Name____________________________

POSITION PAPERS
BIO 2003G Heredity & Society, Fall 2008

Print this grading chart and use it as the cover page for each paper.  


Stating your position
 Position is very clearly stated.
3
 Position is somewhat lacking in clarity.
2
 Position is very unclear.
1
 Position not stated.
0

Support for your position
All reasons are strong.
5
 Some reasons are strong, but one is weak.
4
 Some reasons are strong, but two are weak
3
At least one strong reason, but more than two are weak.
2

All reasons are weak.
1
No reasons given.
0
Accuracy
No factual errors
2
One factual error
1
Two or more factual errors
0
  
 
Consistency
A consistent position is taken throughout
2
One inconsistency
1
Two or more inconsistencies
0
  
 
Correct English usage (grammar, sentence structure, punctuation, spelling)
0-3 mistakes

3
4-6 mistakes

2
7-9 mistakes

1
10 or more mistakes

0
 
Total score: _______ / 15
 
PAPER TOPICS  (CHOOSE ANY TWO):
See syllabus for due dates.

1.    Cloning
          Background information
          Should people be allowed to clone their pets, as described in this article?  Why or why not? 
          Include in your answer your thoughts on Ms. McKinney's statement, "Yes, I know you! You know me, too!"

2.    Genetic Testing
          Background information:  Pro    Con
          Should companies like the ones described in the background info be allowed to market their kits to the public?

3.    Stem cells     
           Background information
           Write a letter to either John McCain or Barack Obama, telling him whether you agree or disagree with
           him on the issue of embryonic stem cell research and why.  (Sending the letter is optional but encouraged.)

4.   Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART)
            Background information:     Story 1      Story 2
            Should ART be used to enable pregnancies in older women for reasons like these?  How about for other reasons?


REQUIREMENTS
 

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