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Lesson 7 Position Paper

This document provides guidance on writing a position paper. It begins by defining a position paper as a formal academic paper that presents a writer's point of view on a social issue. It then lists the key elements a position paper must have: a clear purpose, focused topic, organized details, and reliable sources. The document outlines five steps for writing a position paper: exploring the issue, considering audience and purpose, testing your choice of topic, anticipating counterarguments, and drafting the paper. It emphasizes developing a clear thesis, providing convincing reasoning for your position, and refuting potential counterarguments.

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169 views

Lesson 7 Position Paper

This document provides guidance on writing a position paper. It begins by defining a position paper as a formal academic paper that presents a writer's point of view on a social issue. It then lists the key elements a position paper must have: a clear purpose, focused topic, organized details, and reliable sources. The document outlines five steps for writing a position paper: exploring the issue, considering audience and purpose, testing your choice of topic, anticipating counterarguments, and drafting the paper. It emphasizes developing a clear thesis, providing convincing reasoning for your position, and refuting potential counterarguments.

Uploaded by

Zsazsa
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY

Basic Education Department

LESSON 7: Position Paper

At the end of the lesson, the students will be able to:


a. Analyze the features and characteristics of a position paper;
b. Read critically and purposively a sample position paper; and
c. Write a position paper that focuses on a prevalent social issue.

The Position Paper

◉ A formal paper that depicts a writer’s point of view on certain contexts.

◉ It is an academic paper that mostly talks about social issues in the community.

◉ A starting platform to resolve larger or more complicated situations.

A Position Paper must have…

 a clear and well-stated purpose

 organized and orderly details

 a focus and a limited topic

 factual and reliable sources of information

 Clear and Well-Stated Purpose


o The author has a direct or straightforward take on an issue and at the
same time directly states his/her purpose as to why he/she is writing the
paper.
 What is the position paper trying to accomplish? Is it trying to
explain, evaluate, predict or advise?
 Focused and Limited Topic
o The author takes into consideration the subject and the issues concerned
in the position paper.
 What or who is the subject?
 What are the issues/ concerns do you want to tackle?

English for Academic and Professional Purposes


Module 7: Position Paper Page 1
NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY
Basic Education Department

 Organized and Orderly Details


o The structure and form of the paragraph and sentences are parallel with
each other. There is also a smooth flow of details found in the paper that
will be written.
 How do you begin your paper?
 How will you progress?
 Factual and Reliable Sources
o The sources of information are verified by the author before using it as
an evidence to back up his/her position on a certain topic.

Since position papers are written with a purpose of presenting your personal
stance on an issue and try to persuade the readers to take on your side, you have to
identify the kinds of readers you have. In writing a position paper, you have two kinds of
readers- those whom you share the same values and those who have opposite beliefs. Of
the two, the second kind of reader is more challenging for you. You have to make these
kinds of readers that though you have opposing views, you still respect their views but
still hopes that they take your side in the end.

Steps in writing a Position Paper

First Step: Exploring and Researching about the Issue

The first step in writing a position paper is presenting an issue. Take for example, your
topic is the issue on whether or not same sex marriage in the Philippines should be allowed. Then,
you have to explore the issue by determining the pros and cons to identify the possible readers
for your paper.

Then, you are now ready to research on the issue. This is done by using both primary
(interviews and survey) and secondary data (ready information from published and online
resources).

Second Step: Consider Purpose and Audience

The second step involves the process of identifying your objective in writing as well as
trimming down your audience. These two are important considerations since you will have to
pattern your best argumentative strategy to them.

In this level, you might ask yourself questions like given these kinds of readers, what
argumentative strategy should I use? How do they define the issue? What is their level of
acceptance or rejection of the issue?

English for Academic and Professional Purposes


Module 7: Position Paper Page 2
NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY
Basic Education Department

By providing answers to these questions, you are now ready to state your thesis
statement. A thesis statement is your standpoint about the issue. Make it arguable and debatable.

Third Step: Testing your Choice and Developing your Reasoning

In testing your choice, you are giving yourself a chance to reconsider whether or not to
proceed using your chosen issue or topic. You might ask yourself questions like Does this topic
really interests me? Is this topic completed in the time allotted? In developing your reasoning,
you may now begin constructing a convincing argument. In doing this, you have to list your
reasons for your position statement. Identify the strongest position and weakest position.

Fourth Step: Anticipating Counterarguments and Restating your Thesis Statement

In this step, you have to list down the counterarguments that you predict in your paper.
Begin analyzing each counterargument and refute each one.

In doing so, you may also want to consider changing your thesis statement based on the
counterarguments you listed. If you see that some of the counterarguments cannot be refuted
fully.

Fifth Step: Drafting your paper

Begin drafting your paper, by using the format: introduction, body and conclusion.

English for Academic and Professional Purposes


Module 7: Position Paper Page 3

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