Make A Stand:

Position Paper Made Easier

 Topics to be discussed:
• Definition of Position Paper
• Parts of Position Paper
• How to Write a Position Paper
Arrange the following letters to form significant
words:
1. U S E S I
2. C T O I P
3. N V E D I E E C
4. I M C A L
5. U R N T A G E M
 ISSUE

CLAIM TOPIC

TERMS

ARGUMENT EVIDENCE
 WORD BANK
TERM MEANING
Issue Central concept; has positive and negative sides;
developed into an argumentative thesis that states
the stand of the author

Topic Bigger idea; allows readers to think of something

‘debatable’ under the idea

Evidence Proofs to strengthen the claim

Claim Statements that support the author’s stand

Argument Statement that takes a stand on the issue, which

also includes the claims to support the stand
What is a POSITION PAPER?
• Devoted to a discussion of one side of an issue
• Tackles one significant issue of a community on which
the author takes a stand
• Needs to present credible evidence to support the
position
 Position paper Vs. Essays
• The position paper is devoted to a discussion of one side of an issue. While
other essay are devoted to presenting information, the position paper tackles
one significant issue of a community on which the author takes a stand.
 WHAT ARE THE
PARTS OF A
POSITION PAPER?
 SUMMARY OF
INTRODUCTION
COUNTERCLAIMS

CONCLUSION ARGUMENTS
 INTRODUCTION

• Contains background information concerning the issue

(who, what, where, when, and why), a yes or no question
containing the issue, and the argumentative thesis.
 Taft Avenue is a very busy part of Metro Manila. Because of the fast-
paced living in the area, it is possible that condominium living has been
the trend for many due to the convenience it provides to inhabitants in
going to business and education districts such as Manila, Quezon City,
and Makati. The increase in condominiums around the area could also be
a result to the density of people, predominantly students, given that De
La Salle University, one of the country’s top universities, is located along
Taft Avenue. It is probable that most of these students would prefer
condominium living rather than travelling from home to school and vice
versa which, for the case of some, can be costly. In addition, not only
students but also other individuals might consider it favorable to live in
an area where everything they could possibly need is easily accessible.
 What is a yes or no question?
• Issue posed as an interrogative statement.
• Allows readers to see both sides of the issue
• Allows you to weigh the evidence to support your claims for your
essay
• Ex:
• Is the establishment of condominiums along Taft Avenue considered
detrimental or beneficial?
 What, then, is an argumentative thesis?
• This is the central claim of the author.
• It encompasses the main idea of the stand of the author.
• Ex:
• The establishment of condominium units along busy areas of the city, like Taft Avenue,
is beneficial to many in terms of convenience and comfort.
SUMMARY OF COUNTERCLAIMS
• This will constitute the second paragraph of your position paper
and is devoted to an enumeration of arguments opposing a stand.
• It is a unique feature of arguments as it highlights the author’s
opposite claims.
• This will allow you to refute these claims in the body of your
argument.
 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 the most polluted area with several factors
contributing to the 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.
 ARGUMENT
• Body of the paper
• Presents the reasons why the author takes a certain stand
• Part where actual convincing of the readers happens
• Contains credible evidence
 CONCLUSION
• Contains a restatement of your thesis
• Summarizes your main claims
 While there are some disadvantages, the benefits
of condominium living outweigh the alternatives.
Modern society involves city living, for which
condominiums provide an opportunity. Not only
does condominium living provide the convenience
and comfort that most people want in their lifestyle,
but it seems perfect for those who prefer things
cheaper and hassle-free.
• Example: Topic – Dress Cod
Issue – Implementing a dress code in school

The abovementioned examples shows the differences between a topic and

an issue. While the topic is broad and can be explored from different
perspectives, the issue compels readers to take a stand.
 Given the issue, stand, and claims, write a thesis
statement.
Example:
Issue: Cycling to commute to work or school
Stand: In favour
Claims: Health benefits, saves, money, environment-friendly
Counter claims: not all individual is capable of using bike as mode of transportation
going to work
Thesis statement: Cycling as a mode of transport should be promoted since it has
several health benefits. It can help save non-renewable resources and can be
beneficially rewarding.
 SEATWORK

From the following list of the topics, think of issues that can be the subject of
a position paper.
TOPIC ISSUE
Recycle bags
Tablets and smartphones
Biofuel
Freedom of information
Local tourism