Understanding Position Papers

Position Paper

• A position paper presents a stance on a specific issue or topic, supported by evidence and reasoning.
• Position papers aim to persuade the audience to adopt the author's perspective.
• These papers are common in academic, political, and policy settings.
• A clear thesis, supporting arguments, counterarguments, and often suggestions for solutions are included.

Characteristics of a Position Paper

• A clear position presents a well-defined stance on a controversial issue.
• A convincing argument uses facts and inductive reasoning to support the author's position.
• Supporting evidence includes research-based evidence and expert quotes that directly support the author's argument.
• Properly cited sources cite and attribute all information used from research to the original source.
• Background information offers a more complete understanding of the issue.
• Conciseness means papers are clear and concise, omitting unnecessary wording and details.
• A reasonable tone is used.

Parts of a Position Paper

• Introduction introduces the topic and its significance, and presents a clear thesis statement.
• Background Information provides context and background on the issue, and explains relevant history, definitions, or key concepts.
• Arguments Supporting the Position presents several main arguments that support the thesis, each backed by evidence, data, research, or expert opinions.
• Counterarguments acknowledges opposing views or arguments and offers rebuttals or explanations of why these counterarguments are less valid or relevant.
• Conclusion summarizes the main points and reinforces the thesis, it may suggest actions or implications for future consideration.
• References/Citations lists all sources cited in a specific citation style like APA or MLA.

Resume

• A resume is a formal document summarizing a person's professional qualifications, including work experience, education, skills, and achievements.
• Resumes are used when applying for jobs to provide potential employers with a snapshot of a candidate's background and suitability.
• A well-crafted resume highlights relevant information to help the candidate stand out.

Resume vs Curriculum Vitae

• Resume length is one to two pages, focusing on relevant work experience and skills for a specific job.
• Curriculum Vitae (CV) length is several pages, providing a comprehensive overview of a person's entire academic and professional history.
• Resume content highlights relevant work experience, education, skills, and accomplishments tailored to the job.
• CV content has expanded sections on education, work experience, publications, presentations, research, awards, and professional affiliations.
• Resumes are mainly used in private sector job applications.
• CVs are commonly used in academia, research, and international job applications.
• Resumes are customized for each job application to highlight specific qualifications.
• CVs remain static but may be updated as new accomplishments occur.
• Some countries use the term “CV” interchangeably with "resume," while in others, there are clear distinctions.

Parts of a Resume

• Contact Information includes name, phone number, and email address.
• Career Objective is a brief overview of career goals and qualifications.
• Education includes academic background and degrees earned.
• Work Experience lists previous jobs, including titles and responsibilities.
• Skills includes relevant skills tailored to the job description.

Constructing a Resume

• Highlighting skills and Experience summarizes your professional background.
• This makes it easy for employers to see your relevant skills and accomplishments quickly.
• Create a Strong First Impression because a well-crafted resume can help you stand out.
• Supporting Your Job Application means complementing your cover letter.
• Resume details provide additional context about your qualifications.
• Demonstrate Fit for the Role by tailoring your resume to match the job description.
• Tailoring your resume shows you're a suitable candidate for the position
• Facilitating Interviews can lead to interview opportunities.
• Interview opportunities allow you further discuss your experiences and how you can contribute to the organization.
• Show Professionalism means your well-organized resume reflects your attention to detail.
• Polished Resume represents valued traits in any candidate.

Modal Verbs

• Auxiliary verbs are used to express various shades of meaning.
• Modal verbs express shades of meaning, such as possibility, necessity, permission, ability, or obligation.
• They help convey the speaker's attitude or mood toward the action of the main verb.

Modal Verbs With Sample Sentences

• Can expresses ability, permission, and possibility.
• Examples: "She can swim very fast," "Can I leave early today?"
• Could expresses past ability, polite requests, and possibility.
• Examples: "He could read when he was three," "Could you pass the salt, please?"
• May expresses permission and possibility.
• Examples: "May I use your phone?" "We may go to the beach if the weather is good."
• Might expresses possibility and suggestion.
• Examples: "I might go to the party if I finish my work," "You might want to check your email."
• Must expresses obligation, strong recommendation, and deduction.
• Examples: "You must wear a seatbelt while driving," "You must try the chocolate cake here!"
• Shall expresses formal suggestions or offers and determination.
• Examples: "Shall we dance?" "I shall return before noon."
• Should expresses advice, obligation, and expectation.
• Examples: "You should see a doctor if you're feeling ill," "Students should submit their assignments on time."
• Will expresses future prediction or promise and determination.
• Examples: "I will help you with your project," "I will finish this by tomorrow."
• Would expresses polite requests or offers, hypothetical situations, and past habits.
• Examples: "Would you like some coffee?" "I would travel more if I had the time."