POSITION PAPER

ENGLISH FOR ACADEMIC AND PROFESSIONAL PURPOSES

OCTOBER 1, 2024
2ND QUARTER
ITNIE JANE A. FLORES
 Republic of the Philippines
Department of Education
Schools Division of Cebu Province
LILOAN NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL

POSITION PAPER is an essay that expresses a position about an issue. It gives arguments that
support the opinion of the writer based on the facts collected. Its goal is to convince an audience that
the opinion raised underwent thorough investigation and data collection and that it is, therefore, valid.

ELEMENTS OF A POSITION PAPER

A. Introduction – this part of the paper identifies an issue that is being discussed by the author
emphasizing his position about the issue. Here, the topic is introduced; background and history
of the issue shall also be discussed.
B. Body of the paper – this part illustrates the central argument which can be presented through a
brief description of the argument. Details, point of view, evidence are used to support the
claim. It can be divided into these sections namely: background information, evidence
supporting the author’s position, and a discussion which addresses and refutes arguments that
present both sides of the issues.
C. Conclusion – this part restates the main points, then summarizes the arguments made in the
paper and then provides a call of action.

Position papers are utilized to present an issue and to generate a support on the issue.
Therefore, gathering factual information to support your argument would very essential.

EVALUATING A POSITION PAPER SAMPLE:

Address: Poblacion, Liloan, Cebu

Telephone Nos.: 413-5072
Email Address: [email protected]
 Republic of the Philippines
Department of Education
Schools Division of Cebu Province
LILOAN NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL

LESSON 2: WRITING A POSITION PAPER AND DEFENDING A STANCE OF AN ISSUE

To recall, 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 important 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.
• Statistical Inferences – interpretation and examples of an accumulation of facts.
• Informed Opinion – opinion developed through research and/or expertise of the claim.
• Personal Testimony – personal experience related by a knowledgeable party.

In every claim, there is always a counterclaim. A counterclaim is just the opposite of a claim. When your claim
says, “I want a new cellphone”, but then your mother says, “No, you don’t” – this is your mother’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 cellphone.”

All of these essential parts play an important role in writing a position paper.

Address: Poblacion, Liloan, Cebu

Telephone Nos.: 413-5072
Email Address: [email protected]
 Republic of the Philippines
Department of Education
Schools Division of Cebu Province
LILOAN NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL

The outline below will help you organize your ideas in one coherent composition.

Position Paper Outline

I. Introduction
a. Introduce the issue.
b. Provide background on the issue.
c. Provide thesis statement on your stand of the issue
II. Body (the arguments/reasons)
a. Argument #1 of your claims
i. Give your opinion
ii. Provide supporting evidence
b. Argument #2 of your claims
i. Give your opinion.
ii. Provide supporting evidence
c. Argument #3 of your claims
i. Give your opinion
ii. Provide supporting evidence
d. Provide counterarguments against possible weaknesses of your arguments.
III. Conclusion
a. Restate your argument
b. Provide a plan of action.

A few reminders before writing a position paper!

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

Address: Poblacion, Liloan, Cebu

Telephone Nos.: 413-5072
Email Address: [email protected]
 Republic of the Philippines
Department of Education
Schools Division of Cebu Province
LILOAN NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL

Activity 1. Write a position paper based on the topics given below. Choose only one topic. Follow the format you have
learned from this lesson. Your written output is rated using the rubric below.

A. Poverty
B. Malnutrition
C. Climate change
D. Drugs
E. Bullying

Assessment Rubric/Criteria for Position Paper

Criterion Poor Fair Good Excellent

Takes a strong, well-

Position not clearly Clear position taken defined position; uses
stated; development is and defined; some at least three
brief, unrelated, appropriate reasons
Content & No clear position reasons and some
unsupported general with at least two
Development taken; reasons details present, but
statements, reasons supporting details for
50% undeveloped; no not fully developed. each reason. Counter
and details; minimal
supporting facts used Counter arguments arguments effectively
facts used. Counter
arguments not addressed. addressed, w/o
acknowledged. undercutting position
0 10 20 25 30 35 40 45 48 50

Structure of paper is
Organization and Structure of the paper Structure is mostly clear and easy to
structure detract is not easy to follow. clear and easy to follow. Paragraph
Paragraph transitions transitions are logical
from the message of follow. Paragraph
need improvement. and maintain the flow
Organization & the writer. transitions are
Conclusion is missing, of thought throughout
Structure Paragraphs are or if provided, does present. Conclusion the paper. Conclusion
25% disjointed and lack not flow from the body is logical is logical and flows
transition of of the paper from the body of the
thoughts. paper.
0 5. 12 13. 20 25

Address: Poblacion, Liloan, Cebu

Telephone Nos.: 413-5072
Email Address: [email protected]
 Republic of the Philippines
Department of Education
Schools Division of Cebu Province
LILOAN NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL

Paper contains few Rules of grammar, Rules of grammar,

grammatical, usage, and usage and punctuation
Grammar, Paper contains punctuation and punctuation are are followed; spelling
Punctuation & grammatical, spelling errors. followed with minor is correct. Language is
Language lacks clarity clear and precise;
Spelling punctuation, and errors. Few or no
or includes the use of sentences display
25% spelling errors. spelling errors.
some jargon or consistently strong,
Language uses conversational tone. varied structure.
jargon or
controversial tone. 5. 12 15. 20 25
0

Address: Poblacion, Liloan, Cebu

Telephone Nos.: 413-5072
Email Address: [email protected]