Position Papers and Arguments

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Questions and Answers

What characteristic defines a manifesto?

It is focused exclusively on personal opinions.

It is written in the name of a group with shared beliefs. (correct)

It is typically authored by a single individual.

It only addresses scientific topics.

Which fallacy involves attacking the individual making the argument rather than the argument itself?

Burden of Proof

Strawman

Ad Hominem (correct)

Slippery Slope

The assertion that allowing one event to occur will lead to an extreme consequence is known as what type of fallacy?

Bandwagon

Loaded Question

Composition Division

Slippery Slope (correct)

What flaw does the Black or White fallacy present?

It only presents two options as the only possibilities. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following exemplifies the composition division fallacy?

Assuming one person's laziness defines an entire group. Signup and view all the answers

What is a common misunderstanding in the burden of proof fallacy?

The opponent must prove innocence instead of the claimant proving responsibility. Signup and view all the answers

Which fallacy uses popularity as a means of validation?

Bandwagon Signup and view all the answers

How does a Loaded Question fallacy function?

It poses a question that contains an unjustified assumption. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best describes the purpose of factual evidence in an argument?

It provides concrete support for claims and enhances the credibility of the argument. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main difference between empirical evidence and statistical information?

Empirical evidence is based on direct observations and tests, whereas statistical information is organized data. Signup and view all the answers

What role does reasoning play in the structure of an argument?

It links evidence to claims made, creating a logical framework. Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to challenge the quality of evidence in arguments you disagree with?

To ensure that arguments are constructed on credible foundations. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements is true regarding the source of factual evidence?

Factual evidence should ideally originate from credible sources or verifiable information. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of a position paper?

To convince the reader to adopt the writer's stand Signup and view all the answers

Which component of a position paper reflects the writer's chosen stance on an issue?

Argumentative Thesis Signup and view all the answers

In a logical argument, what role do premises serve?

They provide supporting reasons for the conclusion Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes a manifesto?

A public declaration of principles or intentions Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of a claim in the context of a position paper?

The hair policy is unfair to male students Signup and view all the answers

When analyzing an argument, what is typically the first step?

Recognize the main assertion Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements is NOT true about claims in a position paper?

Claims should be factual and unbiased Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of evidence in a position paper?

It provides support to strengthen the claims Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Position Paper

A position paper presents a stance on a debatable issue.
The goal is to persuade the reader to adopt the writer's viewpoint.
The paper should be arguable.

Position Paper Components

Issue: The topic being debated. The writer chooses a side (positive or negative).
Argumentative Thesis: A statement of the writer's position on the issue.
Claims: Supporting statements for the thesis.
Evidence: Proofs supporting the claims. Example: statistics, examples, expert opinions.

Argument

An argument comprises a conclusion and premises leading to the conclusion.
Premises are reasons given to justify the conclusion.
Example: "If you want a good grade, study hard. You want a good grade. Therefore, study hard."

Manifesto

A manifesto is a public declaration of intentions, views, or plans.
It often outlines the position or program of an individual or group about political, ideological, and other issues.

Fallacies

Fallacies are flawed reasoning that leads to inaccurate conclusions without proper evidence.
Ad Hominem: Attacking the person making the argument instead of the argument itself.
Straw Man: Misrepresenting someone's argument to make it easier to attack.
Slippery Slope: Arguing that one action will inevitably lead to a series of negative consequences.
Burden of Proof: Claiming that the burden of proof lies on someone else to disprove a claim.
Composition/Division: Assuming something true of a part is true of the whole, or vice versa.
Bandwagon: Accepting a claim because many people believe it.
Appeal to Emotion: Using emotional appeals instead of logical arguments.
Loaded Question: Asking a question with an embedded assumption.
Black or White: Presenting only two options when more exist.

Factual Evidence

Facts: Statements known to be true.
Empirical Evidence: Data based on observations and experiments.
Statistical Information: Data collected, analyzed, and presented by scientists.

Essential Features of a Position Paper

A debatable issue statement.
A clear position on the issue.
A convincing argument.
A reasonable tone.

Credible Sources

Laws and government documents.
Reports from international organizations.
Books, encyclopedias, and dictionaries.
Academic articles and reputable news sources.
Expert interviews.

Position Paper Format

Argumentative Thesis: A clear assertion of the author's position.
Claims/Assertions: Supporting statements.
Evidence: Proof that justifies the claims.
Conclusion: Summary of arguments and justification for the thesis.

Scientific Report

Reports that systematically describe scientific or technical investigations.
Includes sections like introduction, methods, results, discussion, and conclusion.

Field Report

A report on a field or practical study.
Includes observations, descriptions of activities, interpretation, and analysis. Explores events from a study or observation.

Business Report

Conveys information relevant to business decision-making.
Includes sections like executive summary, table of contents, introduction, body, and conclusion.

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Description

This quiz explores the components and structure of position papers, argumentative theses, and effective claims and evidence. You'll learn how to construct persuasive arguments while avoiding common fallacies. Test your understanding of these critical writing skills!