5 Steps to Write a Strong Position Paper

In a position paper assignment, your charge is to choose a side on a particular topic, sometimes controversial, and build up a case for your opinion or position. You will use facts, opinion, statistics, and other forms of evidence to convince your reader that your position is the best one. To do this, youll collect research for your position paper and craft an outline in order to create a well-constructed argument. Select a Topic for Your Paper Your position paper centers around a topic that is supported by research. Your topic and position have to hold up when challenged, so its helpful to research a few topics and pick the one you can best argue, even if it may not reflect your personal beliefs. In many cases, the subject matter and your topic are not as important as your ability to make a strong case. Your topic can be simple or complex, but your argument must be sound and logical. Conduct Preliminary Research Preliminary research is necessary to determine whether sufficient evidence is available to back up your stance. You don’t want to get too attached to a topic that falls apart under a challenge. Search a few reputable sites, like education (.edu) sites and government (.gov) sites, to find professional studies and statistics. If you come up with nothing after an hour of searching, or if you find that your position doesn’t stand up to the findings on reputable sites, choose another topic. This could save you from a lot of frustration later. Challenge Your Own Topic You must know the opposite view as well as you know your own stance when you take a position. Take the time to determine all the possible challenges that you might face as you support your view. Your position paper must address the opposing view and chip away at it with counter-evidence. Consider having friends, colleagues, or family debate the topic with you to get alternative points of view that you might not have readily considered yourself. When you find arguments for the other side of your position, you can address them in a fair manner, and then state why they are not sound. Another helpful exercise is to draw a line down the middle of a plain sheet of paper and list your points on one side and list opposing points on the other side. Which argument is really better? If it looks like your opposition might outnumber you with valid points, you should reconsider your topic or your stance on the topic. Continue to Collect Supporting Evidence Once you’ve determined that your position is supportable and the opposite position is (in your opinion) weaker than your own, you are ready to branch out with your research. Go to a library and conduct a search, or ask the reference librarian to help you find more sources. You can, of course, conduct online research as well, but its important to know how to properly vet the validity of the sources you use. Ensure that your articles are written by reputable sources, and be wary of singular sources that differ from the norm, as these are often subjective rather than factual in nature. Try to collect a variety of sources, and include both an expert’s opinion (doctor, lawyer, or professor, for example) and personal experience (from a friend or family member) that can add an emotional appeal to your topic. These statements should support your own position but should read differently than your own words. The point of these is to add depth to your argument or provide anecdotal support. Create an Outline A position paper can be arranged in the following format: 1. Introduce your topic with some basic background information. Build up to your thesis sentence, which asserts your position. Sample points: For decades, the FDA has required that warning labels should be placed on certain products that pose a threat to public health.Fast food restaurants are bad for our health.Fast food packages should contain warning labels. 2. Introduce possible objections to your position. Sample points: Such labels would affect the profits of major corporations.Many people would see this as overreaching government control.Whose job is it to determine which restaurants are bad? Who draws the line?The program would be costly. 3. Support and acknowledge the opposing points. Just be sure you arent discrediting your own views. Sample points: It would be difficult and expensive for any entity to determine which restaurants should adhere to the policy.Nobody wants to see the government overstepping its boundaries.Funding would fall on the shoulders of taxpayers. 4. Explain that your position is still the best one, despite the strength of counter-arguments. This is where you can work to discredit some of the counter-arguments and support your own. Sample points: The cost would be countered by the improvement of public health.Restaurants might improve the standards of food if warning labels were put into place.One role of the government is to keep citizens safe.The government already does this with drugs and cigarettes. 5. Summarize your argument and restate your position. End your paper focusing on your argument and avoid the counter-arguments. You want your audience to walk away with your view on the topic being one that resonates with them. When you write a position paper, write with confidence and state your opinion with authority. After all, your goal is to demonstrate that your position is the correct one.

