Position Paper Research Unit

A position paper is a type of research paper that is heavily researched and that supports a particular stand on a divisive issue. Argumentative and persuasive writing is important, but it must be backed up by credible facts. Completing research and forming well-thought opinions on a complicated issue is a very beneficial experience for high school students. However, it is challenging.

I have extensively studied and refined this unit over the past few years and it has everything you could possibly need to successfully teach it! This 3-4 week unit explains to students the purpose of writing a position paper, plus includes the following components:

• Unit Plan
• Graphic Organizers
• Rubrics
• Sample Outlines

I strongly suggest purchasing the Position Paper Bundle, which includes ALL of the resources that come in my Writing & Research Bundle to help make all of the research writing components clear:

• Source Integration Lesson
• Paraphrase, Summary & Direct Quotes Lesson
• Introduction Paragraph & Thesis Statement PowerPoint
• MLA In-text Citations PowerPoint
• Research Source Sheet
• Transitions slide

This unit includes SO many resources to customize according to your pacing and student needs. I use this unit in 10th grade, but it could be adapted for any grade in high school. This resource is not designed for use in AP Lit classes. All files included in this resource are available in editable Microsoft Office form (PowerPoint and Word).

Check out my other writing resources:

Propaganda Media Study

Writing & Research Bundle

Plagiarism & Acceptable Use Lesson – Jr. High

Plagiarism & Acceptable Use Lesson – Sr. High

MLA Formatting & Works Cited Quiz