Writing a Position Paper on Hamilton: Structure and Techniques, Study Guides, Projects, Research of English Philology

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DRAFTING A POSITION PAPER

Honors English 12

WHAT IS MY PAPER GOING TO LOOK LIKE?

3 - 4 pages for Honors; 2-3 pages for CP Introduction paragraph = hook + thesis A series of CLEW paragraphs that elaborate and support your claim A persuasive conclusion that reminds us why this topic and its connection to Hamilton matters

INTRODUCTION: HOOK

A quotation from your article, a song from Hamilton , or a person connected to Hamilton Imagery or description (this could be of the audience, the performance, the response to the musical, etc. It can be sort of hypothetical or imaginary. An interesting fact or statement (tickets sold, price of tickets, cities that have hosted, etc.) Strong statement or claim (probably about your topic of race, gender, etc.) An engaging question (about the musical or your topic) I’m sure you can come up with more ideas or find more suggestions for effective hooks online. Make sure your hook makes sense with the topic and purpose of your essay!

INTRODUCTION: CLARITY AND FLOW

Make sure you create a bridge from your hook into the rest of your paragraph. The hook should not feel tacked on to the paragraph. In the example below, the phrase “loyal friend” serves as a link between the hook and the topic of books and reading. Ernest Hemingway claimed, “There is no friend as loyal as a book.” This loyal friend serves the average student beyond entertainment and companionship. Compare. In this example, you might say, what does loyalty have to do with key skills? Why use this quotation? Ernest Hemingway claim, “There is no friend as loyal as a book.” Reading is a key skill that students need to support their education and their career.

BODY PARAGRAPHS

The body of your paper should consist of a series of points that you will make to defend your position. The paragraphs should use a CLEW structure. Your CLAIM. Female characters initially seem independent and assertive. EVIDENCE in the form of references to the songs and articles. Quoted and paraphrased references to the song “The Schuyler Sisters” WARRANT that explains how these references support your claim. Talking about independence and going into NYC and being a part of this active world of work, defying dad, etc., paints this picture of assertive women. A closing sentence that helps to clinch the point. These characters seem as much a part of the revolutionary world as their male counterparts.

BODY PARAGRAPHS: ADDRESSING THE OPPOSITION

At least one body paragraph should address your opposition. This can happen in a couple ways. An entire paragraph in which you present the opposing idea and refute it Within a paragraph that stakes your claim and you use the opposition to help your elaborate and expand your explanation You can address your opposition anywhere it makes sense. You could use this to begin your paper, as the first body paragraph, to introduce a common perception or idea. You could address the opposition after a connected point. Your could use this to finish out your body and transition into your conclusion.

CONCLUSION

Your conclusion should remind the reader of your thesis as well as expand and establish the place of your argument. Restate your thesis in brief, fresh language. Tell us a little about why we should care. What does it mean to us that this “revolutionary” musical IS or IS NOT revolutionary? Are our ideas changing? Or are we fooling ourselves with glamour and style? Your conclusion is your final chance to persuade your audience. Focus on eloquence and ideas here. Make us HEAR you!

TITLE

Your title is the first chance to engage and influence the reader. Try to make it special! A play on words connected to the musical A quotation from a song A provocative word choice Alliteration Example: Eliza, Angelica, and Maria: Angels and Temptresses Race and Rebellion in Hamilton

ADDRESSING THE OPPOSITION

• Addressing your opposition is necessary to create a sound argument and to show your thorough understanding of the topic.
• It is not your goal to ridicule or demean the opposition. Your opposition is a part of your audience, too, and the part that needs the most persuasion.
• Use respectful wording that doesn’t show bias and doesn’t attack the opposition.
• Address the opposition in both the problem and solution, whenever the argument’s logical development requires it.
• Steps to address the opposition:
  • Acknowledge the validity of the opposition.
  • Counter the opposition using facts, logical reasoning, etc.
  • Sum up to show the superiority of your position. This doesn’t mean you are “right” and the opposition is “wrong.”

LOGICAL FALLACIES

Logical fallacies are statements that at first may appear logical, but, upon careful consideration, we can see that the logic behind them is flawed and the statement is invalid. Logical fallacies occur when we do the following: generalize and make assumptions misuse the cause and effect relationship inflate (exaggerate) ideas or events conflate (suggest they are the same) ideas or events replace logic with emotion Logical fallacies draw the thought process behind your writing into doubt. AVOID LOGICAL FALLACIES!

BIASED, UNETHICAL CLAIMS AND LANGUAGE

Which is the legitimate claim? Which is the unethical generalization? Responsible parents protect their children from CTE, a serious brain condition, by refusing to enroll them in contact sports. Children fourteen and younger should not play contact sports because of the risk of developing CTE.

BIASED, UNETHICAL CLAIMS AND LANGUAGE

Which is the legitimate claim? Which is the unethical generalization? Most objections to the medical use of marijuana stem from misinformation and misrepresentation of the drug’s influence. Conservatives and older people tend to see marijuana as a dangerous recreational drug instead of tool for managing the pain and symptoms of serious illnesses. .

BIASED, UNETHICAL CLAIMS AND LANGUAGE

Which is the legitimate claim? Which is the unethical generalization? To maintain Johstown’s rural, small village atmosphere, its citizens must combat the changes that high-density housing will bring to the community. Johnstown’s citizens value its rural, small-town feel, and they live in Johnstown to avoid the crowded, busy lifestyle of Columbus’s suburban communities. .

BIASED, UNETHICAL CLAIMS AND LANGUAGE

Which is the legitimate claim? Which is the unethical generalization? Despite strict gun laws, European nations continue to experience violence, acted against both individuals and large groups. Despite strict gun laws throughout Europe, it seems that every day brings another instance of horrific violence, like car bombings and subway attacks, which remind the world that guns are not the only tools for human destruction..