Position Papers and Arguments

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.