The Position

Paper
Lesson Description:
The position paper is devoted to
a discussion of one side of an issue.
While other essays are devoted to
presenting information, the position
paper tackles one significant issue of
a community on which the author
takes a stand. What makes a position
paper challenging is that since the
work aims at convincing readers to
take a position, credible evidence
needs to be presented.
 Lesson Objectives:

• Identify the parts and features of

a position paper.
• Distinguish the difference among
the parts of a position paper.
• Read and analyze the parts of a
sample position paper.
Position Paper:
 presents an author’s critical opinion, claim, or viewpoint about
an issue
 aims to persuade the reader to believe in and take a side, by
way of providing arguments and reasons that support the
position
 presents counterarguments, and at the end refutes these
opposing viewpoints or counterarguments with the purpose of
strengthening the paper’s claim
 It is closely related to argumentative essays, manifestoes,
and persuasive essays.
Position Paper:
 presents an author’s critical opinion, claim, or viewpoint about
an issue
 aims to persuade the reader to believe in and take a side, by
way of providing arguments and reasons that support the
position
 presents counterarguments, and at the end refutes these
opposing viewpoints or counterarguments with the purpose of
strengthening the paper’s claim
 It is closely related to argumentative essays, manifestoes,
and persuasive essays.
Parts of a Position Paper
1. Issue
2. Claim
3. Arguments
4. Counterarguments
1. Issue – the problem, controversy, the
arguable point of the position paper

2. Claim - states the writer’s opinion,

preference, understanding, and
standpoint. This claim becomes the
position paper’s thesis or main point,
which should be proven and
strengthened using other
components.
Identify the difference:

• Dress code
• Implementing a dress code in
school
• Schools should not require
students to wear uniforms as it
can inhibit student expression,
quench creativity, and deter
students from enjoying school.
Topic: Condominiums

Issue: Establishment of condominiums near

universities

Claim/Thesis: The establishment of

condominiums near universities should be
prohibited because of the risks it poses to public
safety and the environment.
3. Arguments – These are given to
serve as evidence to support the claim
or position.

4. Counterarguments – These are

used to make the position paper sound
unbiased.
• to be disproven and refuted to weaken
the opponent’s position
• to reinforce the author’s position or
claim
Identify the counterclaims in the paragraph.

Opposing parties might say that the establishment of condominiums

pose more disadvantages than benefits. Some may argue that condominium
living is not an ideal way of living, and that people prefer something more
quiet, peaceful. As Cortez (2007) puts it, "communal living is not always
desirable for some people and the noise level generated by living in close
proximity to others can influence some buyers." Some say that condominium
living is not ideal for growing families. Regarding health concerns, research
done by Harrison (n.d.) indicates that the city is a most polluted area with
several factors contributing to this pollution: “noise pollution, tobacco smoke,
vehicle emissions, acid rain, industrial run-off, sewage disposal, domestic
waste, herbicides, and pesticides." Most of the time, environmental standards
in the city are horribly low and health risks higher.
 Opposing parties might say that the establishment of
condominiums pose more disadvantages than benefits. Some may argue
that condominium living is not an ideal way of living, and that people prefer
something more quiet, peaceful. As Cortez (2007) puts it, "communal living is
not always desirable for some people and the noise level generated by living
in close proximity to others can influence some buyers." Some say that
condominium living is not ideal for growing families. Regarding health
concerns, research done by Harrison (n.d.) indicates that the city is a most
polluted area with several factors contributing to this pollution: “noise pollution,
tobacco smoke, vehicle emissions, acid rain, industrial run-off, sewage
disposal, domestic waste, herbicides, and pesticides." Most of the time,
environmental standards in the city are horribly low and health risks
higher.
Activity:

• Given the position paper entitled Philippines: Position

Paper on Mining and Environmental Governance in
Baguio City and Benguet, identify the issue, claim,
arguments, and counterarguments.
• Answer this on Assignment.
• Submission is on December 5 (Saturday).