The Frankenstein By Mary Shelley - 1505 Words

In the Frankenstein by Mary Shelley, the creature is an outcast in society, without a friend in the world is thrust away by humanity due to his appearance. His creator, Victor Frankenstein turns his back on the creature he created leaving him to his own devices to learn how to survive in the new world with no guidance from his creator. The creature devolves due to a series of events, feeling different emotions for the first time in his life, becoming helpless, discouraged leading into leading into retaliation of anger and violence. The author makes it clear his retaliation will not have a positive outcome. First, the creature reveals emotions of his â€Å" ‘Accursed creator! Why did you form a monster so hideous that even you turned from me in disgust. God in pity, made man beautiful and alluring after his own image; but resemblance. Satan had his companions, fellow-devils, to admire and encourage him; but I am solitary and abhorrded.† The event which bring ou t these feelings are when he finds a lethern portoutue with several books on the ground. The creature rushes off to read them and making the creature feels hopeless and discouraged due to his appearance. He realized his creator made him hideous looking, extremely oversized and thus scary questioning here he came from and who he was? His creator and not God made him looks like this becoming self-conscious and discourage about what people will think of him. The amplification of the creatures emotionsShow MoreRelatedFrankenstein, By Mary Shelley1650 Words   |  7 Pagesbook of Frankenstein does one just think of a mythical science fiction book that really has no meaning? Frankenstein can have numerous meanings depending on how a person perceives it. Frankenstein can be analyzed into many themes; some say religion, feminism, or scientific symbolization, it all depends on ones own perception. When one analyzes further into Mary Shelly’s life and then interprets the novel it is obvious that is a sociological theme. One can simply assume that Mary Shelley creates FrankensteinRead MoreFrankenstein by Mary Shelley1093 Words   |  4 Pagesfaster than man can contend with. That argument is the premises, moral, and plot base for Mary Shelleys tale Frankenstein. On the other hand, J. Michael Bishops, essay Enemies of Promise   on the other hand promotes and boast sciences achievements. However, Mary Shelley presents her point of view subtly yet very dramatically, which is much more effective than that of J. Michael Bishop. The dramatic story Shelley creates becomes a part of the reader, therefore holding the readers attention. ShelleysRead MoreMary Shelley Frankenstein859 Words   |  4 Pages Mary Shelley The Creature in Mary Shelley’s â€Å"Frankenstein or the Modern Prometheus† needs a companionship as every ordinary human. Every man needs a woman, who will able to share moments of happiness and sadness, a woman who will be able to share thoughts and of course a woman who will be able to love a man. In this case the Creature needs a bride. But the problem is that the Creature from the â€Å"Frankenstein or the Modern Prometheus† is not a human. SoRead MoreFrankenstein, by Mary Shelley1138 Words   |  5 PagesIs Frankenstein a man, whose ambition led to a disaster; or a monster, which created a life with disregard for the human race? Frankenstein, in my opinion, was the monster not the life that he had created. Frankenstein never admitted to his family what he had done, never admitted responsibility for his actions. He might as well have killed Elizabeth, William, Justine, and Clerval with his own hand. The so called â€Å"Monster† only wanted companionship; he did not want to murder those people. TheRead MoreFrankenstein, By Mary Shelley1325 Words   |  6 PagesI have been informed that you are pushing to remove the book Frankenstein by Mary Shelley from the school curriculum. I’ve decided to write to you and explain why I believe that you are misinformed, and in fact, why this is a huge importance to the students of today. Frankenstein is a classic which recounts the life and horrors of Victor Frankenstein, as told through a series of letters and narrations. His obsession with the natural world and science brings him to a state of mind which ultimatelyRead MoreFrankenstein, By Mary Shelley1580 Words   |  7 PagesFrankenstein by Mary Shelley is a sci-fi novel written during the Romantic Movement in Britain’s early nineteenth century. The movement was stimulated by the French Revolution, Industrial Revolution and in reaction against the emphasis on reason in eighteenth-century Enlightenment philosophy (The Romantic Movement, 2014 ). Mary Shelley’s husband, Percy Shelley was also a romantic poet during the movement. Shelley’s novel is evidently influenced by her relationship with her husband, which is illustratedRead MoreFrankenstein by Mary Shelley739 Words   |  3 Pagesinterconnections of humanity, nature, and divinity (â€Å"Romanticism 1†). English Romanticism being trendy in Europe, people would vent their outlooks onto their personal fiction works such as Mary Shelley. Shelley uses vivid creativity and romantic elements to create one of her admired novels, Frankenstein. In Shelley’s novel, Frankenstein, most of the characters prove their compassion for mankind, prove their rejection of technology and science, and prove their involvement in a romantic quest. These several characteristicsRead MoreFrankenstein, By Mary Shelley1040 Words   |  5 Pages In 1818, a book titled Frankenstein was published anonymously, mysteriously dedicated to William Godwin, a prominent journal ist and political philosopher of his time. The immediate reviews of the novel were mixed, most edging towards critical, although no one knew who the book was written by. However, while Frankenstein failed to gain popularity immediately, no one had any idea the lasting impact this novel would have on the world. Despite the lukewarm reception at its debut, it soon proved to beRead MoreFrankenstein, by Mary Shelley1078 Words   |  5 PagesMary Shelley’s Frankenstein has undoubtedly withstood the test of time. Frankenstein’s direct association with fundamental Gothic literature is extremely renowned. However, the novel’s originality is derived from the foundational thematic values found within the relationship (or lack there of) between Victor Frankenstein and the monster he had created, in combination with a fascinatingly captivating plot. Understandably, Frankenstein can often be associated with a multitude of concepts; however,Read MoreFrankenstein, By Mary She lley1532 Words   |  7 PagesLike any author, especially one who created a new genre, there will be criticism, and Shelley is no exception. Shelley received criticism surrounding Frankenstein not only because she was a female writer, but because of her writing style. Originally, Frankenstein was published anonymously and was thought that her husband, Percy Shelley, wrote it (â€Å"Mary Shelley Biography† 2016). Shelley may have published Frankenstein anonymously because â€Å"’women understood that they got a â€Å"better hearing† if it was thought

