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Writing A Position Paper

A position paper presents a writer's viewpoint on an issue and aims to influence others. It outlines arguments and a proposed course of action to join the debate. Key parts include an introduction defining the issue and stance, body with evidence to support main arguments, and conclusion restating the position. When writing a position paper, choose a current debatable topic, conduct research, acknowledge different perspectives, support claims with sources, and use an organized structure and tone to effectively put forth and defend a position.

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Marites Balmas
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292 views21 pages

Writing A Position Paper

A position paper presents a writer's viewpoint on an issue and aims to influence others. It outlines arguments and a proposed course of action to join the debate. Key parts include an introduction defining the issue and stance, body with evidence to support main arguments, and conclusion restating the position. When writing a position paper, choose a current debatable topic, conduct research, acknowledge different perspectives, support claims with sources, and use an organized structure and tone to effectively put forth and defend a position.

Uploaded by

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

POSITION PAPER
What is a Position Paper?
A position paper presents the
writer’s stand or viewpoint on a
particular issue. 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.
Aside from this, you also have the
power to change the opinions and
attitude of otheers when you
write a position paper.
Because of this, a position paper
can be an essential tool in bringing
about societal change.
For example, if you do not agree
with a certain issue or rule, you
can write a positin paper to reflect
you point of view.
PARTS OF A
POSITION PAPER
1. Introduction
2. Body
3. Conclusion
1. INTRODUCTION

• Start with an Introduction which


presents the issue while grabbing
the attention of readers.
• Define the issue and discuss its
background.
• Provide a general statement of
your position via your thesis
statement.
2. Body
• State your main arguments.
• Provide sufficient evidence for
each argument such as statistical
data, interviews with experts, and
testimonies.
3. Conclusion
• Restate your position paper and main
arguments.
• Suggest a course of action.
• State what makes your position paper
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
1. Choose an issue. When choosing one,
keep the following guidelines in mind.
• The issue should be debatable ---you
won’t be able to take a stand if the topic
is not debatable.
• The issue should be current and
relevant.
• The issue should be written in a
question form and answerable by ys or
no.
• The issue should be narrow and
manageable.
2. Begin the writing process by
concluding an in-depth research on
the issue.
3. Make sure to define unfamilar
terms when you first mention
them.
4. Be aware of the various
positions about the issue and
explain and analyze them
objectively.
5. Reflect on your position and
identify its weaknesses.
6. Cite valid and reliable sources to
establish the credibility of your
arguments.
7.View the issue in a different
perspective so you can present a
unique approach.
8. Limit your position paper to two
pages.
9. Analyze your target readers and
align your arguments to their
beliefs, needs, interests, and
motivations.
10. Summarize the other side’s
counterarguments and use various
evidence and data to refute them.
11. Use an active voice as much as
possible to achieve a dynamic and
firm tone.
12. Arrange your evidence logically
using an inductive or deductive
approach.
a. In an inductive approach, you
discuss specific information first,
and then lok for patterns to create
a general conclusion. In essence, an
inductive approach entails a flow
from specific to general ideas.
b. In an deductive approach, you
take something general and then
branch out and think of specific
things that could apply to it.
Basically, this is a type of reasoning
where the flow of discussion starts
with a general theory and moves
to a specific hypothesis.
13. Check your arguments for
fallacies and eliminate them.
Fallacies, or errors in reasoning
weaken your argument.
14. Use ethical, logical, and
emotional appeal. An ethical appeal
relates to your credibility and
competence as a writer, a logical
appeal refers to a rational
approach in developing an
argument; while an emotional
appeal uses arguments in a way
that evokes feelings.
RUBRICS
1. Content 25%
2. Organization and Clarity of voice 25%
3. Documentation and sources/use of
facts or reference 25%
4. Preparation and teamwork 25%

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