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EAPP Q2 - Mod 2 Writing A Position Paper

This document discusses how to write a position paper and defend a stance on an issue. It explains that a position paper presents an arguable opinion supported by evidence to convince the audience. Strong evidence includes factual knowledge, statistical inferences, informed opinions, and personal testimony. It also notes that counterclaims against the position need to be addressed with supporting reasons and evidence. An outline is then provided to help organize the paper, including an introduction stating the issue and thesis, body with arguments and evidence, and conclusion restating the argument and proposed plan of action. Guidelines are also listed such as choosing a debatable issue and conducting research.

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347 views2 pages

EAPP Q2 - Mod 2 Writing A Position Paper

This document discusses how to write a position paper and defend a stance on an issue. It explains that a position paper presents an arguable opinion supported by evidence to convince the audience. Strong evidence includes factual knowledge, statistical inferences, informed opinions, and personal testimony. It also notes that counterclaims against the position need to be addressed with supporting reasons and evidence. An outline is then provided to help organize the paper, including an introduction stating the issue and thesis, body with arguments and evidence, and conclusion restating the argument and proposed plan of action. Guidelines are also listed such as choosing a debatable issue and conducting research.

Uploaded by

Kristine Gere
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Writing a Position Paper and

Lesson Defending a Stance on an Issue

2
What is It

Writing a Position Paper and Defending a Stance on an Issue


You have learned that a position paper presents an arguable opinion about an issue. Your
goal as the writer is to convince the audience that your opinion or stand or claim is valid and
worth listening to. It is essential to support your argument or reason with evidence to ensure the
validity of your claims. The best way to defend your stand is to provide supporting evidence which
includes the following:
 Factual Knowledge – information that is verifiable and agreed upon by almost
everyone. Example: Philippines is in Asia, Mt. Everest is the tallest mountain in the
world, one day is equivalent to 24 hours.
 Statistical Inferences – interpretation and examples of an accumulation of facts.
Example is the research conclusion.
 Informed Opinion – opinion developed through research and/or expertise of the claim.
Example: book review that gives informed opinion on some of the most recent
publications in the field.
 Personal Testimony – personal experience related by a knowledgeable party.
Example: a person’s travel experience, a witness narrating how the accident happened,
a speech about ones success,

(Source:
https://mcckc.edu/tutoring/docs/br/english/Writing_a_Position_Paper.pdf)

However, in every claim, there is always a counterclaim, which is just the opposite of a
claim. When your claim says, “I want a new cellphone.” But then your Mother said, “'No, you
don't.” This is your mom's counterclaim. Counterclaims are also provable and supportable by
reasons and evidence. Just when your Mother proves by saying, ’Your current situation does not
require a new cell phone.’
All of these vital parts play an important role in writing a position paper. The outline
below will help you organize your ideas in one coherent composition.

Position Paper Outline


I. Introduction
A. Introduces the issue
B. Provides background on the issue.
C. Provides thesis statement on your stand of the issue.
II. Body (the arguments/reasons)
A. Argument #1 of your claims
1. Gives your opinion
2. Provides supporting evidence
B. Argument #2 of your claims
1. Gives your opinion.
2. Provides support evidence.

C. Argument #3 of your claims


1. Gives your opinion.
2. Provides support evidence.
D. Provides counterarguments against possible weaknesses of your arguments.
IV. Conclusion
A. Restates your argument.
B. Provides a plan of action.

A few reminders before writing a position paper!


 Choose an issue that is debatable, current and relevant.
 Conduct an in-depth research on the issue.
 Explain the issue and analyze it objectively.
 Reflect on your position and identify its weaknesses.
 Cite valid and reliable source.
 Limit your position paper to 2 pages.
 Analyze your target audience and align your arguments to their beliefs, needs, interest
and motivation.
 Use active voice as much as possible to achieve a dynamic and firm tone.

(Source: English for Academic & Professional Purposes for Senior High School)

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