English for Academic and Professional Purposes: Writing a Position Paper, Assignments of English

Download English for Academic and Professional Purposes: Writing a Position Paper and more Assignments English in PDF only on Docsity! Writing a Position Paper  It presents the writers stand or viewpoint on a particular issue.  Entails outlining arguments and proposing the course of action; by doing so, you are already taking part in a larger debate. Furthermore, you also have power to change the opinions and attitude of others when you write a position paper. Because of this, a position paper can be an essential tool in bringing about societal change. For example, if you do not agree with a certain issue, you can write a position paper to reflect on your point of view. Parts of a Position Paper 1. Introduction  Start with an introduction which presents the issue while grabbing the attention of readers.  Define the issue and discuss its background.  Provide a general statement of your position via thesis statement. 2. Body  State your main arguments.  Provide sufficient evidence for each argument such as statistical data, interviews with experts, and testimonies. 3. 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 such as quotation, a challenge, or a question. Guidelines in Writing a Position Paper Choose an issue. When choosing one, keep the following guidelines in mind  The issue should be debatable—you won’t be able to take a stand if the topic is not debatable.  The issue should be current and relevant.  The issue should be written in a question form and answerable by yes or no.  The issue should be narrow and manageable. 2. Begin the writing process by conducting an in-depth research on the issue. 3. Make sure to define unfamiliar terms when you first mention them. 4. Be aware of various positions about the issue and explain and analyze them objectively. 5. Reflect on your position and identify its weaknesses. 6. Cite valid and reliable sources to establish the credibility of your arguments. 7. View the issue in a different perspective so you can present a unique approach. 8. Limit your position paper to two pages. 9. Analyze your target readers and align your arguments to their beliefs, needs, interests, and motivations. 10. Summarize the other side’s counter arguments and use various evidence and data to refute them. 11. Use an active voice as much as possible to achieve a dynamic and firm tone. 12. Arrange your evidence logically using an inductive or deductive approach. 13. Check your argument for fallacies and eliminate them. Fallacies, or errors in reasoning, weaken your argument. 14. Use ethical, logical, and emotional appeal.  An ethical appeal relates to your credibility and competence as a writer.  A logical appeal refers to a rational approach in developing an argument.  An emotional appeal uses arguments in a way that evokes feelings. State represented: THE KINGDOM OF NETHERLANDS