During their junior or senior year, students will create or revise a substantial piece of persuasive writing. Students will thoroughly research all sides of a topic from one of the following content areas: mathematics, science, social studies, fine arts, vocational education, English, world languages, and health/fitness. The topic chosen will be manageable and achievable given time, resources and length of paper. Using data from the research, students will develop a compelling argument to validate their position. (Washington State Learning Goals 1, 2 and 3)
Requirements:
Length:
- 6-10 typed, double spaced pages
- 12 pt, Times New Roman (or equivalent) font
- 1" margins
- addenda, charts, diagrams, and lengthy quoted passages do not count as part of the 6-10 page requirement
Format:
- MLA ( see Writer's Inc)
- must use 3rd person
Other Items to Include:
- documentation of the writing process (all notes and rough drafts) with the final paper
Sources:
- at least 6 sources (not including encyclopedia)
- must include one primary source (personal communication)
- no more than 2 Web sites (electronic libraries and periodical databases do not count as websites)
- all sources must have a credible author and meet minimum criteria (to be determined)
- all sources must be cited within the text at least once
Each paper will be scored for organization, style, content, and conventions. Please follow this 
to view the Scholarly Paper Standards and Assessment Tool.
