1. Writing a University Position Paper

2. Competencies: The learner… 1. defines what a position paper is
1. defines what a position paper is
CS_EN11/12A-EAPP-IIa-d-1
identifies situations in which a
position paper may be effectively
used in our present society
CS_EN11/12A-EAPP-IIa-d-2

3. Activity: Modified version of the boat is sinking: 1
Activity: Modified version of the boat is sinking: 1. A picture will be shown to you and you have to take side whether you are Pro or Anti (if pro take a specific sides whether you are Pro with reservation or Pro 100%) 2. The group will vote their speaker of the house to react and take position of the topic 3. In taking position/stand point on the topic: the teacher will choose the following: a. What I know about the topic b. What I feel about the topic c. What I can do about the topic

6. Not wearing uniform in college

7. Having women in Military

8. Having transgender in major beauty contest

9. Having men/husband to stay at home and do the chores while women will work and earn for the family

10. What did you learn in the activity
What did you learn in the activity? What is it important to take a position? What do you need to do when taking a position? What are the elements in making position/stand point

11. A position paper is a kind of academic writing in which the student researches a controversial issue and writes a paper that explains his/her stand or viewpoint on it.

12. The main goal of a position paper is to take part in the larger debate on the issue by stating and supporting your opinion or recommended course of action. The student is required to research other papers on the issue, analyze them in depth, and formulate his/her own argument on the matter.

13. Like a debate, a position paper presents one side of an arguable opinion about an issue. The goal of a position paper is to convince the audience that your opinion is valid and defensible. Ideas that you are considering need to be carefully examined in choosing a topic, developing your argument, and organizing your paper

14. Your job is to take one side of the argument and persuade your audience that you have well-founded knowledge of the topic being presented. It is important to support your argument with evidence to ensure the validity of your claims, as well as to refute the counterclaims to show that you are well informed about both sides.

15. 1. Is it a real issue, with genuine controversy and uncertainty?
Issue Criteria
 1. Is it a real issue, with genuine controversy and uncertainty?
2. Can you identify at least two distinctive positions?

16. 4. Is the scope of the issue narrow enough to be manageable?
 3. Are you personally interested in advocating one of these positions?
4. Is the scope of the issue narrow enough to be manageable?

18. In determining your viewpoint, ask yourself the following:
1. Is your position/argument interesting? Remember that originality counts. Be aware that your professor/TA will probably read a number of essays on the same topic(s), so any paper that is inventive and original will not only stand out but will also be appreciated.

19. 2. Do you have enough material or proof to support your opinion?
3. Does your topic assert something specific, prove it, and where applicable, propose a plan of action?

20. Organization and Outline
I. Introduction ___A. Introduce the topic
___B. Provide background on the topic to explain why it is important that the audience/reader must believe in your argument
___C. Assert the thesis (your view of the issue).

21. II. Argument
___A. Assert point #1 of your claims _____1. Give your educated and informed opinion _____2. Provide support/proof using more than one source ___B. Assert point #2 of your claims _____1. Give your educated and informed opinion _____2. Provide support/proof using more than one source ___C. Assert point #3 of your claims _____1. Give your educated and informed opinion _____2. Provide support/proof using more than one source

22. III. Conclusion ___A. Restate your argument ___B
III. Conclusion ___A. Restate your argument ___B. Provide a plan of action but do not introduce new information

23. Example of a position paper refer separate file

24. Application Write a Position paper on “Through Science, Humans changed the Earth (better or worse?)” specification: -intro, thesis and position -3 claims -conclusion