Position Paper Lesson

Write various kinds of Position Paper
(CS_EN11/12A-EAPPIIa-d-5)
Share Your Thoughts
• Fill-out the table below by following the guide questions.
1. What are the topics that were discussed in your previous lesson?
2. Which activities from the previous lesson that you really enjoyed
while answering the questions or doing the tasks?
3. From the topics and activities of the previous lesson, what have you
gained and how do you see the importance of it?
The image on the previous slide shows the position paper diagram. You can
observe in the introduction part, general statement comes first before the
thesis statement. A general statement is a sentence that defines or declares
some large and overarching truth. On the other hand, thesis statement is a
one or two sentence encapsulation of your paper's main point, main idea, or
main message.
The body part of a position paper contains the central argument and can be
further broken up into three unique sections as shown in the diagram. Each
section has a topic sentence and supported by important details needed in the
discussion.
The last part of the position paper is the conclusion whereby you will restate
your topic and why it is important, restate your thesis/claim, address opposing
viewpoints and explain why readers should align with your position, call for
action or overview future research possibilities.
Purpose and Elements of a Position Paper
• Generate support on an issue.
• Describes the author’s position on an issue and the rational for that
position.
• Critical examination of a position using facts and inductive reasoning,
which addresses both strengths and weaknesses of the author’s
opinion.
The classic position paper contains three
main elements:
a. An Introduction, which identifies the issue that will
be discussed and states the author’s position on that
issue.
Which paragraph in the introduction part of the
given sample position paper identifies the issue that
will be discussed and states the author’s position on
that issue? (Refer to paragraph No. 1)
main elements:
b. The Body of the paper, which contains the central argument and can be further
broken up into three unique sections:
b.1 Background information Which among the paragraphs in the body of the given
sample of position paper explains the background information which contains the
central argument? (Refer to paragraph No. 5 with supporting details in paragraph
No. 6)
b.2 Evidence supporting the author’s position Which among the paragraphs in the
body of the given sample of position paper shows the evidence supporting the
author’s position? (Refer to paragraphs Nos. 9 and 10)
b.3 A discussion of both sides of the issue, which addresses and refutes arguments
that contradict the author’s position
Which paragraph/s in the body of the given sample position paper show
discussion of both sides of the issue, which addresses and refutes arguments that
contradict the author’s position? (Refer to paragraph Nos. 13 and 14)
main elements:
c. A Conclusion, restating the key points and, where
applicable, suggesting resolutions to the issue.
Looking at the conclusion/recommendation part of
the sample position paper, which paragraph is
restating the key points and, where applicable,
suggesting resolutions to the issue?
Principles and Uses of a Position Paper
How to Write a Position Paper?
PART 1-Choosing Your Position

1. Make sure your topic is arguable. The topic should be controversial,
with at least 2 clear sides. Sometimes a topic might seem to have 2
sides, but in actuality most people would agree on 1 side.
2. Research your topic and the alternative sides. Consider the
background information, recent developments, and the reasons behind
each side. Remember to examine at least 2 sides of your issue. Does the
above topic presented well researched? Support your answer.
3. Make a pros and cons list for at least 2 positions on your topic.
This will help you choose a position that is easy to defend using the
evidence that you have collected. Which paragraph/s show pros and
cons? Why do you think these paragraphs give a strong stands to be
pros and cons?
4.Think about your views on the issue. Have strong
views on the topic, which could help guide your choice.
5. Consider your audience's views on the topic. How

your paper is received will depend on the audience and
their stance on the issue. How do you perceive on the
topic presented?
• PART 2-Building Your Argument
1. Establish your claim. You should base your claim on what you can
prove with your evidence.
2. Identify your supporting reasons. Your supporting reasons will come

directly from your evidence, so choose statements that you can
prove.
3. Compile your supporting evidence. Identify which pieces of
evidence you will use to support your argument, and mark them in a
way that is convenient for you.
4. Identify a counter-argument that you can easily dismiss. Using

a counter-argument can help you strengthen your claim because it
shows the audience that you have considered other options.
PART 3-Drafting Your Paper
1. Develop your thesis. Your thesis will control your paper, so you
should write it first. For a position paper, you can vary how you
write your thesis.
2. Write your introduction. Provide your audience with background
information on your topic, including the history and recent
developments.
3. Include at least 2 body paragraphs. A short position paper may
only contain 2 body paragraphs - one for the counter-argument and one
for the supportive points.
4. Use topic sentences that link back to your thesis. The topic
sentence is like a mini-thesis that controls your whole paragraph.
5. Provide evidence to support your position. Each of your reasons
needs at least 1 piece of evidence, though using more evidence will
strengthen your argument.
6. Provide commentary to explain your evidence. Commentary

explains to the reader why your evidence supports your reason and your
position, so your commentary should clearly explain the link between
your evidence and thesis.
7. Conclude your essay by reasserting your position. You will
summarize your argument and briefly dismiss your counter-argument.
8. Cite your sources. Follow the preferred citation style of the recipient
of your paper, whether that’s an instructor, organization, journal, or
other entity.
PART 4- Revising and Editing Your Paper
1. Use your spell check tool. The spell check tool is the easiest way to
avoid misspellings, and it’s available on most word processors.
2. Take a break from your paper. Your brain needs rest before you try
to edit your paper. By stepping away, you’ll have more insight into gaps
in your argument and whether or not your sentences make sense.
3. Re-read your paper with fresh eyes. Look for areas that need
development or additional evidence. Mark sentences that need to be
rewritten to streamline or provide more clarity.
4. Revise your paper. Start by making any additions, such as more
evidence to support your argument or additional commentary.
5. Proofread your paper to make final edits. Check your final
draft for typos, misspellings that the spell check tool missed, and
any remaining grammar issues.
6. Prepare your works cited page, bibliography, or references
page. You will need to include a page listing all of your sources.
7. Format your paper to fit your teacher’s requirements. Consult
your assignment sheet, syllabus, or the parameters of the paper for
how you should format your paper.
TIPS IN WRITING STRONG POSITION
PAPER
ANSWER THE WORKSHEET NOW!

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Write various kinds of Position Paper

PART 1-Choosing Your Position

5. Consider your audience's views on the topic. How

2. Identify your supporting reasons. Your supporting reasons will come

4. Identify a counter-argument that you can easily dismiss. Using

6. Provide commentary to explain your evidence. Commentary

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