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Position Paper

This document provides guidance on writing an effective position paper. It explains that a position paper presents a writer's viewpoint on an issue and aims to convince the audience that the opinion is valid based on thorough research. It then outlines the typical parts of a position paper, including an introduction to grab attention and present the issue, main arguments in the body supported by evidence, and a conclusion that restates the position and arguments and suggests why the position is superior. The document provides additional guidelines for choosing an issue, conducting research, defining terms, considering different perspectives, limiting length, analyzing the audience, summarizing counterarguments, using an active voice, and arranging evidence. It also includes a quiz to test understanding of good and weak practices for

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Bibikol Masagca
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84 views10 pages

Position Paper

This document provides guidance on writing an effective position paper. It explains that a position paper presents a writer's viewpoint on an issue and aims to convince the audience that the opinion is valid based on thorough research. It then outlines the typical parts of a position paper, including an introduction to grab attention and present the issue, main arguments in the body supported by evidence, and a conclusion that restates the position and arguments and suggests why the position is superior. The document provides additional guidelines for choosing an issue, conducting research, defining terms, considering different perspectives, limiting length, analyzing the audience, summarizing counterarguments, using an active voice, and arranging evidence. It also includes a quiz to test understanding of good and weak practices for

Uploaded by

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

Position Paper
• an essay that expresses a position about an issue.
• presents the writer’s stand or viewpoint on a particular issue.

• Its goal is to convince an audience that the opinion raised


underwent thorough investigation and data collection and that is
therefore valid.

• Writing a position paper entails outlining arguments and


proposing the course of action; by doing so, you are already
taking part in a larger debate.
Parts of a Position Paper

Introduction Body
01 present the issue while grabbing 02 main arguments
the attention of the readers.

Conclusion
03 what makes your position
superior and more acceptable
01 Introduction
• Start with an introduction that presents
the issue while grabbing the attention
• of the readers.
• Define the issue and discuss its
background.
• Provide a general statement of your
position via your thesis statement.
02 Body
• State your main arguments.
• Provide sufficient evidence for each
argument such as data, interviews with
experts, and testimonies.
• Provide counterarguments against the
possible weaknesses of your arguments
03 •
Conclusion
Restate your position and main arguments.
• Suggest a course of action.
• State what makes your position superior
and more acceptable.
• End with a powerful closing statement
such as a quotation, a challenge, or a
question.
Guidelines in Writing a Position Paper
Choose an issue.
• be datable
• be current and relevant Reflect on your position and identify
01 • be written in a question form and answerable 05 its weaknesses.
by yes or no.
• be narrow and manageable
Cite valid and reliable sources to establish
Begin the writing process by
02 conducting in-depth research on the 06 the credibility of your arguments.
issue.

Make sure to define unfamiliar terms View the issue from a different perspective
03 when you first mention them. 07 so you can present a unique approach.

Be aware of various positions on the


issue and explain and analyze Limit your position paper to two
04 them objectively.
08 pages.
Guidelines in Writing a Position Paper
Analyze your target readers and align your Check you argument for fallacies and
09 arguments to their beliefs, needs, 13 eliminate them. Fallacies, or errors in
interests, and motivations. reasoning weaken your argument.

Summarize the other side’s Use ethical, logical, and emotional appeal.
10 counterarguments and use various 14 An ethical appeal relates to your credibility
evidence and data to refute them. and competence as a writer; a logical
appeal refers to a rational approach to
Use an active voice as much as possible developing an argument; while an
11 to achieve a dynamic and firm tone. emotional appeal uses arguments in a way
that evokes feelings.
Arrange your evidence using an
inductive (specific to general ideas) or
12 deductive( from general to specific
ideas) approach.
Quiz (Position Paper)
Write G if the practice is good one; and W if not.

1. Erick considers all possible views on the issue at hand.


2. Ali says that the issue is a crucial component of a position paper.
3. Brenda reflect on her position and identify her weaknesses.
4. Beth conducts an audience analysis to help her write a more persuasive
position paper.
5. Katy boast about her credentials to establish her credibility as a writer.
6. Jay primarily uses opinions in supporting his arguments.
7. Nica uses statistical data in supporting her arguments.
8. Randy believes that the main goal of a position paper is to inform
readers.
9. Jean uses emotional appeal in all her position papers because it is the
best type of appeal.
10.Mark restate his position in the concluding paragraph

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