Position Paper Guidelines PDF

ENGLISH FOR ACADEMIC AND PROFESSIONAL PURPOSES Ms. Eunice L. Montesor Teacher POSITION PAPER Content: I. DEFINITION OF A POSITION PAPER II. FEATURES OF AN EFFECTIVE POSITION PAPER A. PARTS OF A POSITION PAPER B. GUIDELINES IN WRITING A POSITION PAPE...

ENGLISH FOR ACADEMIC AND PROFESSIONAL PURPOSES Ms. Eunice L. Montesor Teacher POSITION PAPER Content: I. DEFINITION OF A POSITION PAPER II. FEATURES OF AN EFFECTIVE POSITION PAPER A. PARTS OF A POSITION PAPER B. GUIDELINES IN WRITING A POSITION PAPER 3 DEFINITION What does Position Paper mean? “Position Paper or Point of View Paper is an essay that requires a writer to think critically and craft a persuasive argument supported by well-researched evidence.” Position Paper presents the writer’s stand or viewpoint on a particular issue. In writing the position paper, you have to outline your arguments and propose a course of action. 5 FEATURES How to make an effective position paper? A. PARTS OF A POSITION PAPER Introduction Body Conclusion 7 I. INTRODUCTION A. Issue and Its Background ▸ Start with an introduction which presents the issue while grabbing the attention of readers What is an issue? Issue — central concept up for contention 8 I. INTRODUCTION (Continuation) A. Issue and Its Background What are some examples of issues? Issue: Implementing a dress code in school Issue: Building of condominiums near universities ▸ Define the issue and discuss its background 9 I. INTRODUCTION (Continuation) B. Thesis Statement or Argumentative Thesis ▸ Provide a general statement of your position via your thesis statement What is an Argumentative Thesis? - a developed issue which is a statement that contains the stand of the author on the issue and claims 10 I. INTRODUCTION (Continuation) B. Thesis Statement or Argumentative Thesis What is a Claim? - statement that support the author’s stand 11 Topic : Bicycle Issue : Using bicycle to commute to work or school Stand : In favor Claims : health benefits, saves money, environment friendly Thesis Statement Example: Cycling as a mode of transport should be promoted because of its health, financial and environmental benefits. 12 Topic : Covid-19 Vaccine Booster Issue : Receiving Covid-19 Vaccine Booster Stand : In favor Claims : improve neutralizing antibody titers : elicit strong immune responses Thesis Statement Example: Covid-19 Vaccine Booster must be implemented in every country because it will help to improve neutralizing antibody titers and elicit strong immune responses in one’s body. 13 EXAMPLE INTRODUCTION OF A POSITION PAPER Taft Avenue is a very busy part of Metro Manila. Because of the fast-paced living in the area, it is possible that condominium living has been the trend for many due to the access it provides for inhabitants to go to business and education districts such as Manila, Quezon City, and Makati. The increase in condominiums around the area could also be a result of the density of people, predominantly students, given that De La Salle University, one of the country’s top universities, is located along Taft Avenue. It is probable that most of these students would prefer condominium living rather than traveling from home to school and vice versa which, for the case of some, can be costly. 14 II. BODY A. State the main arguments (elaboration of claims) ▸ State your main arguments ▸ Provide sufficient evidence for each argument What are evidences? - proofs to strengthen the author’s claims 15 II. BODY (Continuation) A. State the main arguments (elaboration of claims) Examples of evidences: surveys(statistical data), library research and experiments informant interviews expert interviews and testimonies 16 II. BODY (Continuation) B. Provide counterarguments (summary of counterclaims) ▸ Provide counterarguments against the possible weaknesses of your arguments 17 EXAMPLE BODY OF A POSITION PAPER MAIN ARGUMENTS (ELABORATION OF CLAIMS) Condominium living nowadays can be considered relevant and advantageous for the modern society (Benefits of living in Manila condominiums, 2009). One advantage of living in condominiums is the convenience of the tenants. In this case… COUNTERARGUMENTS (SUMMARY OF COUNTERCLAIMS) Opposing parties might say that the establishment of condominiums may pose some disadvantages rather than benefits to the majority. Some may argue that condominium living is not the ideal way of living, and that people would prefer more quiet and peaceful… 18 III. CONCLUSION ▸ Restate your position and main arguments ▸ Suggest a course of action ▸ State what makes your position superior and more acceptable ▸ End with a powerful closing statement (quotation, challenge, or a question) 19 To learn more about building a position, please read the text in your book on page 116-121 entitled, How to Build a Position by Marikit Tala Alto Uychoco. Some topics discussed there are the following: - gathering evidences - having credible resources - refining the argument - preparing for the opposition - writing the position paper B. GUIDELINES IN WRITING A POSITION PAPER 21 GUIDELINES IN WRITING A POSITION PAPER 1. 2. 3. Choose an issue. Conduct an in- Define unfamiliar depth research terms when you An issue should be: on the issue. first mention ▸ debatable ▸ current and relevant them. ▸ answerable by yes or no (if in question form) ▸ narrow and manageable 22 GUIDELINES IN WRITING A POSITION PAPER (continuation) 4. 5. 6. Be aware of the Reflect on your Cite valid and various positions position and reliable sources. about the issue. identify its Explain and analyze weaknesses. them objectively. 23 GUIDELINES IN WRITING A POSITION PAPER (continuation) 7. 8. 9. View the issue on Limit it to 2 Align the different pages. arguments to the perspective. target reader’s beliefs, needs, interests, and motivations. 24 GUIDELINES IN WRITING A POSITION PAPER (continuation) 10. 11. 12. Summarize the Use active Arrange your evidence other side’s voice. logically using an counterarguments inductive or deductive and use various approach. evidence to refute them. 25 GUIDELINES IN WRITING A POSITION PAPER (continuation) 13. 14. Eliminate fallacies Use ethical, logical, and emotional appeal. or errors in ▸ Ethical- relates to credibility and competence reasoning in your of the writer arguments. ▸ Logical- refers to rational approach in developing an argument ▸ Emotional- uses arguments in a way that evokes feelings 26 Let’s Review Some Concepts: What are the parts of a Position Paper? A. Issue and Its Background B. Thesis Statement or Argumentative Thesis Introduction A. Main Arguments Body B. Counterarguments Restatement of position Conclusion and main argument Suggestion for a course of action 27