Eapp Lesson 8

LESSON 8:
WRITING A
POSITION
PAPER
When we face an issue
and are challenged to
make a stand, we must
support it with logical
arguments.
What is a
position paper?
According to Fleming (2018), a
position paper is one where an
author chooses a side on a particular
topic and builds up a case for your
opinion or position. Building up your
case will entail the use of facts and
statistics to convince the readers
that the author’s position on the
matter is the best one.
Why are position
papers written?
Position papers The fundamental goal
of a position paper is
are written to not only to present
generate support your stand on an
regarding a issue/idea
but also to
particular stand/ determine how
your stance is
idea
related to the
(Xavier.edu.2020) arguments of
others. (CSU,
2020)
Parts of a
Position Paper
INTRODUCTION
a. Start with an introduction that presents the issue while
grabbing the attention of readers.
b. Define the issues and discuss their background
c. Provide a general statement of your position via

your thesis statement.
BODY
a. State your main arguments.
b. Provide sufficient evidence for each argument such as

statistical data, interviews with experts, and testimonies.
c. Provide counterarguments against the possible

weaknesses of your arguments.
CONCLUSION
a. Restate your position and main arguments.
b. Suggest a course of action.
c. State what makes your position paper superior and

more acceptable
d. End with a powerful closing statement such as a

quotation, a challenge, or a question.
STRUCTURE OF A
POSITION PAPER
The structure of a position paper is flexible, but it
should generally follow a simple flow that clearly
conveys the problem and the position of the
author(s). A position paper should begin by clearly
stating the problem and its relevance to the
scientific community or even to the society as a
whole. It should then address the main position of
the author.
The author should list the common arguments and
possible objections against this position. To continue
with our example:
Argument 1: A sugary drink tax that focuses on soda
may not impact other products that have an equally
negative health impact such as fruit juice or candy.
Argument 2: A sugary drink tax is regressive and places
a financial burden on the poorest consumers.
A strong position paper
acknowledges the validity of the
counter-arguments and then puts
forth reasons why the author’s
position is still the correct one.
Finally, summarize your main points and re-state your
position in your conclusion. All arguments in the paper
should be backed up by facts, data, and evidence, with
proper citation attributed to your sources. In this way,
a position paper is no different from an ordinary
research paper. If you wish, you can include a brief
literature review in your discussion of the background
of the issue. While such a literature review is not
essential, it can make your paper stronger.
CHOOSING
AN ISSUE
1. The issue 2. The 3. The issue 4. The
should be should be issue
issue
debatable. written in a
should be should be
You cannot question
take any current specific
form and
position if the and answerable and
topic is not relevant. by yes or no. manageabl
debatable. e.
TEN TIPS FOR
WRITING A STRONG
POSITION PAPER
1. Select a timely, relevant topic with two clear opposing
sides.
2. Conduct thorough preliminary research and collect
evidence to support arguments for and against your
position.
3. Identify your intended audience. You should tailor your
tone depending on whom the paper is written for (the
public, other scientists, policymakers, etc.).
4. Clearly state your position on the topic.
5. List and refute the counter-arguments to your position.
6. Include supporting data and evidence to back up
your argument.
7. Properly attribute your sources using correct citation.
8. Keep it simple! Position papers don’t need to go into
excessive detail. Present your points clearly and briefly.
9. Each paragraph in the paper should discuss a single
idea.
10. Have someone proofread your paper to ensure it
reads well and looks professional.
A POSITION PAPER CAN BE A
GREAT WAY TO EXPAND YOUR
HORIZONS AND WRITE A NEW
TYPE OF RESEARCH PAPER. WHILE
POSITION PAPERS ARE UNLIKE
ORDINARY RESEARCH PAPERS,
THEY STILL CONTRIBUTE
VALUABLE PERSPECTIVES TO THE
SCIENTIFIC COMMUNITY. USE
THESE TEN TIPS TO WRITE AN
EFFECTIVE POSITION PAPER!
MAN
IFES
TO
Manifesto, a document publicly declaring the
position or program of its issuer. A manifesto
advances a set of ideas, opinions, or views,
but it can also lay out a plan of action. While it
can address any topic, it most often concerns
art, literature, or politics. Manifestos are
generally written in the name of a group
sharing a common perspective, ideology, or
purpose rather than in the name of a single
individual.
ARG
U M EN
T
An argument is usually a main idea,
often called a “claim” or “thesis
statement,” backed up with evidence
that supports the idea.
CL A
IM
A claim defines your paper’s goals, direction,
scope, and is supported by evidence,
quotations, argumentation, expert opinion,
statistics, and telling details. A claim must
be argumentative. When you make a claim,
you are arguing for a certain interpretation
or understanding of your subject. Claims are,
essentially, the evidence that writers or
speakers use to prove their point.
ASS
U M PT
ION
The assumption is information not
stated in the argument that has to
be true for the argument’s logic to
hold. Simply put, an assumption is
something an argument takes for
granted in reaching its conclusion.
EVID
ENC
E
Evidence is the available
body of facts or
information indicating
whether a belief or
proposition is true or valid.
ACTIVITY 1
What are the different issues in your school, community, and country?
Choose one issue that you are interested in and choose your position. Write
a one-to-two-page position paper. Make sure to follow the guidelines in
making it.
(Write your title)
Introduction: (In the introduction part you should capture the reader’s attention, define the issue
given, and state your claim.)
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________.......
The rubrics in the evaluation of your Body: (State three arguments then cite the evidence supporting your arguments)
position paper are as follows:
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________
Argumentation (quality of logic,
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________
evidence, and explanation) =
__________________________________________________________________________..........
25%
Persuasion= 25% Conclusion: (This part includes restating your claim, summarizing reasons and explaining why your
Language= 20% stand/ claim is worthy to read)
Organization= 20%
Mechanics (spelling, grammar, _______________________________________________________________________________________________________
and punctuation) =10% _______________________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________...........

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LESSON 8:

b. Define the issues and discuss their background

c. Provide a general statement of your position via

b. Provide sufficient evidence for each argument such as

c. Provide counterarguments against the possible

b. Suggest a course of action.

c. State what makes your position paper superior and

d. End with a powerful closing statement such as a

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