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Kinds of Position Paper

This document provides guidance on writing position papers. It explains that a position paper presents one side of an arguable issue and aims to convince the reader to agree with the writer's position. It outlines the key components of a position paper, including an introduction with a thesis statement, body paragraphs with arguments and evidence, and a conclusion. It also provides tips for choosing an issue, conducting research, addressing counterarguments, using credible sources, and writing with a clear style. The overall document serves as a useful guide for students on how to structure, research, and write an effective position paper.

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Kazuya 2302
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123 views28 pages

Kinds of Position Paper

This document provides guidance on writing position papers. It explains that a position paper presents one side of an arguable issue and aims to convince the reader to agree with the writer's position. It outlines the key components of a position paper, including an introduction with a thesis statement, body paragraphs with arguments and evidence, and a conclusion. It also provides tips for choosing an issue, conducting research, addressing counterarguments, using credible sources, and writing with a clear style. The overall document serves as a useful guide for students on how to structure, research, and write an effective position paper.

Uploaded by

Kazuya 2302
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PPTX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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ENGLI SH FOR

ACADEMI C AND
PROFESSI ONAL
PURPOSES
Lyann N. Cielo
WRI TES VARI OUS
KI NDS OF POSI TI ON
PAPERS
LEARNI NG
CONCEPTS
A position paper presents the writer’s stand or
viewpoint on a particular issue.

The primary goal of a position paper is to declare a


“position” on a certain matter or an issue. Its
secondary goal is to convince or persuade others to
take that side of an issue or matter.

Like a debate, a position paper presents one side of


an arguable opinion about an issue.
It is very important to ensure that you are addressing all
sides of the issue and presenting it in a manner that is easy
for your audience to understand.

Your job is to take one side of the argument and persuade


your audience that you have well-founded knowledge of the
topic being presented.

It is important to support your argument with evidence to


ensure the validity of your claims, as well as to refute the
counterclaims to show that you are well informed about both
sides.
Issue Criteria

To take a side on a subject, you should first establish the


arguability of a topic that interests you. Ask yourself the
following questions to ensure that you will be able to present
a strong argument:

• Is it a real issue, with genuine controversy and


uncertainty?
• Can you identify at least two distinctive positions?
• Are you personally interested in advocating one of these
positions?
I. INTRODUCTION

• Start with an introduction which presents the issue


while grabbing the attention of readers.
• Define the issue and discuss its background.
• Provide a general statement of your position via
your thesis statement.
II. BODY
• State your main arguments
• Provide sufficient evidence for each argument
such as statistical data, interviews with experts,
and testimonies
• Provide counterarguments against the possible
weaknesses of your arguments
III. CONCLUSION

• Restate your position and main arguments


• Suggest a course of action
• State what makes your position superior and more
acceptable
• End with a powerful closing statement such as
quotation, a challenge, or a question.
1. Choose an issue. When choosing one, keep the following
guidelines in mind.
The issue should be debatable because you won’t be able to
make a stand if the topic is not debatable.
The issue should be current or relevant
The issue should be written in a question form and answerable
by yes or no.
The issue should be narrow and manageable.
 
2. Begin the writing process by conducting an in-depth
research on the issue.
3. Make sure to define unfamiliar terms when you first
mention them.
4. Be aware of the various positions about the issue and
explain and analyze them objectively.
5. Reflect on your position and identify its weaknesses.
6. Cite valid and reliable sources (3 or more) to establish the credibility of
your arguments.
7. View the issue in a different perspective so you can present unique
approach.
8. Limit your position paper in two pages.
9. Analyze your target readers and align your arguments to their beliefs,
needs, interests, and motivations.
10. Summarize the other side’s counterarguments and use various
evidence and data to refute them.
11. Use an active voice as much as possible to achieve
dynamic and firm one.
12. Arrange your evidence logically using an inductive
or deductive approach.
13. Check your argument for fallacies and eliminate them.
Fallacies, or errors in reasoning weaken your argument.
14. Use ethical, logical, and emotional appeal. An ethical appeal
relates to your credibility and competence as a writer; a logical
appeal refers to a rational approach in developing an argument;
while an emotional appeal uses arguments in a way that evokes
feelings.
Writing with style and clarity
1. Diction
Diction refers to the choice of words for the expression
of ideas; the construction, disposition, and application
of words in your essay, with regard to clearness,
accuracy, variety, etc.; mode of expression; and
language.
2. Paragraphs

1. A paragraph is a means of developing and framing an idea or


impression. As a general rule, you should address only one major idea
per paragraph.
2. The divisions between paragraphs aren’t random, but indicate a
shift in focus. In other words you must carefully and clearly organize
the order of your paragraphs so that they are logically positioned
throughout your paper. Transitions will help you with this.
3. Transitions

Transitions signal relationships between ideas. Basically, transitions


provide the reader with directions for how to piece together your
ideas into a logically coherent argument. They are words with
particular meanings that tell the reader to think and react in a
particular way to your ideas. In providing the reader with these
important cues, transitions help readers understand the logic of how
your ideas fit together.
4. Grammar and Spelling
You must make certain that your paper is free from
grammar and spelling mistakes. Mechanical errors are
usually the main reason for lack of clarity in essays, so be
sure to thoroughly proofread your paper before handing it
in.
5. Plagiarism and academic honesty
Plagiarism is a form of stealing; as with other offences
against the law, ignorance is no excuse. The way to avoid
plagiarism is to give credit where credit is due. If you are
using someone else’s idea, acknowledge it, even if you have
changed the wording or just summarized the main points.
To avoid plagiarism, you must give credit whenever you use
• another person's idea, opinion, or theory;
• any facts, statistics, graphs, drawings--any pieces of
information--that are not common knowledge;
• quotations of another person's actual spoken or written
words; or
• paraphrase of another person's spoken or written words.
Thank You!
See you next meeting

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