EAPP Lesson 7: Taking a Stand: Exploring a Position Paper

Vocabulary flashcards covering the definitions, key concepts, components, and types of issues related to position papers and manifestoes from EAPP Lesson 7.

Position Paper

A type of academic writing that presents an opinion or stance on an issue and defends a specific point of view with arguments and evidence.

Purpose of a Position Paper

To convince the audience that a writer's opinions are valid and credible by presenting a reasoned position supported by properly cited factual evidence.

Parts of a Position Paper

The three components of a position paper, which include background information, evidence to support the opinion, and a discussion of both sides of the issue.

Key Features of a Position Paper

The essential elements of a position paper: a clear stance, a debatable issue, reasons, evidence, and a convincing argument.

The 4-Issue Test

A criteria test used to determine if an issue is suitable for a position paper by checking if it is Debatable, Timely, Significant, and Specific.

Debatable

A characteristic of an issue where reasonable people can take different positions.

Timely

A characteristic of an issue meaning it is relevant to a current situation.

Significant

A characteristic of an issue meaning it matters to people, communities, or society.

Specific

A characteristic of an issue meaning it is focused enough to argue clearly.

Manifesto

A public declaration of a stance or intent, often representing a political, advocacy, or artistic agenda.

Claim

The central position or point that the writer wants readers to accept.

Reasons

The explanations for why the writer believes the claim is valid.

Evidence

Facts or support used to strengthen the reasons in an argument.

Social Issues

Problems that affect communities and people's daily lives, such as teenage pregnancy.

Educational Issues

Concerns in the education system, such as free college tuition, the K-12 program, and challenges of online learning.

Technology Issues

Innovations and their impact on society, such as social media addiction and AI replacing jobs.

Media Issues

Topics regarding the influence of mass media and information platforms, such as fake news and press freedom.

Relationship Issues

Topics involving human interactions and social connections, such as divorce legalization.

Peace and War Issues

Issues centered on conflict and harmony, such as territorial disputes, terrorism, and peace talks.

Environmental Issues

Concerns about nature and sustainability, such as climate change and plastic bans.

Political Issues

Topics involving governance, leadership, and public policies, such as corruption and lowering the voting age.