Provide a paper of 750-800 words arguing for or against fracking from the perspective of your role, addressing potential objections and arguments of the opposite side. You must cite at least 10 references in your paper and corresponding bibliography. These can include the two you used in your introductory statement. Online and print articles are both valid, but they must be reputable sources – no blogs, un-cited web articles, or Wikipedia (though you could use some sources cited by Wikipedia). Feel free to use the extensive campus library resources or Google Scholar. The website Web of Knowledge will be especially helpful for this (and for future writing assignments in other courses). The “Debate Resources” page here on Canvas provides a starting point for your research.
ESS 101: Hydraulic Fracturing Debate
Written Format
INTRODUCTION
The small city of Waynesville, Texas, has been identified as a candidate for hydraulic fracturing (aka
“fracking”). Fracking is defined by the United States Geological Survey (USGS) as an “oil and gas well
development process that typically involves injecting water, sand, and chemicals under high pressure into
a bedrock formation via the well. This process is intended to create new fractures in the rock as well as
increase the size, extent, and connectivity of existing fractures.” The result of this process increases gas or
oil flow in low-permeability rocks, aiding extraction.
Amid worries of disruption to the small town life afforded by the citizens of Waynesville, and concern for
environmental impacts, the city council is considering a ban on fracking within city limits. To aid in their
decision, they have sought the opinion of members of the community and experts alike.
Your job will be to debate the following motion:
The city of Waynesville should impose a ban on fracking
You have been assigned a side, either Pro-ban or Anti-ban. Now, c hoose one of these possible roles:
Possible Roles:
Local resident
Geologist
Farmer/land owner
Climate scientist
Local Congressional representative
Local business owner
Member of environmental group
Public health official
Oil company executive
Hydrologist
Mayor of the town
Lawyer
Pro-ban- Students who have UW student number that ends in an even number (0, 2, 4, 6, 8). You are against
fracking.
Anti-ban- Students who have a UW student number that ends in an odd number (1, 3, 5, 7, 9). You support
fracking.
ASSIGNMENT
1. Introductory Statement – To aid in the initial analysis of the spectrum of the community’s
various positions, you have been asked to write a short, 100-150 word introductory statement. In
that, you need to succinctly address the following:
a. Who are you? (What is your role?)
b. What is your position on the fracking ban? (Pro or Con?)
c. What are the top three reasons for your position on the ban?
d. Include at least 2 peer-reviewed, scientific articles to support the reasons for your
position.
e. End this statement with a clear sentence telling the city council how it should vote.
(Impose the ban or not.)
2. Writing Assignment – For a more comprehensive evaluation, the city council has asked you to
prepare a written, well-researched statement of your position on the issue. Provide a paper of
750-800 words arguing for or against fracking from the perspective of your role, addressing
potential objections and arguments of the opposite side.
You must cite at least 10 references in your paper and corresponding bibliography. These can
include the two you used in your introductory statement. Online and print articles are both valid,
but they must be reputable sources – no blog sources, un-cited web articles, or Wikipedia (though
you could use some sources cited by Wikipedia). Feel free to use the extensive campus library
resources or Google Scholar. The website Web of Knowledge will be especially helpful for this
(and for future writing assignments in other courses).
A possible format for the Writing Assignment is outlined below. Papers do not need to follow this
format, as long as they are clear and logical, but should include all of the described components.
A. Introduction
-Introduce who you are, your position, why your statement should be considered,
and the thesis of your argument.
B. Main Argument
-Lay out your main argument, backed up by research.
-Identify potential problems with your argument that might be raised by the other
side, and address them.
C. Rebuttal
-Identify (with sources!) and rebut a potential argument of the other side. This
should be one that your role is suited to address.
D. Conclusion
-Reiterate and reinforce your main points. Show how all of your points, when
brought together, support your side in a logical and cohesive conclusion.
E. Bibliography
-Sources cited using an appropriate citation guideline (MLA, APA, etc.).
GRADING
Introductory statement
5
Introduction
Principal argument
Address potential objections
Rebuttal of an opposing argument
Conclusion
Bibliography
1
2
1
1
1
1
Writing clarity
Logical arguments
Quality of research
1
1
1
Total
15