Debate Paper
DESCRIPTION OF THE PAPER (100 PTS):
The paper should be a 5-page (double-spaced, 1-inch margins, 12 pt font, Times New Roman, APA format) synthesis paper on a controversial issue related to any topic relevant to the hunger and environmental nutrition (some suggestions on the next page.
The paper should present both sides of the issue and arrive at a definite conclusion or interpretation supported by research data from the literature (including at least 4 research articles, submitted with paper). Your own opinion can be included in the conclusion, but it should not be evident in the objective presentation of the research supporting each side of the argument.
The research articles should be from peer-reviewed journals. You should have 2 supporting articles for each side of the issue and you should analyze the research supporting each side. You may use other sources along with the four research articles; these should be included in your reference list but only your 4 peer reviewed research articles will be evaluated for points.
Grading Criteria:
I.Articles, at least 4 research articles from peer-reviewed research journals:
32 points possible.
Primary aka original research: 8 points
Other peer reviewed journal articles (such as review articles): 7 points
Good quality secondary source: 5 points
Poor quality secondary source: 2.5 points
Pdfs of articles not submitted to Canvas – minus 5 points per article
II.Quality of writing (grammar spelling, topic organization): 20 points
III. APA Reference format: 8 points
APA format reference: Purdue Online Writing Lab, https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/560/1/
Proper APA citation format in paper: 4 points
Proper APA reference page: 4 points
IV. Content/Analysis: 40 points
Introduction: 5 points
Give necessary background.
Why is this topic controversial? In 1-2 sentences, discuss each side.
Optional: why did you pick this topic?
Argument One: 15 points
Describe evidence to support this viewpoint. What claims does this side make and what data is presented to back up these claims?
Discuss the type of research that was conducted to generate this data.
Argument Two: 15 points
Describe evidence to support this viewpoint. What claims does this side make and what data is presented to back up these claims?
Discuss the type of research that was conducted to generate this data.
Conclusion: 5 points
Compare relative strengths and weaknesses of each argument. Which side has the strongest supporting evidence? Are they equally compelling? What have you learned about the topic as a result of this assignment? At this point, you can also mention your own personal opinions (but be clear to distinguish opinions from facts).
