Position Paper.pptx for English for Academic nd Professional Purposes

ENGLISH FOR ACADEMIC

1. Position Paper Prepared by: Clare T. Siplon , LPT

2. Position Paper is a composition in which the writer takes a side on a particular controversial topic and defends his side by presenting supports in the form of facts, statistics and other evidences to convince the reader to take his position.

3. Steps undertaken in writing a position paper: Selecting a topic – position paper must focus on a topic supported by research. Choose a topic that interests you. Conducting preliminary research –this is done to determine the availability of supporting materials to back up your stance. Challenging your own topic. Try thinking of arguments that opposed to your views.

4. 4. Collecting Additional Supporting Evidence – It is important to gather more evidence from various sources (primary) to further strengthen your stand. Include personal experiences to make your position emotionally appealing. 5 . Creating an outline. Follow the format: 5.1 Introduction : contains a little background information and the thesis statement a. Fast food restaurants are bad for our health. b. Fast food packages should contain warning labels.

5. 5.2 Possible objections to your position . a. Whose job is it to determine which restaurants are bad? Who draws the line? b. Such labels would affect profits of major corporations. 5.3 Support and acknowledgement of the opposing points a. It would be difficult and expensive for any entity to determine which restaurants should adhere to the policy. b. Funding would fall on the shoulders of the taxpayers. 5.4 Explanation citing that your position is still the best one despite the strength of counter arguments. a. Restaurants might improve the standards of food if warning labels were put into place. b. The cost would be countered through the improvement of public health

6. 5.5 Summary of your arguments and restatement of your position a. Having the attitude. A position paper must be written with confidence, with authority, with assertiveness. It must state your point clearly.

7. Uses of Position Papers Political –adherence on non-adherence to a political party, government program, etc. Artistic – creation or abolition of an artistic movement Scientific – acceptance or non-acceptance of a scientific theory Educational - conformity or non-conformity with educational reforms Religious – conversion to o departure from religious sects

8. 6. Professional – commitment or non-commitment to professional organizations 7. Technology – application or non-application of a technological breakthrough 8. Business – patronage or boycott of business products and establishments

9. Research Guidelines: Develop supporting evidence for both sides including factual knowledge, statistical evidence, authoritative testimony. Identify the issues and prejudices keeping in mind your audiences. Assume familiarity with basic concepts, but define unfamiliar terms/concepts or state meanings that define your point of departure. Refer to those who agree your position to assist you in developing your argument. Familiarize yourself with those who disagree with you to prepare your defense. Summarize their argument and evidence, then refute.

10. Writing Guidelines: Introduction Consider your audience. Start with a topic sentence or two that attracts attention and summarizes the issue. Inform the reader of your point of view.

11. Body 1. Keep your voice active 2. Quote source to establish authority 3. Stay focus on your point of view throughout the essays

12. Conclusion 1. Summarize then conclude your argument. 2. Share drafts to others to better develop the paper and ensure that your argument is clear. 3. Revise, spell-check, and succeed in building your case.

13. Possible topics for position paper Sexual harassments Vaccinating Children Same Sex Marriage Additional Comfort Rooms for LGBTQ Community Legalization of divorce in the Philippines Anti-Smoking Advertisements Marijuana as Medical Treatment Cell Phones Control on relationships