Q2 Lesson 10: WRITING A POSITION PAPER

What is a Position Paper?

- An academic writing that generates an argument which has to be built upon evidence.
- Presents writer’s stand or viewpoint on a particular issue.
- Power to change the opinions and attitude of others.
- Can be an essential tool in bringing about societal change.

Parts of a Position Paper

1. Introduction
- Start with an introduction which presents 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.
2. Body
- State your main arguments.
- Provide sufficient evidence for each argument such as statistical data, interviews with experts, and testimonies.
- Provide counterarguments against the possible weaknesses of your arguments.
3. Conclusion
- Restate your position paper 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, a challenge, or a question.

Guideline in Writing a Position Paper

1. Choose an issue. When choosing one, keep the following guidelines in mind.
 The issue should be debatable – you won’t be able to take a stand if the topic is not 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 in-depth research on the issue.
3. Make sure to define unfamiliar terms when you first mention them.
4. Be aware of the various positions about the issue and 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 approach.
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 an inductive or deductive approach.
a. In an inductive approach, you discuss specific information first, and then look for patterns to create a general
conclusion. In essence, an inductive approach entails a flow from specific to general ideas.
b. In a deductive approach, you take something general and then branch out and think of specific things that could
apply to it. Basically, this is a 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 your argument.
14. Use ethical, logical, and emotional appeal. An ethical appeal relates to your credibility and competence as a writer; a
logical appeal refers to a rational approach in developing an argument; while an emotional appeal uses arguments in a
way that evokes feelings.

Note: Check for sample position papers on the following links:

 http://www.sofimun.org/SOFIMUN2009-CM-EXPP.pdf
 https://www.acponline.org/running_practice/ethics/issues/policy/pa_suicide.pdf
 http://www.mabuhayradio.com/health-and-medicine/position-paper-on-the-rh-bill-by-christian-pro-life-resources-
for-the-philippines
 http://www.ellentordesillas.com/2007/03/09/migrants%E2%80%99-election-manifesto/