Self Defense Essay free essay sample

Nowadays violence can happen anywhere, anytime, and to anybody. In fact, it is overwhelmingly likely that some of you will become the targets of violence in the future. The purpose I am here is to help you prepare for It. Today, Ill show you three strategies of self-defense that can help you protect yourself and escape from dangerous situations. The first strategy of self-defense Is avoiding dangerous people and dangerous places. The primary goal of self-defense Is to avoid becoming the victim of violence. The best way to do this is not to be where violence Is likely to occur.For example, If you visit dangerous neighborhoods at night frequent places where drunken men gather, you are running some obvious risks. I know avoiding dangerous people and dangerous places Is now always possible, but keep In mind that It Is your first and best line of defense. The second strategy of self-defense Is to be aware of situation. We will write a custom essay sample on Self Defense Essay or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page When you are on the street, be observant of your surroundings and if possible, avoid potentially dangerous situations. When practical, run. It is a great defense. For example, be aware of dangerous if you are alone on a quiet street at night.Then, after observing oh surroundings, if you discover someone watching your steps or quietly following you, run immediately out of this dangerous place. Dont wait until they come closer to you and have a chance to attack you as in the case of my friend that I mention above. Some of you would say if doing so, people would laugh at me. you concern is absolutely right, but remember, your pride will heal faster than your body, and you live is more important than you live, in this case. The last strategy of self-defense is quickly respond and escape. In any case, if violence is unavoidable, you should face it and respond to it immediately. Remember, your goal is to get away with minimum trauma (to you), while harming your attacker in any way that seems necessary to ensure your escape. For example, if an attacker grabs your right wrist and pull, you should immediately and quickly slide lightly to the right and toward him, while lower your body to maintain your balance. Next, turn you palm down, bend you lower arm inward and bring your elbow over your attackers lower arm. Then, your right wrist is released. At the same time you can hit the attackers nose by your left palm or punch him at his chest and stomp his feet, hen escape.Keeping yourself safe should be the only your concern. Street violence is a big problem in modern today society. Because violence happens everywhere, no one can be Immune from It. However, If you apply three strategies Ive Just told you to your everyday life, you would likely reduce the risk of becoming the victim of violence and would likely escape from It without fighting. Three strategies of self-defense are, one: avoid dangerous people and dangerous places; two: be aware of situation; three: give up property future. The purpose I am here is to help you prepare for it.Today, Ill show you three The first strategy of self-defense is avoiding dangerous people and dangerous places. The primary goal of self-defense is to avoid becoming the victim of violence. The best way to do this is not to be where violence is likely to occur. For example, if dangerous places is now always possible, but keep in mind that it is your first and The second strategy of self-defense is to be aware of situation. When you are on happens everywhere, no one can be immune from it. However, if you apply three becoming the victim of violence and would likely escape from it without fighting.

