Podcast
Questions and Answers
When is it most appropriate to utilize a position paper as a tool?
When is it most appropriate to utilize a position paper as a tool?
- When summarizing existing research without taking a stance.
- When there is a need to present and defend a specific viewpoint on a contentious topic. (correct)
- When the goal is to provide an overview of different perspectives without arguing for one.
- When aiming to avoid controversial topics and maintain neutrality.
What is the primary role of evidence in a position paper?
What is the primary role of evidence in a position paper?
- To potentially confuse readers with conflicting information.
- To support the author's position and enhance its credibility. (correct)
- To add length to the paper.
- To distract the reader from the main argument.
Which of the following scenarios best illustrates a suitable subject for a position paper?
Which of the following scenarios best illustrates a suitable subject for a position paper?
- The details of how a bill becomes a law.
- A commonly accepted fact.
- The weather forecast for the coming week.
- The ethics of artificial intelligence in healthcare. (correct)
Why is it important to consider the audience when writing a position paper?
Why is it important to consider the audience when writing a position paper?
What is the role of counterclaims in a position paper?
What is the role of counterclaims in a position paper?
Which of the following best describes the language and tone suitable for a position paper?
Which of the following best describes the language and tone suitable for a position paper?
What is the purpose of the introduction in a position paper?
What is the purpose of the introduction in a position paper?
What should the body of a position paper primarily contain?
What should the body of a position paper primarily contain?
Which of the following types of support are suitable for bolstering arguments in a position paper?
Which of the following types of support are suitable for bolstering arguments in a position paper?
What role does 'personal testimony' play in supporting arguments within a position paper?
What role does 'personal testimony' play in supporting arguments within a position paper?
Which of the following does NOT describe a feature of a well-written position paper?
Which of the following does NOT describe a feature of a well-written position paper?
In the conclusion of a position paper, what is the significance of including a 'plan of action'?
In the conclusion of a position paper, what is the significance of including a 'plan of action'?
Before beginning to write a position paper, which crucial question should you consider to determine if your topic is suitable?
Before beginning to write a position paper, which crucial question should you consider to determine if your topic is suitable?
When identifying your audience for a position paper, why is it critical to understand 'what kind of evidence would convince the audience to take the writer's stand'?
When identifying your audience for a position paper, why is it critical to understand 'what kind of evidence would convince the audience to take the writer's stand'?
What constitutes a notable difference between factual knowledge and statistical inferences when forming supporting arguments?
What constitutes a notable difference between factual knowledge and statistical inferences when forming supporting arguments?
Flashcards
What is a Position Paper?
What is a Position Paper?
A type of academic writing where the author presents their stance on a debatable issue, supporting it with evidence.
What makes an issue 'controversial'?
What makes an issue 'controversial'?
A question of conflicting opinions.
What is the importance of identifying your audience?
What is the importance of identifying your audience?
Understanding who will read your paper and tailoring your arguments and evidence to resonate with their interests and beliefs.
What are the key features of a position paper?
What are the key features of a position paper?
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What is the purpose of the introduction in a position paper?
What is the purpose of the introduction in a position paper?
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What is the body of a position paper for?
What is the body of a position paper for?
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What is factual knowledge in the context of supporting arguments?
What is factual knowledge in the context of supporting arguments?
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What are statistical inferences?
What are statistical inferences?
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What is Personal Testimony?
What is Personal Testimony?
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What is the function of the conclusion?
What is the function of the conclusion?
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Study Notes
- A position paper is an academic writing where the author presents their stance on a debatable subject.
- The author defends or supports their position with evidence.
Objectives for Writing a Position Paper
- Define what a position paper is
- Understand the importance of persuasion
- Identify effective situations for a position paper to be used in present society
- Learn to construct a well-written position paper, following its features
Criteria Before Writing
- Is the issue controversial?
- Are there at least two distinct positions?
- Are you personally interested in one of the positions?
- Can you manage the scope effectively?
Identify Your Audience
- Considerations when identifying the audience of a postion paper include:
- Who is likely to read the paper
- What are the general interests of the audience regarding the issue at hand
- What is the stand of the majority of the audience on the issue
- How does the issue affect the audience in general
- What kind of evidence would convince the audience to take the writer's stand
Features of a Position Paper
- Uses formal language
- Defines an issue
- Explicitly states the writer's position
- Makes claims/assertions that support the position
- Disputes counterclaims
- Uses a logical pattern when presenting arguments
Composition of a Position Paper
- A position paper consists of three main parts:
- Introduction
- Body
- Conclusion
Introduction
- Identifies the issue that will be discussed.
- States the author's position on that issue.
- Includes an introduction of the topic with background information.
- Builds up to the thesis statement, which asserts the author's position.
Body
- Includes the central argument and can be divided into sections.
- Includes a discussion of possible objections to the author's position (counterarguments).
- Contains a discussion of both sides of the issue.
- Addresses and refutes arguments that contradict the author's position.
- Explains why the author's position is still the best one, despite counterarguments.
Supporting Arguments
- Factual knowledge provides valid and verifiable information.
- Statistical inferences draw conclusions from gathered data.
- Personal testimony offers personal or first-hand experience.
Conclusion
- Restates the key points.
- Suggests resolution to the issue, when applicable.
- Restates the position.
- Provides a plan of action.
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