How to do a Taking A Stand Paper

Paragraph 1

A clear and supported statement of your position

- 2 to 3 sentences
- what do you think about the topic?
- Why do you think the way you do about the topic?

Paragraph 2

Supporting information using core democratic values of
American constitutional democracy
(See your CDV sheet for examples.)

- 5 to 6 sentences
- What CDV supports your stand?
- What is the definition of that CDV?
- How does that CDV support your stand?

Paragraph 3

Supporting knowledge from history, geography, civics, or
economics that you already know
(make connections: It is not enough to state only your opinion.)

- 4 to 6 sentences
- pick one of the areas above
- explain what you know from that area that you have learned in school
- explain how it supports your stand

Paragraph 4

Supporting information from the Data Section
(the Data Section is your news article or other source of information)

- 4 to 6 sentences
- find one thing from your information source
- what is that piece of information?
- How does that information support your stand?

Paragraph 5

Conclusion
- 2 to 3 sentences
- wrap up you arguments
- restate your position using different words than in paragraph 1

Write your paper by hand.
Write or print so that it can be read easily.
Create 5 very clear paragraphs:
Indent each paragraph and put a one line space between each paragraph.