Head of Customs Field Operations Division Rwanda Revenue free essay sample

I I Its also important to note that Rwanda is a landlocked country surrounded by Democratic Republic of Congo, Burundi, Tanzania and Uganda. This is to imply that it is a transit country tort consignments destined to its neighbors and heavily depends on imports from the major ports of Mambas in Kenya and Dark- sees- Salaam in Tanzania respectively. I I There has been various studies and reports produced by experts and indicated[l] the transit distances from the port of Mambas along the Northern Corridor member countries like Rwanda and Burundi are some of the longest I laming landlocked countries with an estimate of skim. Ill the transit charges ranked as high as 30-40 percent of CIFS value for Uganda and 50-70 percent for Rwanda and Burundi. Normally there are numerous inconveniences I leafed by landlocked countries like Rwanda such as the burden of unnecessary delays of goods in transit routes which increases transport cost of the goods on board, uncertainty of supplies which also hikes the cost of I I production, general lack of security for such goods, congestion of ports and borders due to cumbersome processes and procedures. We will write a custom essay sample on Head of Customs Field Operations Division Rwanda Revenue or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page I I The Rwanda Private sector Federation conducted two separate studies at efferent intervals across the East African Region to establish major obstacles that threaten the movement of goods in the region in what is referred I Tit as Non Tariff barriers (Ants) and analyses their negative impact on trade. The findings on both occasions have been shared in Partner States and the Council of Ministers directed the EACH secretariat to draw a time bound I Program for their total elimination in the region. Each member country has its own Ants but the following are the common ones identified; Police Escort mechanism which cause delays of transit cargo I I Inadequate I I Elements of Corruption along the Northern and Central Corridors particularly at roadblocks, weighbridge and border gates which increase the cost of doing business increased cost of business I Lund harmonicas Port Charges lead to I Lengthy procedures for issuing work permits among EACH countries I Inadequate quality of infrastructural services I Lack of verification sheds and parking yards at border posts I Charges by Container freight stations I Varying application of axle load specifications I Delays at the Ports which affect imports and exports through the ports. I Tied up guarantee UN cancelled for many months due to manual processes I In 1997 Rwanda Revenue Authority (ERA) was established as a semi autonomous organization under Ministry of Finance and economic planning, charged with the mandate to undertake the administration and accountability of taxes,l Duties and non fiscal revenue which include driving license fees, visa fees and passport in Rwanda. ERA Vision: I l To become a world class efficient and modern revenue agency, fully financing national needs I Mission: I l Mobiles revenues for economic development through efficient and equitable services that promote business gar I Core strategic Values: I I Integrity I Customer focus I Transparency I Professional service delivery I Team work I Rwanda Revenue Authority has two operational Departments I Customs Service Department: I The department is headed by a commissioner deputies by four Heads of division, operations division, Trade management, compliance and policy and business development. The mission statement: I l To contribute to the achievement of ERA objectives by efficiently maximizing the collection of all revenues due on imports and to facilitate trade through provision of efficient and equitable services to stakeholders I I Domestic Tax Department also headed by a missioner with two deputies one for large Taxpayers Office (L TO) and another for Small and Medium taxpayers office (SMOOTH), the mission statement: To contribute to the I Liechtenstein of ERA objective by maximizing revenue collection at minimum cost and providing quality input to tax policy development, while providing a high quality, courteous and equitable services to taxpayers and other I I stakeholders I Support department include: I Revenue Protection Department Quality Assurance Department I Research and Planning Department I CIT Department I Taxpayers Department I Legal and Board secretariat

