Writing a Position Paper - Guidelines and Examples

# Writing the Position Paper ## Week 11 - 14 Quarter 2 ### Objectives: - Defining a position paper - Identifying situations for position paper writing - Gathering and analyzing arguments - Defending a stand on an issue - Writing various kinds of position paper ## Position Paper - Position paper...

# Writing the Position Paper ## Week 11 - 14 Quarter 2 ### Objectives: - Defining a position paper - Identifying situations for position paper writing - Gathering and analyzing arguments - Defending a stand on an issue - Writing various kinds of position paper ## Position Paper - Position paper is an essay or report which expresses a position, conclusion, or recommendation concerning a contested issue or undecided question. - The purpose of position paper is to generate a support on an issue. - It describes a position on an issue and the rational for that position. - It is based on facts that provides a solid foundation for your arguments. ## Position Paper An image of a circle with the word *Position Paper* in the center. The circle is surrounded by two rectangles. - **Left rectangle:** essay that presents an opinion and make a claim about an issue. - **Right rectangle:** A stand supported by arguments and evidences. ## Guidelines for Writing the Position Paper - **Values Communicated** - Logical Thinking - Objective expression of ideas - Balanced assignments of conflicting ideas - **Modes of Reasoning** - Inductive - Deductive ## Logical Thinking - Process of using a rational, systematic series of steps based on sound mathematical procedures and given statements to arrive at a conclusion - **Logical Thinker** - Observe - Analyze phenomenon, reactions and feedback - Draw conclusions based on input - Justify strategies, actions, and decisions based on facts gathered ## Objective expression - Expressing or dealing with facts or conditions as perceived without: - distortion - Personal feelings - Prejudices - interpretations ## Balanced assignments - Use of language - Shifting from the opposing argument to supporting argument - Expressing both the arguments and the counter arguments ## Tips for Writing a good Position Paper - Use simple language - Give each separate idea its own paragraph - Make sure each paragraph starts with a topic sentence - Constantly proofread for mistakes - Cite your sources ## Qualities of a Convincing Position Paper - Contain a clear proposition or statement that must be defended - Assesses conflicting opinions or opposing views on the issue - Take a firm stand on the issue - List arguments in an organized manner to defend the stand - Presents factual evidence or proofs to support argument ## Parts of a Position Paper - **Introduction:** - Start with a topic sentence that attracts attention and summarizes the issue. - Inform the reader of your point of view. (1 paragraph) - **Body:** - Focus on three main points: - General statement of the position. - Elaboration that references documents and source data. - Past experiences and authoritative testimony. (3 paragraphs) - **Conclusion:** - Summarize, then conclude, your argument. (1-2 paragraphs) ## Sample statements - However, it is my contention that... - It may be argued... - asserted... - contended... - maintained... - claimed... - said... - The counter-arguments is given first, followed by the argument. - Counter-argument is weakened or problematized by the phrase: - so this argument goes... - This arguments assumes… - It claims that… - It could be further asserted… ## Flow from paragraph to paragraph - Keep your voice active. - Quote sources to establish authority. - Stay focused on your point of view throughout the essay. - Focus on logical arguments. - Don't lapse into summary in the development-- wait for the conclusion. ## How to select a topic - Conduct Preliminary Research - Challenge Your Own Topic - Continue to Collect Supporting Evidence - Create an Outline ## How to start crafting a well-constructed argument - Choose a side on a particular controversial issue. - Build up a case for your opinion or position. - Use facts, opinion, statistics and other forms of evidence to convince your reader that your position is the best one. ## Position Paper Writing - Topic could be simple or complex, but your argument must be sound and logical. - Center around a personal belief that is supported by research. - Near and dear to your heart. - Know the opposite view as well as you know your own stance when you take a position. - Know all the possible challenges that you might face as you support your view. - Must address the opposing view and chip away at it with counter evidence. - Find arguments, present arguments for the other side of your position or points in a fair manner, and then state why they are not sound. ## Create an Outline - Introduce your topic with a little background information. - Build up to your **thesis sentence**, which asserts your position. ## Create an Outline - List possible objections to your position: - Such labels would affect profits of major corporations. - Many people would see this as overreaching government control. - Whose job is it to determine which restaurants are bad? Who draws the line? - The program would be costly. - Support and acknowledgement of the opposing points: - It would be difficult and expensive for any entity to determine which restaurants should adhere to the policy. - Nobody wants to see the government overstepping its boundaries. - Funding would fall onto the shoulders of taxpayers. - Explain that your position is still the best one, despite the strength of counter arguments: - The cost would be countered by the improvement of public health. - Restaurants might improve the standards of food if warning labels were put into place. - One role of the government is to keep citizens safe. - The government already does this with drugs and cigarettes. - Summarize your argument and restate your position. ## Sample Position Paper - What is the proposition? - What are the possible objections? - How did the author counter the possible objections? - What are the words or phrases used by the author to state his or her stand? ## When you write a position paper... - write with *Confidence*. - state your opinion with authority. After all, your goal is to demonstrate that your position is the correct one. - Be assertive, but don't be cocky. - State your points and back them up with evidence ## Do’s and Don’ts When writing a position paper - Be Clear and Explicit - Write in the Present tense - Avoid First person pronoun - Avoid Superlatives ## If you think you can do it, you can If you believe you can do it, you will If you trust you can do it, you will make a difference ## Thank you The image shows a thank you note with four people, one is wearing a crown, all are carrying briefcases and walking towards the right side.