GRADE 11& 12 EAPP

POSITION
PAPER
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 What is a position
paper?
It is an essay that presents an opinion about
an issue, typically that of the author or
another specified entity; such as a political
party.
Position Papers are published in academia, in
politics, in law, and other domain.
It is written presentation of an issue that has
many sides. Most position papers take a
specific point of view, and the purpose of the
paper is to defend, explain and document the
reasoning behind that point of view, or
position.
 Write a position paper to
• Organize and outline your viewpoint on an issue.
• Formally inform others of your position as a foundation to
build resolution to difficult problems.
• Present a unique, though biased, solution or a unique
approach to solving a problem.
• Frame the discussion in order to define the "playing field."
This can put you in an adventageous position with those who
may not be so well prepared as regards the issues behind
their positions.
 Write a position paper to
• Establish your credibility
• Let your passion be demonstrated in the force of your
argument rather than in the use of emotional terms.
• Guide you in being consistent in maintaining your position in
negotiation.
 Guidelines:
• Format should be consistent
with guidelines determined by
the sponsoring organization or
committee.
• Include topic, date, purpose,
etc., and should readily identify
you as the author.
 Guidelines:
• If the paper presents a group,
organization, committee, do not write
in the first person (not I, my, mine,
etc. but rather we, our, etc.)
• Limit yourself to two pages
following the format established by
previous successful position papers.
Research:
• Develop supporting evidence for both sides including factual knowledge,
statistical evidence, authoritative testimony.
• Identify the issues and prejudices keeping in mind your audience. List
these as appropriate and anticipate counterclaims.
• Assume familiarity with basic concepts but define unfamiliar
terms/concepts or state meanings that define your point of departure.
• Refer to those who agree with your position to assist you in developing
your argument.
• Familiarize yourself with those who disagree with you to prepare you
defense. Summarize their argument and evidence, then refute.
How to Write a Position Paper
• Use evidence to support your position,
such as statistical evidence or dates and
events.
• Validate your position with authoritative
references or primary source quotations.
• Examine the strengths and weaknesses of
your position.
• Evaluate possible solutions and suggest
courses of action.
• Choose an issue where there is a clear division of opinion and which is
arguable with facts and inductive reasoning.
• You must examine your opinion of the issue critically.
• Prior to writing your position paper, define and limit your issue
carefully.
• Narrow the topic of your position paper to something that is
manageable.
• Research your issue thoroughly, consulting experts and obtaining
primary documents.
• Consider feasibility, cost-effectiveness and political/social climate when
evaluating possible solutions and courses of action.
Structure of Position Paper
• An introduction
- Identification of the issue
- Statement of the position
2. The body
- Background information
- Supporting evidence or facts
- A discussion of both sides of the
issue
Structure of Position Paper
3. A conclusion
- Suggested course of action
- Possible solutions
Methods in Writing a Position Paper
Method 1: Establishing your Reasons to Write a Position
Paper
Method 2: Choosing a Position
Method 3: Developing your Arguments
Method 4: Writing with Style and Clarity
Method 1: Establishing your Reasons to
Write a Position Paper
• Share your opinion on a topic with other
people.
• Publish your formal viewpoint.
• Offer a solution to a problem.
• Asert your expertise.
 Method 2: Choosing a Position
• Research the subject of your position paper.
• Think about your own viewpoint.
• Consider your audience.
• Gather all the proof or documentation.
Method 3: Developing your Arguments
• Introduce your topic and provide background
information on the issue.
• State your thesis or point of view.
• Provide the points you wish to make in defense or
support of your argument.
• Present the opposing viewpoint.
• Conclude your position paper
Method 4: Writing with Style and Clarity
• Edit and proofread your position paper to ensure
there are no spelling or grammatical errors.
• Write clearly and concisely.
• Pay attention to any instructions or style
specifications you have been given.
Thank you for
listening!
 Presented by:
EAPP
Teachers
Dianne Del Rosario
Winrich Jerome Indong
Darla Nicole Laraya