Position Paper

Writing
 OBJECTIVES
 Explain the components of the
Curriculum Guide such as content
standards, performance standards,
learning competencies and coding;

 Exhibit concrete understanding of the

learning competencies

 Analyze relevant strategies on how to

teach the subject matter effectively

 Demonstrate positive attitude towards

the given activity through collaboration
Give your stand?

Women talk too much than men

Give your stand

Transsexual should be treated as real women

Give your stand

Academic qualification ensures

success in life
Writing the Position Paper
Week 11 - 14
Quarter 2
Objectives:

1. Defining a position paper

2. Identifying situations for position paper
writing
3. Gathering and analyzing arguments
4. Defending a stand on an issue
5. Writing various kinds of position paper
essay that presents an
opinion and make a
claim about an issue

Position
A stand supported by
Paper
arguments and evidences
Guidelines for Writing the Position Paper
 Values Communicated
 A. Logical Thinking
 B. Objective expression of ideas
 C. 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

 Expressingor 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
 Containa 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
Start with a topic sentence that
attracts attention and
Introduction summarizes the issue
1 paragraph
Inform the reader of your point
of view
Focus on three main points:
 general statement of the
Body position
3 paragraphs
 elaboration that references
documents and source data
 past experiences and
authoritative testimony

Conclusion Summarize, then conclude, 1-2 paragraphs

your argument
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
 Stayfocused on your point of view throughout
the essay
 Focus on logical arguments
 Don'tlapse 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
 usefacts, 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

 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

1.What is the proposition ?

2.What are the possible objections
3.How did the author counter the possible
objections?
4.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.