How to Write Good Position Papers!!!

Linking Words

What are linking words? They are words or phrases that link or relate two ideas to one another. We can use them to contrast information, make comparisons, add information, or give our reasoning for having said something.

Linking words that compare Similarly: John likes to play baseball. Similarly, Jenna likes to play softball. Also: I like baseball. I also like football. Like: My parents are like me. They are short and have curly hair. Compared to: She is tall compared to her friend.

Linking words that help you contrast On the contrary: I like to dance. On the contrary, Sarah likes to read One the one hand...on the other hand: On the one hand, I like cooking because I like food, but on the other hand, I don’t like it because it’s a lot of work. To the contrary: I like to dance. To the contrary, Sarah likes to read. In contrast: In contrast to Philadelphia, Madrid is warmer. However: I like fruit. However, I like vegetables more. But: I like fruit, but I like vegetables more. Still: Women’s rights issues are really important. Still, we must also focus on equal rights for people of color. While/Whereas: Whereas I like fruit, my brother only likes vegetables. Nevertheless: I don’t approve of all of Hillary’s policies. Nevertheless, I think she is the best candidate for the job.

Linking words that help you provide an example For example: I like many sports. For example, I like baseball and football. For instance: I like many sports. For instance, I like baseball and football. Such as: She plays many sports, such as softball and hockey. Including: She plays many instruments, including the guitar.

Linking words that show cause and effect Therefore: I grew up by the beach. Therefore, I like the beach. Thus: I grew up by the beach. Thus, I like the beach. As such: I grew up by the beach. As such, I like the beach.

Linking words that help you add you to what you’ve already said Additionally:I like swimming. Additionally, I like running. Moreover: He is a bad president because he is racist. Moreover, he is sexist. In addition: In addition to liking swimming, he also likes basketball. Also: I like swimming. I also like basketball. Too: He likes swimming and she likes swimming too. As well as: He likes swimming as well as basketball.

2. Good Thesis Statements

So, what is a thesis statement? A lot of things! That’s why it’s so important. It tells the reader what to expect from the rest of the paper. It lays out an argument that others might disagree with. It proposes a new way of understanding a certain topic. ***Important*** Thesis statements are almost always one sentence long and almost always come at the very end of the introduction.

What makes a good thesis statement? The thesis statement must be debatable. ***debatable=something you can argue about 2. The thesis statement must be focused/specific.

Question: What should be done to stop pollution of our environment?

Which thesis statement do you think better answers the question? “To stop pollution, we should ride our bikes more frequently, recycle every day, and turn off our lights when we aren’t home.” “Pollution is bad for the environment and therefore it should be stopped.”

Why?

Position Paper Introduction Rubric 2 1 Grammar Contains few or no grammatical errors and is formatted according to instructions. Contains some grammar and punctuation errors, however they do not hinder the understanding of the paper. The grammar errors hinder understanding of the paragraph’s ideas. Structure Organized in a logical manner. Each sentence leads into the next. Contains all information necessary. Most of the key elements of the paragraph are present but are out of order. Missing vital information for the paragraph and sentences seem disconnected from each other. Topic Introduction The topic and purpose of the paper is clearly defined. Appropriately addresses the audience (the UNICEF committee). The topic and the purpose of the paper are evident but language is unfocused or confused. May not address the audience correctly. The topic and purpose of the paper are unclear from the introduction paragraph. Background Sufficient background information is given to introduce the significance of the UNICEF topic. Some background information about the topic exists but its significance is hard to determine. Missing explanation about topic background and significance. Thesis Statement Clearly and concisely states the paper’s purpose in a single sentence, which is thought provoking. The purpose of the paper is stated but is not clear or direct. The purpose of the paper cannot easily be determined. Total /10

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uWNTMmktoCQ up to 6:40 http://crimedocumentary.com/gypsy-child-thieves-2009/