Title: Unwanted Embyonic stem cells should be used for research and/or diseases cure. Introduction: The goal of this paper is for you to research a controversial topic, take a position, and justify yo

Title: Unwanted Embyonic stem cells should be used for research and/or diseases cure.

Introduction:

The goal of this paper is for you to research a controversial topic, take a position, and justify your position in writing using appropriate supporting scientific evidence.

Choosing your topic:

• In Table 1 below, you’ll find a list of topics that you may consider writing about. This list is simply meant to be a starting point, and if you’d like to write about something not on this list, please feel free to do so.
• When choosing your topic, make sure that it’s:
  • Current. For example, “Marijuana should be legalized” may not be a great choice as it’s now legal in Illinois.
  • Debatable. Make sure that the topic has differing viewpoints. For example, “Kale is filled with nutrients” wouldn’t be a good topic because there’s no opposing view (at least not that I know of!).
  • Researchable. Be sure that the topic you pick isn’t so abstract that you aren’t able to thoroughly research it.
  • Manageable. For example, “Abortion should be banned” is a topic on which you could write an entire book. It’s recommended that you narrow the topic down to a more manageable piece.

Writing your paper:

• Structure:
• Introduction: describes the topic, includes background information including why the topic is important, and states the writer’s position on the topic.
• Body paragraphs: typically three or more paragraphs that outline the scientific evidence in support of the writer’s position. Opposing viewpoint should also be described, including information on why the writer disagrees with the opposing view. Only scientific evidence may be used to support your argument. Please do not include religious and/or political ideologies in your argument.
• Conclusion: Summarizes the main points of the paper and restates the writer’s position.
• Formatting:
• Font, margins, and spacing: twelve-point Times New Roman font, one-inch margins, single spaced.
• Length: Approximately 1000 words, but this is not a requirement. Your paper can be longer or shorter and you won’t be penalized as long as you cover all of the required information.
• Do not forget to include a “Literature Cited” section in your paper (see below).
• Literature Cited:
• Each paper should also include a “Literature Cited” section where all sources used in the paper are listed.
• Plagiarism of any kind will result in a score of 0 for the paper. NOTE: Copying a sentence directly from a source without using quotation marks is plagiarism, even if you cite the source at the end of the sentence.
• Citing in the paper:
  • Within the text, citations should be included throughout the text (not only at the end of a paragraph), and should be in the following format: (Author(s), year of publication)
    • If the source has a single author, then the citation is written as, for example: (Smith, 1992)
    • If the source has two authors, then the citation is written as, for example: (Smith and Jones, 1997)
    • If the source has three or more authors, the abbreviation ‘et al.’ is used after the first author’s name. For example: (Smith et al., 1997)
• Citing sources in the “Literature Cited” section:
  • Every citation used in the text must be listed in “Literature Cited.”
  • Here is an example from easybib.com on how to format a website citation:
    • Cain, Kevin. "The Negative Effects of Facebook on Communication."Social Media Today RSSN.p., 29 June 2012. Web. 02 Jan. 2013.
• Grading:
  • Papers will be graded according to the rubric posted in Brightspace. To view the rubric, go to “Assessments,” the “Rubrics,” and click on “Writing Assignment Grading Rubric.”
• Potentially helpful websites:
• Purdue Online Writing Lab: Argumentative Essays
• Masterclass: Argumentative Essays

Theme

Potential topics on which to write your paper

Embryonic stem cells

• Human embryonic stem cells should be used for research and/or for disease cures.
• Unwanted human embryonic stem cells should be harvested for scientific research

Preview RubricWriting Assignment Grading RRuRubric

Rubrics

This table lists criteria and criteria group name in the first column. The first row lists level names and includes scores if the rubric uses a numeric scoring method.CriteriaLevel 55 pointsLevel 44 pointsLevel 33 pointsLevel 22 pointsCriterion ScoreIntroduction & Conclusion

Introduction states the main topic, gives an overview of the topic, describes why the topic is important. A position on the subject is clearly stated.

Conclusion summarizes the main points without repeating previous sentences; writer’s opinions are restated and are logical and well thought out.

Introduction states the main topic. The topic overview and importance is included, but some of the descriptions are vague. A position on the topic is not clearly stated.

Conclusion summarizes main points but is repetitive; writer’s opinions are restated.

