Scribd
Upload
4 views

Notes

The document discusses what a position paper is and how to write one. A position paper presents a writer's viewpoint on an issue, outlines arguments, and proposes a course of action. It should include an introduction defining the issue, main arguments with evidence, counterarguments, and a conclusion restating the position.

Uploaded by

alonsabenadi
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
4 views

Notes

The document discusses what a position paper is and how to write one. A position paper presents a writer's viewpoint on an issue, outlines arguments, and proposes a course of action. It should include an introduction defining the issue, main arguments with evidence, counterarguments, and a conclusion restating the position.

Uploaded by

alonsabenadi
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 2

Lesson 3: Writing a Position Paper

What is a position paper?


- presents the writer’s stand or viewpoint on a particular issue.
- outlining arguments and proposing a course of action.
- gives you the power to change the opinions and attitude of others.
- essential tool in bringing about societal change.

Parts of a Position Paper:


● INTRODUCTION
- Start with an introduction that grabs 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 quotation, a challenge, or a
question.

Guidelines in Writing a Position Paper:


1. Choose an issue. The issue should have the following characteristics.
- It should be debatable. You won’t be able to take a stand if the topic is not
debatable.
- It should be current and relevant.
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 the dynamic and firm tone.
12. Arrange your evidence logically using an inductive or deductive approach.
a) In an inductive approach, you discuss specific information first, and then look for
patterns to create a general conclusion. In essence, an inductive approach entails a
flow from specific to general ideas.
b) In a deductive approach, you discuss a general idea and then branch out to specific
information that could apply to it. Basically, a deductive approach entails a flow
from a general theory to a specific hypothesis.
13. Check your argument for fallacies (a false way of thinking about something) and eliminate
them. Fallacies, or error in reasoning, weaken your argument.
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; and an emotional appeal refers to the use of arguments to evoke feelings.

You might also like