WRITING A POSITION PAPER

POSITION PAPER

• A position paper presents the writer’s stand or viewpoint on a particular topic.

• Its purpose is to outline arguments, propose a course of action, or participate in a larger debate.

• It also holds influence and power: ability to change opinions and attitudes, essential tools for societal change, or present and defend viewpoints against decisions or rules.

FOR EXAMPLE

1. Ban of animal testing

2. Climate change: risks and preventive measures

3. AI: Benefit or threat?

4. Violating the law due to poor psychological conditions: must the sick be punished?

5. Patriarchy evolution in the world.

6. Sexism in Hollywood movies

7. Parental control: benefit or harm to children

8. Gender inequality in workplace.

PARTS OF A POSITION PAPER

• Introduction

  • Grab the attention of readers.

  • Define the issue and discuss its background.

  • Provide a general statement of your position via your thesis statement

• 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 arguments.

• Conclusion

  • Restate your position and main arguments.

  • Suggest a course of action

  • State what makes your position 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

   • Debatable

   • Current and relevant

   • Written in question form and answerable by “yes” or “no.”

   • narrow and manageable

2. Begin the writing process by conducting in-depth 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 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 from 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 possible counterarguments and use various evidence and data to refute them.

11. Use the active voice as much as possible to achieve a dynamic and firm tone.

12. Arrange your evidence logically using an inductive or deductive approach.

13. Check your arguments for fallacies and eliminate them.

14. Use ethical, logical, and emotional appeal.