Position Paper
The general purpose of a position paper is to create support for one side of an often controversial issue. Such a paper should be based on an accurate pro and con analysis and should be backed by solid scholarly sources. This week, you are required to write a position paper that supports either the proliferation of coal or solar generated electricity in the United States. Your page paper should contain all of the following sections and address the information below:
a. Introduction
o Identify the issue (coal versus solar) and provide a brief background of the difference.
o Provide a thesis statement that clearly details your position.
b. Evaluation of issue
o Provide a fair discussion of the pros and cons of both coal and solar.
o Provide supporting evidence that consists of scholarly resources that back your factual claims.
c. Position
o Based on your pros and cons, choose a position (coal or solar).
o Detail why you chose your position and attempt to convince others that this is the correct choice.
o Recommend some possible alternative fuels other than coal or solar that might be utilized for electricity production and weigh their costs and benefits.
d. Conclusion
o Sum up your position and reiterate your recommendations.
There is no right or wrong position as long as you provide an argument that is supported by scholarly sources and shows a clear use of critical thinking.
Your paper must be three to five pages in length and formatted according to APA style as outlined in the Ashford Writing Center. Additionally, you must use at least three scholarly sources to provide sufficient details of the topics listed above. All sources must be properly cited in text as well as on the reference page.