Position Paper

Gardose, K.V. L.
Asuncion, J. C.
Suante, L.P. L.
By the end of this lesson, you will have been able to:

 Identify the features of an effective position paper;

 determine the purpose of a position paper;
 define the context for a position paper;
 analyze the features of a position paper;
 use transitions to connect ideas; and
 write an effective position paper.
 Let’s Warm Up!
• What do you think is the video all
about?
• What is the main argument of the
author?
• State some evidences used by the
author to support his/her
arguments
 Self-adult
Usually Sometimes Seldom Never
(3) (2) (1) (0)
1. I consider the reader’s beliefs, values, interests, and
motivations when taking a stand on an issue.
2. I provide a background on the issue being discussed.
3. I use reliable sources when providing evidence for my
arguments.
4. I clearly state my position at the start of a position
paper.
 Self-adult
Usually Sometimes Seldom Never
(3) (2) (1) (0)
5. I anticipate possible criticisms to my arguments.
6. I conduct an in-depth research before writing my
position paper.
7. I use emotional, ethical and logical appeals in my
position paper.
8. I reflect on the weakness of my paper and revise it
accordingly.
 Self-adult
Usually Sometimes Seldom Never
(3) (2) (1) (0)
9. I restate my position at the end of my position paper.
10. I suggest a course of action after presenting all of my
arguments. Score Level of Proficiency
28-30 Advanced
25-27 Proficient
Finished? Now total your scores.
23-24 Approaching Proficiency
21-22 Developing Proficiency
20 and below Beginning Proficiency
 Let’s Learn
When we face an issue and are
challenged to make a stand, it
is necessary for us to support
it with logical arguments.
 What is a Position Paper?
A position paper is a type of
academic writing that presents
one’s stand or viewpoint on a
particular issue.
The main objective of writing a position paper is
to take part in larger debate by stating your
arguments and proposed course of action.
 Parts of a Position Paper
1. Introduction
• Uses a lead that grabs the attention of
readers.
• Defines the issue and provide a thorough
background.
• Provides a general statement of your position
through a thesis statement.
 Parts of a Position Paper
2. Body
• States your main arguments and provide
sufficient evidence (e.g., statistics,
interviews with experts, and testimonies)
for each argument.
• Provides counterarguments against
possible weaknesses of your arguments.
 Parts of a Position Paper
3. Conclusion
• Restates your position and main arguments.
• Suggests a course of action.
• Explains why your position is better than any
other position.
• Ends with a powerful closing statement (e.g. a
quotation, a challenge, or a question).
 Choosing as Issue

1. The issue should be debatable.You cannot take

any position if the topic is not debatable.
2. The issue should be current and relevant.
3. The issue should be written in a question form
and answerable by yes or no.
4. The issue should be specific and manageable.
 Guidelines in Writing a Position Paper
1. Begin the writing process with an in-depth research
about the issue at hand.
2. Be aware of the various positions about the issue and
explain and analyze them objectively.
3. Reflect on your position and identify its weaknesses.
4. Establish your credibility by citing reliable sources.
5. Present a unique way of approaching the issue.
 Guidelines in Writing a Position Paper
6. Limit your position paper to two pages.
7. Analyze your target readers and align your arguments
to their beliefs, needs, interests, and motivations.
8. Summarize the other side’s counterarguments and
refute them with evidence.
9. Define unfamiliar terms at first mention.
10. Use an active voice as much as possible. This will
make your tone dynamic and firm.
 Guidelines in Writing a Position Paper

11. Arrange your evidence logically using an inductive or deductive

approach.
12. Check your paper for fallacies and revise accordingly.
13. Use ethical, logical and emotional appeals. Ethical appeals relate
to you credibility and competence as writer; logical appeal
refers to the rational approach in developing an argument;
emotional appeals pertain to feelings evoked during arguments.
Make sure to check your appeals to ensure that they are not
fallacious.
Checking for Understanding
Write T if the statement is true and F if false.
1. A good position paper considers all possible views on the
issue at hand.
2. An issue is a crucial component of a position paper.
3. An issue is debatable if it cannot be answered by yes or no.
4. Audience analysis will help you write a more persuasive
position paper.
5. One way to establish your credibility as a writer is to boast
your credentials.
 Checking for Understanding
Write T if the statement is true and F if false.
6. Opinions are better than facts supporting arguments.
7. Statistics can be used as evidence to support an argument.
8. The main goal of a position paper is to inform readers
9. The strongest type of appeal in a position paper is logical
appeal.
10. Your position should be restated in the concluding paragraph.
Application
Select a topic and
write your own
position paper.