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As a student, you are continuously taking

sides and forming 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 valid argument.

Definition and Purpose of Position Paper

Presents an opinion and

make a claim or stand
about an issue. A stand supported
by arguments and
evidence.

Position
Learning
Concept 1 paper

Expresses a position,
conclusion, or
recommendation concerning
a contested issue or
undecided question.

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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 large debate. It is a more complex version of a persuasive
essay, however, a position paper is not an essay, but it has a various parts just like the
concept paper. It can be likened with a debate but the presentation of the arguments is in a
written form. Presenting an argument implies that you are favoring one side of the issue.

The primary goal of a position paper is to declare a “position” on a certain matter or an

issue. Its secondary goal is to convince or persuade others to take that side of an issue or
matter.

Aside from this, you also have the power to change the opinions and attitude of others when
you write a position paper. Because of this, a position paper can be 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.

Like a debate, 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. Ideas that you are considering need to be carefully examined in choosing a topic,
developing your argument, and organizing your paper. It is very important to ensure that you
are addressing all sides of the issue and presenting it in a manner that is easy for your
audience to understand. Your job is to take one side of the argument and persuade your
audience that you have well-founded knowledge of the topic being presented. It is important
to support your argument with evidence to ensure the validity of your claims, as well as to
refute the counterclaims to show that you are well informed about both sides.

Issue Criteria

To take a side on a subject, you should first establish the arguability of a topic that interests
you. Ask yourself the following questions to ensure that you will be able to present a strong
argument:

• Is it a real issue, with genuine controversy and uncertainty?

• Can you identify at least two distinctive positions?

• Are you personally interested in advocating one of these positions?

• Is the scope of the issue narrow enough to be manageable?

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Learning Concept 2

Parts of a Position Paper

INTRODUCTION
a) Analyze the source/quote: pull it apart sentence by sentence and explain the
meaning of the source both in general terms and more specifically b) Identify the
perspective the source/quote reflects:
c) Explain your understanding of that ideology (discuss key underlying beliefs or
political principles or economic principles)
d) State your position. Do you agree with the ideological perspective or not?
NOTE:
If taking a qualified position, state it clearly and precisely.
II. BODY
a) Explain your first reason to support your position
b) Factual, relevant and accurate evidence to prove your first argument
c) Explain your second argument/reason
d) Factual, relevant and accurate evidence to prove your second argument
e) Explain your third argument/reason
f) Factual, relevant and accurate evidence to prove your last argument NOTE:
In General, the strongest/best argument should be the last. Others would advise
the first argument by the strongest/best; never the middle argument.

III.CONCLUSION
(Summarize, restate in a forceful manner your position) NOTE:
Please remember that the conclusion should not merely be a brief repetition of
your results – in that case your discussion would seem fairly pointless. Focus

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instead on what your results may imply after careful consideration (consideration
that you have outlined in your discussion).

Sample Outline

I. Introduction
___A. Introduce the topic
___B. Provide background on the topic to explain why it is important
___C. Assert the thesis (your view of the issue). More on thesis statements can be found
below.

Your introduction has a dual purpose: to indicate both the topic and your approach to it (your
thesis statement), and to arouse your reader’s interest in what you have to say. One
effective way of introducing a topic is to place it in context – to supply a kind of backdrop that
will put it in perspective. You should discuss the area into which your topic fits, and then
gradually lead into your specific field of discussion (re: your thesis statement).

II. Counter Argument

___A. Summarize the counterclaims
___B. Provide supporting information for counterclaims
___C. Refute the counterclaims
___D. Give evidence for argument

You can generate counterarguments by asking yourself what someone who disagrees with
you might say about each of the points you've made or about your position as a whole. Once
you have thought up some counterarguments, consider how you will respond to them--will
you concede that your opponent has a point but explain why your audience should
nonetheless accept your argument? Will you reject the counterargument and explain why it
is mistaken? Either way, you will want to leave your reader with a sense that your argument
is stronger than opposing arguments.

When you are summarizing opposing arguments, be charitable. Present each argument
fairly and objectively, rather than trying to make it look foolish. You want to show that you
have seriously considered the many sides of the issue, and that you are not simply attacking
or mocking your opponents.

It is usually better to consider one or two serious counterarguments in some depth, rather
than to give a long but superficial list of many different counterarguments and replies.

Be sure that your reply is consistent with your original argument. If considering a
counterargument changes your position, you will need to go back and revise your original
argument accordingly.

III. Your Argument

___A. Assert point #1 of your claims
_____1. Give your educated and informed opinion
_____2. Provide support/proof using more than one source (preferably three)
___B. Assert point #2 of your claims
_____1. Give your educated and informed opinion
_____2. Provide support/proof using more than one source (preferably three)
___C. Assert point #3 of your claims

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_____1. Give your educated and informed opinion
_____2. Provide support/proof using more than one source (preferably three)

You may have more than 3 overall points to your argument, but you should not have
fewer.

IV. Conclusion
___A. Restate your argument
___B. Provide a plan of action but do not introduce new information

The simplest and most basic conclusion is one that restates the thesis in different words and
then discusses its implications.

