Writing a

Position Paper
 Let's Warm Up!
1. Divide boys from girls, and
assign a leader or speaker from
each group.
2. Ask these questions:
- Should girls ask boys out?
- is fashion important?
- does age matter in a relationship?
3. Decide which side your group would like to stand from the
questions above (if yes or no)
4. Once your group knows your stand, present 3 valid
arguments to defend it.
People have different opinions. However,
defending your point by saying "Because I think
so" won't help you make a case. It is therefore
important that you knowhow to properly
outline your thoughts and make valid
arguments.
 What is a Position Paper?
— It presents the writer's stand or viewpoint on a
particular issue.
— Writing it entails outlining arguments and proposing the
course of action; by doing so, you are already taking part in a
larger debate.
— You also have the power to change the opinions and
attitudes of others when you write a position paper. Because
of this, position paper can be an essential tool in bringing
about societal change.
 Parts of a Position Paper

1. INTRODUCTION
● start with presenting the issue while grabbing the
attention of readers.
● define the issue and discuss its background.
● provide a general statement of your position via your
thesis statement.
 Parts of a Position Paper

2. BODY
● state your main arguments.
● provide enough eveidence for each arguments such as
statistical data, interviews with experts, and testimonies.
● provide counterarguments against the possible
weaknesses of your arguments.
 Parts of a Position Paper

3. 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, challenge, or a question.
 Guidelines in writing a Position Paper
1. Choose an issue. When choosing one, keep the following
in mind:
● the issue should be debatable— you wouldn't be able to
take a stnd if the issue isn't debatable.
● the issue should be current and relevant.
●the issue should be written in a question form and
answerable by yes or no.
● the issue should be narrow and manageable.
2. Begin the writing process by conducting an in-depth
research of the issue.
3. Make sure to define unfamiliar terms when you first
mention them.
4. Be aware of the various positions about the issue,
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.
2. Begin the writing process by conducting an in-depth
research of the issue.
3. Make sure to define unfamiliar terms when you first
mention them.
4. Be aware of the various positions about the issue,
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 in a different perspective so you can
present a unique aporoach.
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 the other side's counterarguments and use
various evidence and data to refute them.
11. Use an active voice as much as possible to achieve a
dynamic and firm tone.
12. Arrange your evidence logically using inductive and
deductive approach.
● In an Inductive approach, you discuss specific information
first, then look for partners to form a feneral conclusion. In
essence, it entails a flow from specific to general ideas.
● In a Deductive approach, you take something general, then
branch out and think of specific things that could apply to it.
Basically, this type of reasoning where the flow of discussion
starts with a general theory and moves to a specific
hypothesis.
13. Check your argument for fallacies and eliminate them.
Fallacies, or errors in reasoning, weaken you argument.
14. Use ethical, logical, and emotional appeal.
● Ethical appeal— credibility and competence as a writer.
● Logical appeal— rational approach in developing an
argument.
● Emotional appeal— uses arguments that evokes
feelings.
An example of a Position paper:

Statement represented: Same Sex Marriage

Topic: The legalization of Sex Marriage

Intro
"The legalization of same sex marriage has been a concern in
almost all of the countries and has been a controversial subject
in today’s society... Same sex marriage should be legalized in the
Philippines to access equal benefits, to promote family stability, to
display positive message to all, and toreduce discrimination."
An example of a Position paper:

Body
"Opposing parties might say that same sex should not be
legalize in the Philippines. Some may argue that same sex
marriage violates the sacred institution. Lepore(n.d) states
that there is called “Common law marriage” it is a right of
every individual even though the spouses may be of the
same gender, it is possible to keep house, etc."
An example of a Position paper:

Conclusion

The legalization of gay marriage helps to address this injustice by

supporting family stability and validating the worthiness of
families led by same-sex couples. According to Wolters
Kluwer Health, children raised by same sex female parents with a
stable family life show no difference in general health emotional
difficulties compared to children of different-sex parents
insimilarly stable relationships."
 Check for
Understanding
Agree or Disagree
1. Patrick considers all possible views on
the issue at hand.
2. Alex says that the issue is a crucial component
of a position paper.
3. Brendon thinks that an issue is debatable if it cannot
be answered by yes or no.
4. Pete conducts an audience analysis to help him write
a more persuasive position paper
5. Katy boasts about her credentials to establish her credibility
as a writer
6. Jack primarily uses opinions in supporting his arguments.
7. Nicki uses statistical data in supporting her arguments.
8. Brandon believes that the main goal of a position
paper is to inform readers.
9. Jamie uses emotional appeal in all of his position papers
because it is the best type of appeal.
10. Matt restates his position in the concluding paragraph.
Any Question?
Thank
you