Introduction does not state the main topic. The overview and importance of the topic includes aseemingly random collection of information that is either unclear or not related to the topic. A position on the topic is not stated.

Conclusion does not adequately summarize the main points; writer's opinions are restated.

Introduction does not state the main topic. Topic overview and importance is not included. A position on the topic is not stated.

Conclusion does not summarize the main points; writer's opinions are not restated.

/5Main points

Main points are well-developed with a high quality and quantity of supporting scientific evidence. Reveals high degree of critical thinking. Content indicates synthesis of ideas, in-depth analysis, and original thought and support for the topic. The opposing position on the topic and reasons why the writer does not agree with this position are described. All required content is included.

Main points are developed with a moderate quality and quantity of supporting scientific evidence. Critical thinking is weaved into some points. Content indicates original thinking and develops ideas with sufficient and firm scientific evidence. The opposing position on the topic and reasons why the writer does not agree with this position are described, but descriptions may be vague.

Main points are present with a limited quality and quantity of supporting scientific evidence. Critical thinking is limited. Content indicates thinking and reasoning applied with original thought on a few ideas. Either the opposing position on the topic or reasons why the writer does not agree with this position are missing. Some required content is absent.

Main points are present but are not supported with scientific evidence. Ideas are vague with little evidence of critical thinking. Shows some thinking and reasoning but most ideas are underdeveloped and unoriginal. Both the opposing position on the topic and reasons why the writer does not agree with this position are missing.

/5Organization

Logical, compelling progression of ideas in essay; clear structure which enhances and showcases the central idea or theme and moves the reader through the text. Organization flows smoothly. Effective, mature, graceful transitions exist throughout the essay.

Overall, the essay is logically developed. Progression of ideas in essay makes sense and moves the reader easily through the text. Transitions exist throughout and add to the essay’s coherence. Overall unity of ideas is present.

Progression of ideas in essay is awkward yet move the reader through the text without much confusion. The writer sometimes lunges ahead too quickly or spends too much time on details that do not matter. Transitions appear sporadically, but not equally throughout the essay.

Arrangement of essay is unclear and illogical. The writing lacks a clear sense of direction. Ideas, details, and/or events seem strung together in a loose or random fashion. There is no identifiable internal structure and readers have trouble following the writer’s thought process. Few forced transitions in the essay or no transitions are present.

/5Use of Sources

All source material is used and smoothly integrated into the text. All sourcesare accurately documented and in the desired format on the Literature Cited page. All sources are relevant and reliable.

Source material is used. All sources are accurately documented, but a few are not in the desired format on the Literature Cited page. Most sources are relevant and reliable.

Source material is used, but integration into the text is awkward. All sources are accurately documented, but many are not in the desired format on the Literature Cited page. Some sources are relevant and reliable.

Lacks sources and/or sources are not accurately documented. Incorrect format is used on the Literature Cited page. Sources are not relevant nor reliable.

/5Style, Mechanics, and Formatting

The writer treats the subject seriously using formal language. All sentences are complete, accurate, and clear; the writer controls the point of view appropriately. Sentence structure is correct throughout.

Essay is free of spelling, punctuation, and grammatical errors.

Meets all formatting requirements: font, margins, and spacing are correct. Essay is neat and correctly assembled with professional look.

The writer uses some informal language and slang. Most sentences are complete, accurate, and clear. Sentence structure is generally correct. Some awkward sentences do appear.

Essay has few spelling, punctuation, and grammatical errors allowing reader to follow ideas clearly.

Generally correct font, margins, and spacing but some errors are present. Essay is neat and correctly assembled.

Essay has many spelling, punctuation, and grammatical errors, but reader can still progress through the essay.

Generally correct font, margins, and spacing but some errors are present. Essay is neat but may have some assembly errors.

The writer uses some informal language and slang. Work contains multiple incorrect sentence structures; many unclear or incomplete sentences.

Spelling, punctuation, and grammatical errors create distraction, making reading difficult. Errors are frequent.

Fails to follow formatting requirements; font, margins, spacing, and neatness of essay need attention.

/5Rubric Total ScoreTotal/25

Overall Score

Overall Score

A23 points minimum

B20 points minimum

C18 points minimum

D15 points minimum

F0 points minimum