Position Paper

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WRITING A POSITION PAPER

Topic
Topic 1: What is a Position Paper

Topic 2: Guidelines in writing a


Position Paper
Background
INTRODUCTION

 In everyday life, people continuously take sides


and form opinions on anything that involves them.
 However, defending your point by simply saying,

“Because I think so” won’t help you make a case.


It is therefore important that you learn how to
properly outline your thoughts and make a valid
arguments.
What is a Position Paper

A position paper presents one side of an arguable


opinion about an issue. The goal of a position paper is
to convince the audience that your opinion is valid
and defensible.
 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.
 You also have the power to change the opinions and

attitude of others when you write a position paper.


 It 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 position paper to reflect your point
of view.
Parts of a Position Paper
1. INTRODUCTION

2. BOD
Y

3. CONCLUSION
I. 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.


II. BODY
 State your main arguments.
 Provide sufficient evidence for each

argument such as statistical data, interviews


with experts and testimonies.
 Provide counterarguments against the

possible weaknesses of your argument.


III. Conclusion
 Restate your position and main arguments.
 Suggest a course of action.
 State what make your position superior and

more acceptable.
 End with a powerful closing statement such

as quotation, a challenge, or a questions.


Guidelines in
Writing a
Position
Paper
 Choose an issue. When choosing one, keep the
following guidelines in mind.
a. The issue should be debatable – you won’t be able to
take a stand if the topic is not debatable.
b. The issue should be current and relevant.
c. The issue should be written in a question form and
answerable by yes or no.
d. The issue should be narrow and manageable.
 Begin the writing process by conducting an in-depth
research on the issue.
 Make sure to define unfamiliar terms when you first

mention them.
 Be aware of the various positions about the issue and

explain and analyze the objective.


 Reflect on your position and identify its weaknesses.
 Cite valid and reliable sources to establish the

credibility of your arguments.


 View the issue in a different perspective so you can
present a unique approach.
 Limit your position paper into two (2) pages.
 Analyze your target readers and align your

arguments to their beliefs, needs, interests, and


motivations.
 Summarize the other side’s counterarguments and

use various evidence and date to refute them.


 Use an active voice as much as possible to achieve a

dynamic and firm tone.


Arrange your evidence logically using an inductive or
deductive approach.
a. In an inductive approach, you discuss specific information
first, and the look for patterns to create a general
conclusion. In essence, an inductive approach entails a flow
from specific to general idea.
b. In 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 start with general theory and moves to a specific
hypothesis.
 Check your argument for fallacies and eliminate
them. Fallacies, or errors in reasoning, weaken your
argument.
 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 and argument;
while an emotional appeal uses arguments in a way
that evokes feelings.

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