Position (Persuasive) Essay Model

Best Information Strategy

Identify your position (opinion).

• Define your position
• Where or when does it occur?
• Who does it affect?
• Why is it important?

Develop "reasons" and evidence.

• State reason clearly and specifically.
• How is the reason supported by the evidence?
• What is the evidence?
• Address potentially different perspectives.

Best Searching Strategies

• Develop concept map with Position and Reasons
  • Concept mapping (source is Northwest Missouri State)
  • Spicynodes
  • Text2Mindmap
  • bubbl us
  • Dabbleboard
• Search using both Position topic and potential Reasons.

Database Strategies

• Starting point and background
  • Issues and Controversies
  • Points of View Reference Center
  • CQ Researcher
  • Opposing Views in Context
• Databases to support Position and Reasons
  • Proquest. (Off campus link)
  • Academic Search Complete.
  • Expanded Academic Index. (Off campus link)
  • Gale Reference Center Gold . (Off campus link)
• Advanced search strategies
  • Use Newspapers for local information.
  • Use Local Information page
  • For specialized topics, choose a database from Databases bt Subject