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Guidelines on Writing a Position Paper

Learning Concept 23
Issue
argue
research
voice
Vocabulary

citation
Analyze
Guidelines
2 pages
Weakness

perspective
evidence appeal
logical fallacy

1. Choose an issue. When choosing one,

keepthe following guidelines in mind.
• The issue should be debatable because you won’t be able to make a stand if the topic
is not debatable.
• The issue should be current or relevant.
• The issue should be written in a question from and answerable by
no.yes or
• The issue should be narrow and manageable.

2. Begin the writing process by conducting-depth

an in research on the issue.
3. Make sure to define unfamiliar terms when you first mention them.
4. Be aware of the various positions about the issue and
ain and
explanalyze them objectively.
5. Reflect on your position and identify its weaknesses.
6. Cite valid and reliable sources (3 or more) to establish the credibility of your arguments.
7. View the issue in a different perspective so you can presentapproach.
unique
8. Limit your position paper in 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 dynamic and firm one.
12. Arrange your evidence logically using an inductive or deductive approach.
13. Check your argument for fallacies and eliminate them. Fallacies, or errors in reasoning
weaken your argument.

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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.

Writing with style and clarity

Many students make the mistake of thinking that the content of their paper is all that
matters. Although the content is important, it will not mean much if the reader can’t
understand what you are trying to say. You may have some great ideas in your paper but if
you cannot effectively communicate them, you will not receive a very good mark. Keep the
following in mind when writing your paper:

Diction
Diction refers to the choice of words for the expression of ideas; the construction,
disposition, and application of words in your essay, with regard to clearness, accuracy,
variety, etc.; mode of expression; and language. There is often a tendency for students to
use fancy words and extravagant images in hopes that it will make them sound more
intelligent when in fact the result is a confusing mess. Although this approach can sometimes
be effective, it is advisable that you choose clear words and be as precise in the expression
of your ideas as possible.

Paragraphs
Creating clear paragraphs is essential. Paragraphs come in so many sizes and patterns
that no single formula could possibly cover them all. The two basic principles to remember
are these:

1) A paragraph is a means of developing and framing an idea or impression. As a

general rule, you should address only one major idea per paragraph.

2) The divisions between paragraphs aren’t random, but indicate a shift in focus. In other
words you must carefully and clearly organize the order of your paragraphs so that
they are logically positioned throughout your paper. Transitions will help you with this.

Transitions
In academic writing your goal is to convey information clearly and concisely, if not to
convert the reader to your way of thinking. Transitions help you to achieve these goals by
establishing logical connections between sentences, paragraphs, and sections of your
papers. In other words, transitions tell readers what to do with the information you present
them. Whether single words, quick phrases or full sentences, they function as signs for
readers that tell them how to think about, organize, and react to old and new ideas as they
read through what you have written.

Transitions signal relationships between ideas. Basically, transitions provide the

reader with directions for how to piece together your ideas into a logically coherent
argument. They are words with particular meanings that tell the reader to think and react in a
particular way to your ideas. In providing the reader with these important cues, transitions
help readers understand the logic of how your ideas fit together.

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LOGICAL TRANSITIONAL EXPRESSION

RELATIONSHIP
Similarity also, in the same way, just as ... so too, likewise, similarly

Exception/Contrast but, however, in spite of, on the one hand ... on the other
hand, nevertheless, nonetheless, notwithstanding, in
contrast, on the contrary, still, yet

Sequence/Order first, second, third, ... next, then, finally

Time after, afterward, at last, before, currently, during, earlier,

immediately, later, meanwhile, now, recently,
simultaneously, subsequently, then

Example for example, for instance, namely, specifically, to illustrate

Emphasis even, indeed, in fact, of course, truly

Place/Position above, adjacent, below, beyond, here, in front, in back,

nearby, there
Cause and Effect accordingly, consequently, hence, so, therefore, thus

Additional Support or additionally, again, also, and, as well, besides, equally

Evidence important, further, furthermore, in addition, moreover, then

Conclusion/Summary finally, in a word, in brief, in conclusion, in the end, in the

final analysis, on the whole, thus, to conclude, to summarize,
in sum, in summary

Grammar and Spelling

You must make certain that your paper is free from grammar and spelling mistakes.
Mechanical errors are usually the main reason for lack of clarity in essays, so be sure to
thoroughly proofread your paper before handing it in. For help with common errors in
grammar and usage consult the following websites:

Plagiarism and academic honesty

Plagiarism is a form of stealing; as with other offences against the law, ignorance is
no excuse. The way to avoid plagiarism is to give credit where credit is due. If you are using
someone else’s idea, acknowledge it, even if you have changed the wording or just
summarized the main points.

To avoid plagiarism, you must give credit whenever you use

• another person's idea, opinion, or theory;

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• any facts, statistics, graphs, drawings--any pieces of information--that are not common
knowledge;
• quotations of another person's actual spoken or written words; or
• paraphrase of another person's spoken or written words.

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