Finding Common Ground#whatitiswhatitis

Step 1

•Choosing Your Topic (Points of View database)

-Read Overview-Establish a point and

counterpoint

Step 2

•Determine whether your authors are credible sources:• check for background info within the

article• search for a bio within the database• Google it!

Step 3

• Build an annotations chart

-See p. 214 sample by Betsy Samson to help distinguish between your point and counterpoint

-Use the chart on p. 200 to build your own-The chart will help to outline your paper

structure-Yes, you have to

Step 4

• Summarize • Introduce each author and their

credentials• Introduce each position: point

and counterpoint and other counterpoints if applicable

Step 5

•Methodology• analyze: consider what the authors are saying

and try to phrase in your own words• interpret: determine how the authors’ thoughts

affect the topic• credibility: reinforce your authors’ authority by

using appositives to identify them• support: use direct quotes to strengthen your

interpretations

Checks and Balances

#checkyourselfbeforeyouwreckyourself

Step 6

•Check for:• Transitions that help to signal similarities

between your authors’ points• overuse or reliance on clichés or colloquial

language• use of questions to move from point to point

Step 7

•Check for:• Page length 3 full pages, up to 5 pages• 3 sources required; 2 must be from Points of view• MLA in-text citations• MLA works cited page• MLA header• MLA heading• appositives• em dash

Conclusion

#yourfinishwithaflourish

Step 8

•Conclude by • summing up main points by each author• reiterate how the authors’ points differ and concede

Step 9: Reflect

•Questions to ask myself:•  Am I generalizing without sufficient data?

•  Am I stereotyping? Are my analogies, (similarities between 2 things), based on things that are truly similar?

Questions to Ask Myself, cont:

•Am I sure that my causes and effects are really causes and effects, and are not related to something else instead? •#randomthoughtsdonotbelong

Questions to Ask Myself, cont.:

• Do I have enough source material to give a fair understanding of the issue being discussed? Not much is really either one thing or another. There are usually several sides to one argument.

• Am I attempting to reveal my personal thoughts about the subject?

Questions to ask Myself, cont.:

• Are my conclusions fair interpretations of my authors’ arguments?

• Am I being sure to present authors’ opinions that I do not agree with as viable and intelligent