POSITION PAPER

BY: NONA GRACE O. ISTURIS, PHD.

(EFAPP 2019)
 WHAT IS POSITION PAPER?

A position paper presents the writer’s stand or viewpoint on a

particular issue. Writing a position paper entails outlining arguments
and proposing the course of action; by doing so, you are already taking
in a larger debate.
Aside from this, you also have the power to change opinions and
attitudes when you write a position letter. Because of this a position
paper 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 thesis statement.
 PARTS OF A POSITION PAPER

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.
 PARTS OF A POSITION PAPER

3. Conclusion
• Restate your position 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 quotation, a
challenge, or a question.
GUIDELINES IN WRITING A POSITION PAPER

1. Choose an issue. When choosing one, keep the following

guidelines in mind:
• The 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 question form and answerable by yes or no.
• The issue should be narrow and manageable.
GUIDELINES IN WRITING A POSITION PAPER

2. Begin the writing process by conducting an in-depth research

on the issue.
3. Make sure to define unfamiliar terms when you first mention them.
4. Be aware of various positions about the issue and explain and analyze
them objectively.
5. Reflect on your position and identify its weaknesses.
GUIDELINES IN WRITING A POSITION PAPER

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 so
you can present a unique approach.
8. Limit your position paper in two pages.
9. Analyze your target readers and align your arguments to their
beliefs, needs, interests, and motivations.
GUIDELINES IN WRITING A POSITION PAPER

10. Summarize the other side’s counter arguments and use various
evidence and date 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.
GUIDELINES IN WRITING A POSITION PAPER

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 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.
•Should girls ask guys out?
•Does age matter in relationships?