Understanding Position Papers

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

Which type of support involves the author's personal feelings or generalizations?

Facts

Comparisons

Opinions (correct)

Examples

What is the primary purpose of presenting opposing viewpoints in a position paper?

To agree with all perspectives presented

To introduce new ideas unrelated to the topic

To highlight only the writer's opinions

To refute or discredit counterarguments (correct)

What is the first step in writing a position paper?

Present the opposing viewpoints

Organize the presentation

Choose an issue for a topic (correct)

Collect information on the issue

Which type of appeal utilizes emotions to persuade the audience?

Emotional Appeals Signup and view all the answers

What is classified as information from scholarly studies or personal observations?

Facts Signup and view all the answers

Which argument type involves establishing relationships between three terms?

Argument from Transitivity Signup and view all the answers

What is a key component of gathering information on both sides of an issue?

Understanding the basic reporter questions Signup and view all the answers

What type of argument is focused on using factual evidence to target the audience's logical thinking?

Logical Appeals Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary goal of a position paper?

To convince the reader of the writer's position Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a component of a position paper according to the provided content?

Personal anecdotes Signup and view all the answers

Which element is described as a statement that expresses your stand on an issue?

Thesis Signup and view all the answers

How does a position paper generally gain credibility?

Through rational support and evidence Signup and view all the answers

In what context can a position paper be utilized?

In various contexts such as politics and education Signup and view all the answers

What term is used to refer to the arguments that support the thesis in a position paper?

Reasons Signup and view all the answers

Which component helps the reader become aware of societal problems according to the nature of a position paper?

Cause-oriented arguments Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'issue' refer to in the context of a position paper?

A topic where there is division in opinion Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary concern when assessing the soundness of an argument from comparison?

Whether the two entities are sufficiently similar to justify the conclusion. Signup and view all the answers

In an argument from incompatibility, what crucial factor must be considered?

Whether the choices are truly incompatible. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best describes an argument from generalization?

It draws conclusions about a set from one or few members of that set. Signup and view all the answers

What factor undermines the validity of an argument from examples?

The examples not being relevant to the conclusion. Signup and view all the answers

When constructing an argument from reciprocity, what is essential to confirm?

That the situations considered are categorically identical. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a consideration when determining the soundness of an argument from incompatibility?

Do the premises follow a logical sequence? Signup and view all the answers

What should be checked to validate an argument from generalization?

If the member used is a typical representative of the entire population. Signup and view all the answers

How should the soundness of an argument from comparison be evaluated?

By analyzing the significance of dissimilarities. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary characteristic of an argument from examples?

It uses a group of examples as a basis for conclusion. Signup and view all the answers

Which question should be asked to test an argument from examples?

Is there a sufficient number of examples to justify the conclusion? Signup and view all the answers

In an argument from cause, what defines a strong cause?

It guarantees the effect's occurrence when present. Signup and view all the answers

When testing an argument from sign, which aspect is crucial?

If the sign and condition show consistency. Signup and view all the answers

What is the essence of a bandwagon appeal?

It relies on the tendency to conform to the majority. Signup and view all the answers

Which emotional appeal involves portraying a person as similar to ordinary people?

Appeal to common folk Signup and view all the answers

What is a common flaw in an argument that relies on false authority?

Invoking the opinion of someone lacking expertise. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following fallacies involves attacking an opponent's character?

Ad hominem Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary effect of using ad hominem in arguments?

It casts the opponent in a negative light. Signup and view all the answers

What should emotional appeals be used in conjunction with?

Logical appeals Signup and view all the answers

What quality should a good thesis statement possess?

It should clearly indicate the writer's stance. Signup and view all the answers

When presenting an opposing viewpoint, which of the following is essential?

Accurate representation of the opposing side. Signup and view all the answers

Which negative consequence should be highlighted when arguing against corporal punishment?

Long-term impacts on self-esteem. Signup and view all the answers

What should be avoided in a balanced argument regarding emotional appeals?

Over-reliance on emotional appeal Signup and view all the answers

What is a key component of the introduction of an argumentative paper?

A thorough and clear background of the issue. Signup and view all the answers

Which strategy helps in effectively presenting the opposing viewpoint?

Pointing out errors in the opposing side’s reasoning. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Position Paper Nature

A position paper, also known as an argumentative paper or manifesto, presents a person's or group's stance on an issue.
The goal is to convince the reader of the writer's position through rational support (evidence), counter-arguments, and emotional appeals.

Position Paper Uses

Position papers are used in schools, internal relations, and politics.
They are used by cause-oriented groups, governments, and internet research.
A position paper helps show a group's or person's sentiments on an issue.
It educates others about social problems and motivates involvement in solutions.

Position Paper Parts

Issue: An idea or question over which people have differing views. This is a controversial issue. Some issues are not debatable.
Thesis: A claim/statement that expresses one's position on the issue.
Reasons/arguments: These are the writer's justifications for their position.
Support: Evidence that backs up the reasons. This can include facts from research, comparisons, examples, and opinions.
Opposing viewpoints/counterarguments: Arguments against the writer's position. These should be addressed to strengthen the position paper.

Writing a Position Paper - Steps

Step 1: Choosing an Issue: Identify an issue you feel strongly about—community problems, cause-oriented groups, news, or events.
Step 2: Collecting Information: Gather information from both sides of the issue. This includes understanding the different views and supported evidence. Answer the who, what, when, where, and why questions of the issue.
Step 3: Organizing the Content (Introduction): Introduce the issue's background (who, what, when, where, why). Compose a clear and accurate introduction.
Step 3: Organizing the Content (Introduction): State your claim/thesis clearly and directly.
Step 3: Organizing the Content (Body): Present the opposing viewpoint accurately and fairly. Identify weaknesses, negative consequences, and lack of evidence to further one's position.
Step 3: Organizing the Content (Body): Present your own arguments and support with strong evidence using both logical (facts) and emotional appeals (values, feelings). Cite all sources correctly.
Alternative Body Structure: Present your perspective, summarize the opposing view, point out its weaknesses, and restate your perspective.

Logical Appeals (Using Evidence):

Argument from Transitivity: A is B, B is C, therefore A is C. Check for three terms, consistent middle terms, and correct premises.
Argument from Incompatibility: Presents two opposing choices. Examine if the proposed choices are truly incompatible.
Argument from Reciprocity: Individuals or situations in the same category should be treated the same. Examine if they fit that category.
Argument from Comparison: Two situations are similar and will have similar outcomes. Identify similarities and justify the conclusion.
Argument from Generalization: A conclusion about a population based on one member. Verify if the member is representative.
Argument from Examples: Make conclusions about a whole population using a sample. Ensure sufficient examples and identify counter-examples.
Argument from Cause: A causes B. Determine if the relationship and cause is sufficient/necessary to give the effect.
Argument from Sign: A sign indicates B (e.g., high temperature means fever). Examine consistency and other opposing indicators.

Emotional Appeals (Using Emotional Triggers)

Bandwagon Appeal: The majority's opinion should sway others to your side.
Appeal to Common Folk: The writer is plain and relatable, to convince others.
False Authority: Using someone without expertise as an expert.
Name-Calling/Ad Hominem: Attacking the person instead of their argument.
Association: Linking an idea to a positive or negative idea to gain influence.
Use emotional appeals alongside logical appeals to convey well-balanced perspectives, otherwise papers may be considered biased or illogical. Emphasize ethical considerations when appealing to emotions.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Description

This quiz provides insights into the structure and purpose of position papers. Explore the different components such as the issue, thesis, arguments, and support. Perfect for students and anyone interested in persuasive writing.