Free Essays on Mac Beth

Mac Beth Shakespeare, William (1564-1616), English playwright and poet, recognized in much of the world as the greatest of all dramatists. Shakespeare’s plays communicate a profound knowledge of the wellsprings of human behavior, revealed through portrayals of a wide variety of characters. His use of poetic and dramatic means to create a unified aesthetic effect out of a multiplicity of vocal expressions and actions is recognized as a singular achievement, and his use of poetry within his plays to express the deepest levels of human motivation in individual, social, and universal situations is considered one of the greatest accomplishments in literary history. The opening scene establishes a brooding sense of doom. Shakespeare uses a frightening spectacle to grip his audience. There is nothing perfunctory or boring about Act I that sets the mood of the play. We see a trio of howling, shrieking ugly hags gathered in a thunderstorm, cackling greedily over their evil plans. It is worthwhile to remember that the audience in Shakespeare’s time did believe in witches, and many witches were tried and executed. Even the skeptics, and there were some, were unsure in their in their disbelief. He primarily to show that for the duration of this play, ugliness, evil uses thus these witches, while only a part of Shakespeare’s spectacular opening scene, and power will be united to achieve chaos and murder. A central question is addressed by one of the hags to her sisters: â€Å"When shall we three meet again/ in thunder, lightning or in rain?† (1-2). The question concerns the concept of time. Shakespeare questions all that exists in this world and possible other worlds. The question of time is a key theme of the play, from the introductory 2question, quoted above, to Mac Beth’s despairing â€Å"to-morrow, and to-morrow, and to-morrow (v, v, 19) dirge, to Mac duff’s triumphant entry with Mac Beth’s severed head clutched firmly... Free Essays on Mac Beth Free Essays on Mac Beth Mac Beth Shakespeare, William (1564-1616), English playwright and poet, recognized in much of the world as the greatest of all dramatists. Shakespeare’s plays communicate a profound knowledge of the wellsprings of human behavior, revealed through portrayals of a wide variety of characters. His use of poetic and dramatic means to create a unified aesthetic effect out of a multiplicity of vocal expressions and actions is recognized as a singular achievement, and his use of poetry within his plays to express the deepest levels of human motivation in individual, social, and universal situations is considered one of the greatest accomplishments in literary history. The opening scene establishes a brooding sense of doom. Shakespeare uses a frightening spectacle to grip his audience. There is nothing perfunctory or boring about Act I that sets the mood of the play. We see a trio of howling, shrieking ugly hags gathered in a thunderstorm, cackling greedily over their evil plans. It is worthwhile to remember that the audience in Shakespeare’s time did believe in witches, and many witches were tried and executed. Even the skeptics, and there were some, were unsure in their in their disbelief. He primarily to show that for the duration of this play, ugliness, evil uses thus these witches, while only a part of Shakespeare’s spectacular opening scene, and power will be united to achieve chaos and murder. A central question is addressed by one of the hags to her sisters: â€Å"When shall we three meet again/ in thunder, lightning or in rain?† (1-2). The question concerns the concept of time. Shakespeare questions all that exists in this world and possible other worlds. The question of time is a key theme of the play, from the introductory 2question, quoted above, to Mac Beth’s despairing â€Å"to-morrow, and to-morrow, and to-morrow (v, v, 19) dirge, to Mac duff’s triumphant entry with Mac Beth’s severed head clutched firmly...

