PSC121 Professor Katina Stapleton Spring 2002

The Key to a Good Position Paper.

Pick an issue Take a stand on this issue; it should be clear how you feel about the issue. Your paper should be constructed in three sections: Introduction, Body, and Conclusion.

Introduction:
o Most important part of the essay. o Needs to make the reader interested in reading more. o In this section you need to write your main claim. (Thesis, this is your main argument. THIS HAS TO BE IN YOUR INTRODUCTION) Ex. Setting the legal drinking age at 21 has been detrimental to the US society, because it has created a sub culture of binge drinking. o It can be emotive, but should not be overly wordy.

Body:
o This is where you try to back up your introduction with evidence. o One idea per paragraph. Ex. Young people binge drink because: It is illegal and thus challenging to drink As it is illegal, going to the bar might be a rare occurrence. Alcohol is not a part of their culture while growing up. o Your time can be spent on building up your argument, but you should also try to address the main counter arguments. Ex. The law was created to protect young people but has had an adverse effect. o Facts and figures are a good way of supporting a claim, although they can be taken out of context. o Concrete examples and cases are also good support.

Conclusion:
o Should draw everything together. o Your conclusion should support your introduction, but should be more detailed.