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Writing a Position Paper Guide

This document provides guidance on writing a position paper. It defines a position paper as an academic writing that presents one's viewpoint on an issue in order to participate in a larger debate. It identifies the key parts of a position paper as an introduction stating the issue and thesis, body paragraphs with arguments and evidence, and a conclusion summarizing the position. The document also provides tips for choosing an issue to write about and guidelines for writing a strong position paper, such as conducting research, acknowledging other positions, establishing credibility, and using logical and emotional appeals.

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Akira Zorel
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61 views10 pages

Writing a Position Paper Guide

This document provides guidance on writing a position paper. It defines a position paper as an academic writing that presents one's viewpoint on an issue in order to participate in a larger debate. It identifies the key parts of a position paper as an introduction stating the issue and thesis, body paragraphs with arguments and evidence, and a conclusion summarizing the position. The document also provides tips for choosing an issue to write about and guidelines for writing a strong position paper, such as conducting research, acknowledging other positions, establishing credibility, and using logical and emotional appeals.

Uploaded by

Akira Zorel
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PPTX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

PURPOSEFUL WRITING IN THE DISCIPLINES:

WRITING A POSITION PAPER


 
QUARTER 4 (WEEK 1-2)
LESSON OUTCOMES

At the end of the lesson, the learners will be able to:


a.Define position paper;
b.Identify the parts of a position paper; and
c.Discuss the guidelines in writing a position paper.
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 a larger debate by stating your arguments and
proposed course of action.
 
PARTS OF A POSITION PAPER

1. Introduction
 Write the specific issue, together with its importance and effect to the society.
 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.
 End the introductory paragraph with a position statement or a stand on the
issue. Keep in mind that one could take only one side of the argument.
•2. Body
•The part may have several paragraphs. It may begin with short background
information or a discussion of arguments on both sides of the issue. In each
paragraph, an explanation or observation to clarify the portion of the position
statement must be written and then followed by the supporting evidence.
 State your main arguments and provide sufficient evidence.
 The evidences that can be used are the primary source quotation, interviews
with field experts, recommendation from scholarly articles and position
papers, historical dates or events, and statistical data.
 Provides counterarguments against possible weaknesses of your arguments.
•3. Conclusion
•On the last part of writing the paper, summarize and reinforce the
concepts and facts presented without repeating the introduction and
its content. It is also optional to include the procedure used to deal
with the issue and your suggested possible solution or
recommendation.
 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 AN ISSUE

 The issue should be debatable. You cannot take any position if


the topic is not debatable.
 The issue should be current and relevant.
 The issue should be written in a question form and answerable by
yes or no.
 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.
6.Limit your position paper to two pages.
7. Analyze your target readers and align your arguments to their beliefs, needs,
interest, 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 possible. This will make your tone dynamic and
firm.
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 your credibility and competence as writer, logical appeal
refers to the rational approach in developing and argument;
emotional appeals pertain to feelings evoked during arguments.
Make sure to check your appeals to ensure that they are not
fallacious.

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