POSITION PAPER
Notes prepared by G. Boby
What is a Position Paper?
• It is an essay that presents an opinion about an issue. Usually one
where there is a clear division of opinion and is arguable.
• The purpose of a position paper is to generate support on an issue.
• It describes a position on an issue and the rationale for that position.
• The reader has to know the reason why you are taking that position
(in other words, offer support for that position)
• It is based on facts that provide a solid foundation for your argument.
• In order to achieve this end, position papers should include the
following features:
What is a Position Paper? Cont’d
• A well defined controversial issue.
- should be clearly defined to help readers understand what is at
stake and importance of the issue.
- should be both controversial and arguable e.g you cannot argue
about facts such as the highest mountain in Malawi is Mulanje
- matters of opinion, judgment are the best issues for position papers
• A clear position on the issue
- a position paper clearly states the opinion it advocates
- this is done directly in a thesis statement
What is a Position Paper? Cont’d
- the writer should strengthen the argument by accommodating
objections under which it is true.
- however, avoid misguiding the reader which may result in them not
being able to determine what position is taken.
• A Convincing Argument
- persuade the readers that your opinion is valid and reasonable.
- convince readers to adopt your opinions.
- appeal to the sense of logic by supporting your claim with reasons
and evidence e.g facts, statistics and examples.
What is a Position Paper? Cont’d
- good arguments should be responsive to the reader’s needs and
feelings.
• A Reasonable Tone
- writer should adopt a tone that is reasonable and trustworthy.
- writer demonstrates goodwill and understanding by anticipating
objections to his/her argument.
- where writer does not agree with reader’s objections, writer
acknowledges these objections
- but also provides reasons for rejecting them.
Planning your Position Paper
• You can choose an issue on which you have already formed an
opinion.
• Or one where there is a clear division of opinion (controversial)
• Prior to writing, define and limit your issue to a manageable scope.
• Research your issue thoroughly
- researching on opposing position papers can also make things
easier for the writer.
• Consult experts and obtain primary documents.
• Consider feasibility, cost-effectiveness and political/social climate
when evaluating possible solutions.
Planning your Position Paper cont’d
• Use evidence to support your position, such as statistical evidence or
dates and events, examples, facts.
• Validate your position with authoritative references or primary
sources/quotations.
• Examine strengths and weaknesses of your position
- i.e present a counter-argument and give the reasoning behind the
counter-argument.
• Evaluate possible solutions and suggest courses of action (declare a
resolution to the problem)
Planning your Position Paper cont’d
• In a paragraph, explain why the counter-argument does not apply and
why your ideas are better.
FORMAT
1. Introduction
- should catch the reader’s attention
- identification of the issue should be made
- statement of the position should be clear (thesis/main idea
presented)
- state justification/rationale of the position
Planning your Position Paper cont’d
2. Body
- provide background information
- explain your view; reader should know why you have chosen that
position.
- give supporting evidence or facts
- each paragraph should present an idea or main concept that
clarifies a portion of the position statement.
- include a discussion of both sides of the issue
- present a counter-argument and the reasoning behind it.
Planning your Position Paper cont’d
- e.g what sort of arguments would someone who is against your
views bring up?
- declare a resolution to the problem; explain why your argument
surpasses the counter-argument.
3. Conclusion
- restate your thesis
- summarise the position paper’s main ideas
END OF LECTURE
