Types of Position Paper | Episode 42 | English for Academic and Professional Purposes | English Me

Summary

In this video, the speaker discusses the different types of position papers, helping viewers understand how to approach argumentative writing. The four main types are: Expositive, which asserts or counters ideas; Comparative, which defends similarities and differences between positions; Evaluative, which argues the merits or flaws of a case; and Constructive, which proposes what should be done. Each type is explained with examples, such as the sensory model of learning or the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The video concludes with guidance on selecting the right type of position paper based on the topic at hand.

Takeaways

• 😀 Expositive position papers assert a certain interpretation of another person's ideas or philosophy.
• 😀 In expositive position papers, you support a belief or perception (affirmative) or aim to negate and invalidate an idea (negative).
• 😀 Comparative position papers discuss the similarities and differences between positions, justifying them based on specific criteria.
• 😀 In a comparative position paper, dimensions like function, application, limits, and motivations can be debated as valid or arbitrary.
• 😀 Evaluative position papers focus on arguing the merits or flaws of a particular case or situation, justifying why something should or should not be done.
• 😀 An example of an evaluative position paper is the debate on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, with affirmative highlighting subtle advantages and the negative focusing on harm.
• 😀 Constructive position papers propose what should be done or believed, focusing on future possibilities rather than current realities.
• 😀 The affirmative in constructive position papers might support continuing certain practices (e.g., online learning after the pandemic), while the negative argues for a return to traditional methods.
• 😀 The type of position paper you choose should depend on the nature of the issue you want to discuss.
• 😀 The next episode will address how to decide which type of position paper to choose based on the issue at hand.
• 😀 Position papers are key tools for discussing various issues, using arguments that can affirm, compare, evaluate, or propose solutions.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the video transcript?

The video focuses on explaining the different types of position papers, including expositive, comparative, evaluative, and constructive position papers.

What does an expositive position paper assert?

An expositive position paper asserts a certain interpretation of another person's ideas or philosophy, either supporting or negating a specific belief or perception.

What distinguishes the affirmative and negative benches in expositive papers?

In an expositive position paper, the affirmative bench supports a certain belief or perception, while the negative bench counters it by attempting to invalidate or falsify the idea.

How does a comparative position paper function?

A comparative position paper defends the similarities and differences between positions, justifying why certain models or entities should be compared based on specific dimensions or criteria.

Can dimensions of comparison in a comparative position paper be arbitrary?

Yes, the dimensions of comparison can be considered arbitrary, as some may be valid while others may not, depending on the arguments presented.

What is the central argument of an evaluative position paper?

An evaluative position paper argues the merits or flaws of a particular case, discussing whether doing or not doing something is worthwhile, often through justifications.

What example is used in the video to illustrate an evaluative position paper?

The example of the COVID-19 pandemic is used to show an evaluative position paper, where the affirmative bench argues that the pandemic has subtle advantages, while the negative bench contends that it caused more harm than good.

What is the primary concern of a constructive position paper?

A constructive position paper proposes what should be done or believed in a given situation, focusing on possibilities rather than what currently exists.

What example is provided to explain a constructive position paper?

The example of education during and after the COVID-19 pandemic is used, with the affirmative bench supporting online learning and the negative side advocating for a return to traditional teaching methods.

How do you decide which type of position paper to write?

The type of position paper to write depends on the nature of the issue being discussed, which is addressed in the next episode as the focus of the series.