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How To Write A Position Paper: Grace Fleming Controversial Topic

This document provides instructions for writing a position paper. A position paper argues for one side of a controversial issue using facts, statistics, and other evidence to support the author's stance. When choosing a topic, students should pick an issue they feel strongly about to stay motivated. They must research both sides of the topic to understand counterarguments and address opposing views in their paper. An outline should introduce the topic, acknowledge alternative positions, support the author's view using evidence, and restate their conclusion. The overall goal is to confidently argue that one perspective is strongest using a well-structured written argument.

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165 views3 pages

How To Write A Position Paper: Grace Fleming Controversial Topic

This document provides instructions for writing a position paper. A position paper argues for one side of a controversial issue using facts, statistics, and other evidence to support the author's stance. When choosing a topic, students should pick an issue they feel strongly about to stay motivated. They must research both sides of the topic to understand counterarguments and address opposing views in their paper. An outline should introduce the topic, acknowledge alternative positions, support the author's view using evidence, and restate their conclusion. The overall goal is to confidently argue that one perspective is strongest using a well-structured written argument.

Uploaded by

silentreader
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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1.

Education
Homework/Study Tips
How to Write a Position Paper
By Grace Fleming
In a position paper, you will choose a side on a particular controversial topic and
build up a case for your opinion or position. Once you state your position, you will
use facts, opinion, statistics and other forms of evidence to convince your reader
that your position is the best one.
As you collect research for your position paper and begin to craft an outline, you
must remember that the teacher will be looking for a well-constructed argument.
This means that the subject matter and your topic is not as important as your ability
to make a case. You topic could be simple or complexbut your argument must be
sound and logical.
Select a Topic
Your position paper is going to center around a personal belief that is supported by
research, so you have an opportunity to tap into your own strong feelings in this
assignment. Take advantage of this opportunity! Find a topic that is near and dear
to your heart, and youll put more of your heart into your work. That always leads
to a better outcome.
Conduct Preliminary Research
Preliminary research is necessary to determine whether evidence is available to
back up your stance. You dont want to get to attached to a topic that falls apart
under a challenge.
Search a few reputable sites, like educations sites and government sites, to find
professional studiesand statistics. If you come up with nothing after an hour of
searching, or if you find that your position doesnt stand up to the findings on
reputable sites, you might want to find another topic.
Challenge Your Own Topic
This is a very important step! You must know the opposite view as well as you
know your own stance when you take a position. You must know all the possible

challenges that you might face as you support your view. Your position paper must
present the opposing view and chip away at it with counter evidence.
For this reason, you must find arguments for the other side of your position,
address those arguments, and state why they are not sound.
Draw a line down the middle of a sheet of paper and list your points on one side
and list opposing points on the other side. Which argument is really better?
Continue to Collect Supporting Evidence
Once youve determined that your position is supportable and the opposite position
is (in your opinion) weaker than your own, you are ready to branch out with your
research. Go to alibrary and conduct a search, or ask the reference librarian to help
you find more sources.
Try to collect a variety of sources, to include an experts opinion (doctor, lawyer, or
professor, for example) and personal experience (from a friend or family member)
that can add an emotional appeal to your topic.
Create an Outline
A position paper might be arranged in the following format:
1. Introduce your topic with a little background information. Build up to
your thesis sentence, which asserts your position. Sample points:

For decades, the FDA has required that warning labels should be placed on
certain products that pose a threat to public health.

Fast food restaurants are bad for our health.

Fast food packages should contain warning labels.


2. List possible objections to your position. Sample points:

Such labels would affect profits of major corporations.


Many people would see this as overreaching government control.
Whose job is it to determine which restaurants are bad? Who draws the line?
The program would be costly.

3. Support and acknowledgement of the opposing points. Sample points:

It would be difficult and expensive for any entity to determine which


restaurants should adhere to the policy.

Nobody wants to see the government overstepping its boundaries.

Funding would fall onto the shoulders of taxpayers.


4. Explain that your position is still the best one, despite the strength of counter
arguments. Sample points:

The cost would be countered by the improvement of public health.


Restaurants might improve the standards of food if warning labels were put
into place.

One role of the government is to keep citizens safe.

The government already does this with drugs and cigarettes.


5. Summarize your argument and restate your position.
Get Attitude When you write a position paper, you should write with confidence.
In this paper you want to state your opinion with authority. After all, your goal is to
demonstrate that your position is the correct one. Be assertive, but don't be cocky.
State your points and back them up with evidence.

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