Group 4

Writing a
Postion Paper
What is a Position Paper?
Essay that presents an opinion and
make a claim about an issue.

 A stand supported by arguments

and evidences.
GIFT
 Guidelines for Writing the
Position Paper
Values Communicated
A. Logical Thinking
B. Objective expression of ideas
C.Balances assignments of
conflicting ideas

Modes of Reasoning
• Inductive
• Deductive
GIFT
 Logocal Thinking
A process of using rational, systematic series of steps
based on sound mathematical procedures and given
statements to arrive at a conclusion.
Logical Thinker
 Observe
 Analyze phenomenon, reactions and
feedbacks
 Draw conclusions based on input
 Justify strategies, actions, and decisions
based on facts gathered.
GIFT
Objective Expression
Expressing or dealing with facts or conditions
as perceived without distortion by:

 Personal feelings
 Prejudices
 Interpretations
GIFT
Balanced Assignments
 Use of language
 Shifting from the opposing argument
to supporting argument
 Expressing both the arguments and
counter arguments

GIFT
Tips for Writing a good Position Paper
 Use simple language
 Give each separate idea its own paragraph
 Make sure each paragraph starts with a topic
sentence
 Constantly proofread for mistakes
 Cite your sources
ELYMAR
K
 Qualities of Convincing Position Paper
 Contain a clear proposition or statement that must
be defended
 Assesses conflicting opinions or opposing views on
the issue
 Take a firm stand on the issue
 List arguments in a organized manner to defend the
stand
 Presents factual evidence or proofs to support
argument
ELYMAR
K
Parts of a Position Paper

Introduction
Start with a topic sentence that attracts
attention and summarizes the issue
Inform the reader of your point of view

1 paragraph
NICKO
Parts of a Position Paper

Body
Focus on three main points:
 General statement of the position
 Elaboration that references
documents and source data
 Past experiences and authoritative
testimony
3 paragraph
NICKO
Parts of a Position Paper

Conclusion
Summarize, then conclude your
argument

1-2 pa ra g ra ph

NICKO
Sample statements
 However, it is my contention that
 It may be argued
 asserted
 contended
 maintained
 claimed
 said
The counter-argument is given first, followed by the
argument
NICKO
Sample statements
Counter-argument is weakened or
problematized by the phrase:
 So this argument goes. . .
 This argument assumes. . .
 It claims that . . .
 It could be further asserted . . .

NICKO
 Flow from paragraph to
paragraph
Keep your voice active
Quote sources to establish authority
Stay focused on your point of view
throughout the essay
Focus on logical arguments
Don’t lapse into summary in the
development – wait for the conclusion

JEZREEL
 How to select a topic
Conduct Preliminary research
Challenge your own topic
Continue to collect supporting
evidence
Create an outline

JEZREEL
How to start crafting a well-
constructed argument
 Choose a side on a particular controversial
issue
 Build up a case for your own opinion or
position
 Use facts, opinions, statistics and other forms
of evidence to convince your reader that your
position is the best one.
JANILA
 Position Paper Writing
Topic could be simple or complex – but your
argument must be sound and logical
Center around a personal belief that is supported
by research
Near and dear to your heart
Know the opposite view as well as you know your
own stance when you take a position JANILA
 Position Paper Writing
Know all the possible challenges that you might
face as you support your view
Must address the opposing view and chip away at
it with counter evidence
Find arguments, present arguments for the other
side of your position or points in a fair manner,
and then state why they are not sound JANILA
Create an Outline
Introduce your topic with a little
background information. Build up
to your thesis sentence, which
asserts your position.

PIOLO
 List possible objections to your
position
Such labels would affect profits of major corporations.
Many people would see this as overreaching government
control.
Whose job is it to determine which restaurants are bad? Who
draws the line?
The program would be costly. PIOLO
 Support and acknowledge of the
opposing points
It would be difficult and expensive for any entity to
determine which restaurants should adhere to the policy.
Nobody wants to see the government overstepping its
boundaries.
Funding would fall onto the shoulders of taxpayers.

PIOLO
 Explain that your position is still the
best one, despite the strength of counter
arguments.
The cost would be countered by the improvement of public
health.
Restaurants might improve the standards of food if warning
labels were put into place.
PIOLO
One role of the government is to keep citizens safe.
The government already does this with drugs and cigarettes.

 Summarize your argument and restate

your position
PIOLO
Sample Position Paper
1.What is the prososition?
2.What are the possible objections
3.How did the author counter the possible
objection?
4.What are the words or phrase used by
the author to state his or her stand

DISOMANGCO
When you write a position paper
 Write with confidence.
 State your opinion with authority. After
all, your goal is to demonstrate that your
position is correct one.
 Be Assertive, but don’t be cocky.
 State your points and back them up with
evidence.
DISOMANGCO
Thank you!