Prepared by JMCLopez

Position Paper
It is an essay that presents an opinion
about an issue – typically that of the author
or some specified entity.
It is a critical analysis of current facts,
data and research literature.
It presents the arguable opinion about an
issue.
 Purpose of Position Paper
To help you understand your nation’s views
and interests on the various issues
To generate support from the readers
through strong and valid assertions.
To generate support on an issue.
How To Write A Position Paper
In the position paper you
should:
Use evidence to support
your position, such as
statistical evidence or dates
and events.
Validate your position
with authoritative references
or primary source quotations.
How To Write A Position Paper
In the position paper you
should:
Examine the strengths
and weaknesses of your
position.
Evaluate possible
solutions and suggest
courses of action.
 Position Paper

Position papers are usually one to one-and-

a-half pages in length.
Your position paper should include a brief
introduction followed by a comprehensive
breakdown of your country's position on the
topics that are being discussed.
A good position paper will not only provide
facts but also make proposals for resolutions.
 Position Paper
A.Choose an issue where there is a clear division of
opinion and which is arguable with facts and
inductive reasoning.
B. You may choose an issue on which you have already
formed an opinion. However, in writing about this
issue you must examine your opinion of the issue
critically.
C.Prior to writing your position paper, define and
limit your issue carefully. Social issues are complex
with multiple solutions.
 Position Paper
D. Narrow the topic of your position paper to
something that is manageable.
E. Research your issue thoroughly, consulting
experts and obtaining primary documents.
 Structure Of A Position Paper:
I. An introduction
A. Identification of the issue
I. Statement of the position
A.The body
A. Background information
B. Supporting evidence or facts
C. A discussion of both sides of the issue
B.A conclusion
A. Suggested courses of action
Introduction

The introduction should clearly identify

the issue and state the author’s position.
It should be written in a way that
catches the reader’s attention
 Body
The body of the position paper may
contain several paragraphs.
Each paragraph should present an
idea or main concept that clarifies a
portion of the position statement and is
supported by evidence or facts.
 Body

Evidence can be primary source quotations,

statistical data, interviews with experts, and
indisputable dates or events.
Evidence should lead, through inductive
reasoning, to the main concept or idea
presented in the paragraph.
The body may begin with some background
 Conclusion
The conclusion should
summarize the main
concepts and ideas and
reinforce, without
repeating, the introduction
or body of the paper.
It could include
suggested courses of
action and possible
solutions.
WHAT ARE THE ISSUES IN WHICH A
POSITION PAPER MAY BE EFFECTIVELY
USED IN OUR PRESENT SOCIETY?
1. SOCIAL ISSUES

Example.
What is the cause of
the increase in child
obesity?(cause)
 2. EDUCATIONAL ISSUES

Example.
Does adding a year to high school really
improve learning?(fact)
 3. TECHNOLOGY

Example
Textbooks should be
replaced by iPad and
online resources.(policy)
4. MEDIA

Example
Is the news from
ABS CBN biased?
(fact)
 5. RELATIONSHIPS

Example
What are the causes of broken family?(cause)
 6. WAR AND PEACE

Example
War is not really the
solution to achieved
peace.
7. ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES

Example
What are the
causes of flash
flood?
 8. POLITICS

Example
Some of the government
leaders are illegal drug
protectors.(fact)
EXAMPLE
 GROUP ACTIVITY

With 5 members
In ½ crosswise sheet of paper
Write 5 title of issues in which a position
paper may be effectively used in our present
society?
END