National Interests Essay Question

As we move ahead in this online world, I’m only going to be asking you to write position papers,
and create projects. Your papers will consist of you answering a question from your own
point of view. You will develop an introduction (thesis), 2 body paragraphs (both
supporting or one in support and one counter argument), and a conclusion. You will not
need to analyze the source, only the question being presented. You may write and submit all
your work in google docs. However, I have access to google and will be able to see what you
copy, only original material will be assessed and graded. No More Than 1000 words.Question:
To what extent should national interest be pursued?
Check List:
Introduction
❏ Did you start the paper in an interesting way?
❏ Did you explore the various positions inherent to the question?
❏ Did you provide a clear and concise thesis statement [i.e. your perspective(s) on the
question—state the perspective–should be embraced to a great extent because of
argument A and argument B.]?
Body Paragraphs (2)
❏ Do you have a clear argument [i.e. my perspective should be embraced to a great extent
because of argument A. For example…]?
❏ Did you provide specific evidence (two examples) to support your argument (this is
where you fill in the for example part seen above)?
❏ Are your arguments and evidence hard to counter; or, can the opposing position easily
poke holes in your defence? If your position can easily be countered, come up with
stronger arguments (or switch sides)!
★ Counter-Argument (optional as part of your two Body Paragraphs)
❏ Did you take an opposing argument and show why it is flawed with specific
evidence (i.e. some may argue that the perspective in the source should not be
embraced because of counter-argument A. They are wrong in their belief
because…)

Conclusion
❏ Did you summarize your main arguments in a concise, engaging manner?
❏ Do not introduce new information or arguments.
❏ Did you end the paper in an interesting manner?
❏ Do not forget to proofread and edit your paper!
Please make sure to go through the checklist as you write.
Planning template follows
I. Introduction Possible ideas for the introduction _____________________________________
_______________________________ _____________________________________________
Thesis Statement (Usually the last sentence(s) in the introduction):
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
II. Body (A paper may have a few or many main points; decide how many your paper will need)
Main Point: ___________________________________________________________________
Examples/Details/Explanations:
a. __________________________________________________________________________
b. __________________________________________________________________________
Main Point: ___________________________________________________________________
Explanations of you argument:
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
IIi. Body/Counterargument (A paper may have a few or many main points; decide how many
your paper will need) Main Point:
____________________________________________________________________________
Examples/Details/Explanations:
a. __________________________________________________________________________
b. __________________________________________________________________________
Main Point: ___________________________________________________________________
Explanations of you argument:
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
Conclusion Reworded Thesis (Usually found near the beginning of the conclusion):
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
Other Ideas to Conclude:
____________________________________________________________________________
Clincher Ideas:
____________________________________________________________________________