What Makes An Effective Position Paper?
When someone reads, they analyze the text; they consciously, or subconsciously decide whether they agree or disagree with the what is being read. However, whether readers realize it or not, there are many characteristic features found in an effective position writing which are used to persuade the reader to agree with the writers positon. Quentin Deakin’s “Virtual Living - The Impact of Electronic Technology” and David Wolman’s “The Critics Need a Reboot. The Internet Hasn’t Led Us Into a New Dark Age”, are two papers which argue a position on the same topic, but with differing opinions. However, when comparing these two writings to each other in effectiveness, one is superior to the other. An analysis …show more content…
For example, a few characteristic features of an effective position paper include analytical reasons and evidence to support the writers stance, a clear indication of why the topic matters, and attention to differing point of views with logical counterarguments. Likewise, an authoritative tone and logical, ethical, and emotional appeals are also supportive to the writers stance. All of these features work together to create a writing which is delivered to the reader in the way that the writer intended. Furthermore, when each of these features are properly utilized in a position paper, it creates a writing which effectively argues it’s position on the topic to the …show more content…
Firstly, Deakin does a superb job of estabishing common ground with readers and showing his authority on the topic. Deakin accomplishes this by briefly letting his audience know about his experience on the topic by stating his position as a teacher and in the past as a trade union organizer. Secondly, Deakins essay centers around the idea that technology as a whole isn’t the problem, but how people use it. With this thesis Deakin’s writing works very well in establishing common ground with his readers. Deakin’s essay shows that he has considered multiple other perspectives, and with his experience and research, he has concluded that “Technology is an instrument of mis-chosen ends” (355). Furthermore, Deakin includes several credible sources of evidence, as well as personal observations and experience to support his stance. Overall, Deakin 's writing is a perfect example of how an effective position paper should be
When someone reads, they analyze the text; they consciously, or subconsciously decide whether they agree or disagree with the what is being read. However, whether readers realize it or not, there are many characteristic features found in an effective position writing which are used to persuade the reader to agree with the writers positon. Quentin Deakin’s “Virtual Living - The Impact of Electronic Technology” and David Wolman’s “The Critics Need a Reboot. The Internet Hasn’t Led Us Into a New Dark Age”, are two papers which argue a position on the same topic, but with differing opinions. However, when comparing these two writings to each other in effectiveness, one is superior to the other. An analysis …show more content…
For example, a few characteristic features of an effective position paper include analytical reasons and evidence to support the writers stance, a clear indication of why the topic matters, and attention to differing point of views with logical counterarguments. Likewise, an authoritative tone and logical, ethical, and emotional appeals are also supportive to the writers stance. All of these features work together to create a writing which is delivered to the reader in the way that the writer intended. Furthermore, when each of these features are properly utilized in a position paper, it creates a writing which effectively argues it’s position on the topic to the …show more content…
Firstly, Deakin does a superb job of estabishing common ground with readers and showing his authority on the topic. Deakin accomplishes this by briefly letting his audience know about his experience on the topic by stating his position as a teacher and in the past as a trade union organizer. Secondly, Deakins essay centers around the idea that technology as a whole isn’t the problem, but how people use it. With this thesis Deakin’s writing works very well in establishing common ground with his readers. Deakin’s essay shows that he has considered multiple other perspectives, and with his experience and research, he has concluded that “Technology is an instrument of mis-chosen ends” (355). Furthermore, Deakin includes several credible sources of evidence, as well as personal observations and experience to support his stance. Overall, Deakin 's writing is a perfect example of how an effective position paper should be