MGT501 - Management and Organizational Behavior Essay

MGT501 - Management and Organizational Behavior - Essay Example Telebank Call Center has a sophisticated electronic system to control calls and keep things moving. It runs very much like an assembly line and the calls never stop. The pace of the work is quite rapid and this is sometimes a stressor for the staff. The pace is controlled by the system and there is always a beep in their ear when the next call is cued. Some calls take longer than others so the intervals between calls are not always the same. It is often enough to cause stress, however. The interesting thing is that they hire people who like to talk to other people and then they hurry them through calls very rapidly. It also allows for the staff member that quits working and does not halt calls because of it. The same electronic system that manages the call side of the program also manages the evaluations of employees. The method used is somewhat suspect for part of their employees being unhappy. It monitors everything done by the employees including how many calls they took as well as how many times they went to the bathroom. By all criteria, the technical side of their business appears to work very well. That part of the business definitely is a "machine". The social system, on the other hand is probably a bigger stressor for all involved than the tracking and watching from the technical system. This is a business that advertises that it want individuals in employees and their hiring routine is set up to capture those personalities. The problem is that those kinds of personalities like to come to work in their time, get done what they want to in the time they want to and run their day according to their desires. The other thing the company looks for is people that like to talk to other people. Organizing is a structure that managers use to establish a structure of working relationships (Jones & George, 2007) which is what the hiring process in this company is trying to do. Their goal is to have independent personalities

The Usage of Mobile Devices in Education Research Paper

The Usage of Mobile Devices in Education - Research Paper Example ing systems in the hands of everybody, now the era of technology has reached to a level where people have started using mobile devices for learning and educational purposes. However, when information and communication technology (ICT) in education has been trialed, results have been miscellaneous. In view of the fact that the mobile communication systems also fall in the category of information and communication technology devices, hence why should we still assess that making use of mobile devices in education is less fixable (Goundar, 2011). In addition, mobile phones are a great deal more different from traditional systems and computer labs filled with computers or a cart of net-books for the reason that the cell phone is one of the most personally used communication technologies. In fact, the majority of students and teachers have invested much of their time in learning the characteristics of the mobile phone. Additionally, various researches show that mobile phones are one of the most important devices for the sake of more efficient educational purposes. These systems are more and more prevalent and known these days for the sake of improving students and educators' performance (Ormiston, 2012). This paper will present a detailed analysis of how mobile and portable communication systems can be used for the sake of improving the performance and capability of students and learners. This research will discuss the role of mobile devices for the education and learning. Literature Review For a long time computer systems played a significant role in approximately all probable areas of our lives and we have experienced numerous modern methods and ways to utilize computers for learning and teaching in education. There came a time when the power of portable computing systems... This paper approves that mobile phones are a great deal more different from traditional systems and computer labs filled with computers or a cart of net-books for the reason that the cell phone is one of the most personally used communication technologies. In fact, the majority of students and teachers have invested much of their time in learning the characteristics of the mobile phone. Additionally, various researches show that mobile phones are one of the most important devices for the sake of more efficient educational purposes. These systems are more and more prevalent and known these days for the sake of improving students and educators' performance. In addition, this research based survey as well outlined that educators, teachers and administrators who dynamically make use of mobile systems at home or in the classroom consent that mobile systems and computers should be employed for learning in the 21st century’s schools. This paper makes a conclusion at the present, information and communication technologies are playing a significant role in all the areas of life. Without a doubt, the majority of tasks are currently performed through the latest tools and technologies. The developments and advancements of technology have significant impacts on all the areas of life. In the same way, they have also started playing a significant role in the education sector. The mobile device is a most important and commonly used information and communication technology. This paper has discussed the uses of mobile devices in education. This paper has highlighted that the use of mobile devices in education increases the students’ performance. This research has shown that mobile as a communication tool is one of the most attractive technologies.