DEFINITIONS - They serve as a frame of reference for discussions.

•These are used to provide meaning of a particular word or term.

•These may be FORMAL, INFORMAL, and EXTENDED.

FORMAL SENTENCE DEFINITION - They include the TERM (the word to be defined), the CLASS (the group where the term belongs), and the DISTINGUISHING FEATURES (qualities that make the term unique).

INFORMAL DEFINITIONS - They do not include the DISTINGUISHING FEATURES (qualities that make the term unique).

CONCEPT PAPER - It is an in-depth analysis of any idea, situation, or practice.

- is written to inform, if the topic or concept is unknown to the audience.

TYPES OF RHETORICAL STRATEGIES:

1. EXAMPLE - is a fitting strategy especially if the term you’re defining is abstract.

2. COMPARISON AND CONTRAST - is advisable when the term is not too familiar or popular with the audience

3. GIVING DETAILS - through description is another strategy: you can physically describe something by giving its dimensions (shape, size, color, texture), parts, and functions.

4. GIVING HISTORICAL BACKGROUND - is a strategy that is particularly useful when a concept’s definition has gone through changes in time.

5. ANALYSIS - can be done by discussing the idea’s components and/or its implications. Implications are the far-reaching consequences of a concept.

TECHNICAL DEFINITION - use of technical language or specialized vocabulary of a field, which is why it is not easily understood by a person who lacks the necessary background or training.

POPULAR DEFINITION - makes use of layman’s language and is thus easy to understand.

ORGANIZATION OF THE CONCEPT PAPER - It follows a deductive order and it may be done by saying what it is not and then saying what it is.

CHRONOLOGICAL STRUCTURE - is appropriate for topics whose definition has changed through time.

LANGUAGE POINTS - The present tense is usually used when defining a term, with the past tense often reserved for tracing the historical development of the concept.

RESTRICTIVE RELATIVE CLAUSE

• Relative pronoun + verb to be (present tense or base form) + prepositional phrase(s)

• Relative pronoun + verb to be (present tense) + prepositional phrase(s)

• Passive verb + additional information

• Relative pronoun + adjective ending in –ble, + additional information

  POSITION PAPER - Presents the writer’s stand or viewpoint on a particular issue.

  LOGICAL APPEALS

  - this is the use of facts in order to support a position; They are usually generalizations that are made on the basis of supporting evidence, such as facts, comparisons, examples, and the writer’s experiences

  ARGUMENT FROM TRANSIVITY - In this type of argument, two classification of statements serve as premises which then serve as the basis for the argument

  ARGUMENT FROM INCOMPATIBILITY - This type of argument presents two contradictory choices, such that the choice of one means the exclusion of the other.

  Argument from Reciprocity - This argument says that individuals and situations can be put together under the same category should be treated in the same way.

  Argument from Comparison - This argues that two situations will have the same outcome because of the similarities between these situations.

  Argument from Generalization - In this argument, we use one member of a population to make conclusions about the entire population.

  Argument from Examples - This is similar to argument from generalization in that conclusions are made about an entire population. The difference is that, instead of using only one member as basis, in argument from examples you use a group of examples – a sample – from that population to serve as your basis.

  Argument from Cause

  - An argument from cause posits that A is caused by B, which means that the presence of A (cause) will mean the presence of B (effect). There are two types of causes: •Strong cause or sufficient cause •Weak cause or necessary cause

  Strong cause or Sufficient cause   - The occurrence of the cause guarantees the existence of the effect to occur.

  Weak cause or Necessary cause - The occurrence of the cause is necessary for the effect to occur

  Argument from Sign - This argument uses a sign or an indicator X to argue for the existence of condition Y.

  Bandwagon or “join-the-crowd appeal - In this type of appeal, the writer uses people’s tendency to conform with the majority, pointing out that his or her position enjoys support from many people.

  Appeal to common folk - In this appeal, the persuasion is done by pointing out that a person is no different from ordinary people, or, that a product or idea is something that ordinary people would purchase or support.

  False authority - A type of false reasoning in which a person speaks as expert on something on which he/she has no expertise

  Name calling or “ad hominem” - Name calling uses the labels with negative meanings to cast one’s opponent in a bad light.

  Association - This is done by creating a link between one thing or idea and another one that people have a positive or negative feelings for.

  Introduction - Introduce the issue being debated by answering basic reporter questions – who, what, when, where, and why – about your chosen issue.

  • State your claim on the issue. A good statement or claim or thesis should clearly indicate the writer’s stand and it should do so right at the onset.

  Body - Present the opposing viewpoint. You need to accurately represent what the opposing side is saying about the issue. In the interest of fairness, it is only right for you to allow the other side to “speak.”

             -Present your arguments and make them convincing by providing adequate support.

  writing outline - is a very helpful organizational tool this ensures that you cover all the points that you want to include and that you do so using the proper order.

PARTS OF POSITION PAPER

• INTRODUCTION

• BODY

• CONCLUSION

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 your thesis statement.

Body:

• State your main arguments.

• Provide sufficient evidence for each argument such as statistical data, interviews with experts, and testimonies.

• Provide counterarguments against the possible weaknesses of your arguments.

Conclusion:

• Restate your position and main argument.

• State what makes your position superior and more acceptable.

• Suggest a course of action.

• End with a powerful closing statement such as a quotation, a challenge or a question.