a statement that encompasses
the purpose of this paper.
Essay Organization
Your essay should be organized around these three areas:
HISTORY OF CONTROVERSY
Study and report the relevant history. Think about the following questions:
- Where did this controversy come from (person, year, legislation, etc.)?
- What are the historical circumstances and key moments in the development of this
controversy?
- Who are the key players?
- What are their views or perspectives?
STATUS QUO
Answer the following question: Where are things now with respect to the law, public opinion,
and social norms?
- The status quo should make up the bulk of your essay. Identify and describe how
different groups of people are arguing about the controversy. What types of persuasive
claims are they making: definition, fact, value, or policy? (Review UMSS 17.2 for an
explanation of these four types of persuasive claims.)
- What are people saying about your controversy and how do they say it?
LANGUAGE OF CONTROVERSY
Master the language of controversy.
- What are the major terms and what do they mean?
- Make an attempt to understand how people use specific terms and phrases.
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Requirements
Content (50 points)
- Did the student fulfill the purpose of the assignment as outlined in the assignment
handout (including but not limited to length, all proper sections and proper formatting)?
- Does the assignment have a clear thesis adequately developed with strong logical points?
- Does the thesis adequately encompass the purpose of the paper WITHOUT giving an
opinion on the issue?
- Is sufficient space dedicated to fleshing out both the history of the controversy and the
status quo? Are some arguments under or over developed?
- Does the paper adequately discuss the language of the controversy?
- Is the analysis provided within the paper thoughtful, well-argued and reasoned?
- Does the paper use examples from evidence to support claims?
- Does the student adopt a professional tone throughout the paper?
Organization (35 points)
- Does the paper feature a strong, logical system of organization with appropriate
transitions?
- Does the paper include a clear thesis and preview statements in the introduction? Does
the student signpost throughout the paper?
- Are paragraphs focused? Do paragraphs contain one point?
- Are the main points of the paper organized in an easy to follow manner?
- Does the paper employ clear transitions?
- Does the paper have a conclusion that effectively ties the paper together? Does the
conclusion restate the main points of the paper?
Mechanics (15 points)
- Do arguments flow well from each other, or are the points made abrupt and disjointed?
- Are sentences constructed to avoid run-on or incomplete sentences?
- Does the paper appear to be proofread? Are there any glaring grammatical errors?
- Does the paper use appropriate terminology and word choice?
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