Unit 4 Project: The Great Argument

Use the approved question from Part 1.

Make minor refinements only with teacher approval.

Make sure its specific, debatable, and researchable. Example:

Who has had a greater impact on climate change mitigation over the past 50 years: individuals or governments?

• Minimum 6 credible sources, with a balance of:
• Quantitative evidence: statistics, emissions data, policy outcomes.
• Qualitative evidence: case studies, expert interviews, historical examples.
• Include at least one source that challenges your position.
• Evaluate bias, limitations, and context.
• Take careful notes in a planning document: source, key points, type of evidence, relevance.

Word count target: 15002000 words

A. Introduction (150250 words)

• Open with a hook (startling statistic, short story, or relevant anecdote).
• Provide background on the issue.
• Clearly state your thesis (your stance on the question).
• Example thesis:
• While individual action contributes meaningfully, government policies have had the largest measurable impact on reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and the most effective solutions combine both approaches.

B. Argument & Line of Reasoning (600800 words)

• Develop 34 key claims to support your thesis. Each claim should have:

1. Topic sentence stating the claim.
2. Evidence from at least two sources (quantitative + qualitative when possible).
3. Analysis of evidence explaining why it matters.
4. Connection to thesis.

• Use smooth transitions between claims.

Examples of claims:

1. Government carbon pricing drives emissions reductions at scale.
2. Public investment and standards accelerate renewable energy adoption.
3. Individual behavioral change amplifies policy effectiveness through public support.
4. Case studies (like Germanys Energiewende) show how bottom-up and top-down efforts interact.

C. Counterargument & Rebuttal (400600 words)

• Present a strong opposing viewpoint with supporting evidence.
• Explain why people believe it (e.g., individual actions are tokenistic).
• Rebut with evidence, acknowledging any valid points but reinforcing your thesis.
• Show that your argument accounts for nuance.

D. Conclusion & Implications (200300 words)

• Restate thesis and summarize key claims.
• Highlight real-world significance and policy implications.
• Suggest areas for future research or action.
• End with a call to action or rhetorical question.

4. Writing & Synthesis

• Synthesize sources rather than summarize. Show how ideas relate, compare, or contrast.
• Integrate at least two sources per paragraph to support each point.
• Avoid listing statistics without analysis.
• Maintain your own academic voice: formal but readable, avoid AI-style robotic phrasing.
• Vary sentence length and structure; use transitions without overusing words like furthermore.

5. Citations

• Use MLA format consistently for in-text citations and Works Cited page.
• At least 6 sources, properly cited, including one critical or opposing source.
• Ensure no plagiarism, even from AI-generated content.

6. Reflection & Self-Awareness

• Complete reflection honestly on MS Forms. Cover:
• How your thinking evolved during research.
• Challenges faced and how you overcame them.
• Assumptions or biases you noticed.
• How different perspectives influenced your argument.
• Show ownership of the process: use planning sheets, meet deadlines, document revisions.

7. Presentation & Mechanics

• MS Word, double-spaced, 12pt Times New Roman or Arial.
• Proofread for grammar, spelling, punctuation, and clarity.
• Ensure your writing is entirely student-generated, even if you consulted AI for ideas.

8. Checklist to Aim for 30/30

• Research question approved.
• 6+ credible sources (quantitative + qualitative).
• Counterargument included and well-refuted.
• Evidence synthesized across sources.
• Clear, logical line of reasoning.
• MLA in-text citations + Works Cited page.
• Paper 15002000 words.
• Reflection completed thoughtfully.
• Writing is fully student-generated, formal, readable, and error-free.