Position Papers

What is a Position Paper

● A paper that gives basic information and
states your goals
● It helps other people understand your ideas
When Will a Position Paper
be Used?

● Global Classrooms
● When you need to
summarize your
research
● In everyday life
The parts of a Position Paper
Introduction
● Brief introduction to the topic in general and a
statement on your position.

● For example: Rwanda has a history of valuing sports- in

schools, recreational organizations, and on professional
teams.

● For example: France has long considered itself a

democracy, though recent events have revealed flaws in
the democratic process.
Introduction

● Use the introduction to introduce a country’s

opinion or point of view
Body Paragraphs
● Usually three or
more paragraphs
● This is where you
present
information and
give evidence
● This is the main
part of your paper
Body Paragraphs
● When you are taking a position, you need to
do two things in the body paragraph
o First, tell the audience what is currently happening
o Next, tell the audience what you want to happen in
the future
● For example:
o I currently do not have pizza, and that makes me
upset
o In the future, I would like to get a large pepperoni
pizza.
o (This is a very simple example, you will need to add
much more information)
Conclusion
● Summarize what you
have already talked
about.
● This may seem like you
are repeating
information, but it is
important to do this in
order to make your
position clear and to
finish strong
Wrap Up
Another way to think about
it
Introduction: Tell them what
you’re about to tell them

Body Paragraphs: Tell them

Conclusion: Tell them what

you just told them