Position Paper Writing Overview

Position Paper Overview

• A position paper is an essay or report expressing a stance, conclusion, or recommendation about a contested issue or unresolved question.
• Its goal is to generate support for a particular viewpoint on an issue.
• It clearly defines a position on an issue and justifies that position using rational arguments.
• It's based on facts to provide a solid foundation for arguments.

Position Paper Objectives

• Defining a position paper.
• Identifying situations suitable for a position paper.
• Gathering and analyzing arguments.
• Defending a standpoint on an issue.
• Writing different kinds of position papers.

Position Paper Qualities

• Contains a clear proposition or statement needing defense.
• Evaluates conflicting opinions or opposing views on the issue.
• Takes a definitive stance on the issue.
• Presents arguments in a structured manner to support the stance.
• Includes factual evidence or proof to support arguments.

Position Paper Structure

• Introduction: Starts with a topic sentence to grab attention, summarizing the issue, and outlining the writer's viewpoint (1 paragraph).
• Body: Focuses on three main points: a general statement of the position, detailed elaboration referencing documents, data, past experiences, and authoritative testimonials (3 paragraphs).
• Conclusion: Summarizes and concludes the argument (1-2 paragraphs).

Guidelines for Writing a Position Paper

• Values Communicated: Focus on logical thinking, objective expression of ideas, and balanced consideration of opposing viewpoints.
• Modes of Reasoning: Employ inductive and deductive reasoning.
• Logical Thinking: Use rational, systematic steps based on sound procedures and given statements to reach conclusions. Logical thinkers observe, analyze phenomena, draw conclusions, and justify strategies based on collected facts.
• Objective Expression: Express facts and conditions as perceived without distortion, personal feelings, prejudices, or interpretations.
• Balanced Assignments: Use language that shifts from opposing viewpoints to supporting arguments, while acknowledging and responding to counterarguments.

Tips for Writing a Good Position Paper

• Use simple language.
• Give each separate idea its own paragraph.
• Start each paragraph with a topic sentence.
• Proofread thoroughly for errors.
• Cite all sources properly.

How to Select a Topic

• Conduct preliminary research.
• Challenge your own topic.
• Collect supporting evidence.
• Create an outline.

Crafting a Well-Constructed Argument

• Choose a side on a controversial issue.
• Develop a case for your viewpoint using facts, opinions, statistics, and other evidence to convince the reader of the position.

Position Paper Writing Considerations

• A topic can be straightforward or complicated—but the argument must be logical.
• The topic should center on a personal belief supported by research that is meaningful to the writer.
• Understand the opposing viewpoint to better define your stance, anticipate challenges, and address counterarguments effectively.
• Present opposing arguments fairly, then explain why they aren't valid.

Establishing a Position Paper Outline

• Introduce the topic with background information leading to the thesis statement outlining your position.

Potential Objections to a Position

• Analyze potential objections to your position (e.g., cost, overreach of government control, lack of clear criteria).

Addressing Objections

• Demonstrate how your position remains the best option, despite acknowledging counterarguments (e.g., the cost can be justified by the improvement in public health).

Writing Style

• Write with confidence and authority, presenting your viewpoint as the correct one.
• Be assertive without being arrogant.
• State your points and back them with evidence.
• Use clear and explicit language.
• Write in the present tense and avoid the first-person pronoun.
• Avoid exaggerated or extreme language (superlatives).

Sample Position Paper Questions

• What is the proposed stance?
• What are potential opposing arguments?
• How were the counterarguments addressed?
• What words or phrases define the author's position?