Take a Position

Your Title Page

By First and Last Name

INTRODUCTIONIndentify you topicPresent Essential Background (w/citations) for both sides of the issueIdentify Main ConceptsDefine Key Terms

THESIS/ASSERTIONComplete sentence that states your positionUse a subordinate clauses to acknowledge the position

Ex: George Bush started the war in Iraq so he could create other options for US oil exports

Ex: Except for medical reasons, marijuana should be illegal because it produces higher crime and public health concerns.

CONCESSIONGive credit to opposing side for a good idea – VISUAL

Agree with one aspect from the opposition - CITATION

REBUTTALExplain why the idea to which you concede is not as strong as one of your own claims

-OR-Explain how the idea to which you concede is conditionalUse Infinitive Phrase to discuss position

Ex: Ambassador John Smith, to solidify US position, argues . . .

CLAIM #1Write a complete sentence that states your claim (with VISUAL)

Use a Participle Phrase (verb acting as adjective) to emphasize time and subordinate clause to supplement your argument

Ex: Acting in its own self interest, US foreign policy fails if

military action becomes our primary response

WORD OR PHRASEUse IMAGES with verbal explanationsPresent specific evidence to support your claims

In March 2003, US forces attacked Iraq’s capital of Baghdad. Secretary of State, explaining the US position to the UN said on February 5 “every statement I make today is backed up by sources, solid sources. These are not assertions. What we're giving you are facts and conclusions based on solid intelligence” (John Schwartz, UN Deception, Mother Jones: 2005)

CHOICE OF EVIDENCEList Specific

Current EventsHistorical EventsPersonal ExperiencesLiterature/Books/News

That help build your case . . .

TYPES OF EVIDENCEWrite a full sentence for each:

Emotional (Anecdotes)Logical (facts, stats, data)Ethical (values, morals, propaganda, appeals)

CLAIM #2Write a complete sentence that states your claim (with VISUAL)

Use an Infinitive Phrase (to+verb answering “why”) to emphasize time and subordinate clause to supplement your argument

Ex:To conceal his position, President Bush called US

ambitions “War” so now foreign policy was patriotic.

CONCLUSIONRestate (rewrite not recopy) assertionSummarize/List Major PointsPresent Thematic Conclusions

THEMATIC CONCLUSIONUse image that illustrates your closing statementHow will this affect the audience?How does this topic address the Human Condition?

WORKS CITED PAGEUse variety of sources Cite Visual Sources you have used in this presentationUse MLA Format

PRESENTATION TIPSConsider your audienceUse more images than written words for the VISUALExplain the visuals with specific detailsMake Eye ContactMaintain adequate volumeConsider posture and body language