Finding Common Ground #whatitiswhatitis
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