5 Steps to Writing a Position Paper

• 1. Select a Topic for Your Paper

  Your position paper centers around a topic that is supported by research. Your topic and position have to hold up when challenged, so it's helpful to research a few topics and pick the one you can best argue, even if it may not reflect your personal beliefs. In many

  cases, the subject matter and your topic are not as important as your ability to make a strong case. Your topic can be simple or complex, but your argument must be sound and logical.
• 2. Conduct Preliminary Research

  Preliminary research is necessary to determine whether sufficient evidence is available to back up your stance. You don’t want to get too attached to a topic that falls apart under a challenge. Search a few reputable sites, like education (.edu) sites and government (.gov) sites, to find professional studies and statistics. If you come up with nothing after an hour of searching or find that your position doesn’t stand up to the findings on reputable sites, choose another topic. This could save you from a lot of frustration later.
• Challenge Your Own Topic

  You must know the opposite view and know your own stance when you take a position. Take the time to determine all the possible challenges that you might face as you support your view. Your position paper must address the opposing view and chip away at it with counter evidence. Consider having friends, colleagues, or family debate the topic with you to get alternative points of view that you might not have readily considered yourself. When you find arguments for the other side of your position, you can fairly address them and state why they are not sound.
• Continue to Collect Supporting Evidence

  Once you've determined that your position is supportable and the opposite position is (in your opinion) weaker than your own, you are ready to branch out with your research. Go to a library, conduct a search, or ask the reference librarian to help you find more

  sources. You can, of course, conduct online research, but it's important to know how to properly vet the validity of the sources you use. Ensure that your articles are written byreputable sources.
• Create an Outline

  A position paper can be arranged in the following form: Introduce your topic with some basic background information.

  • Introduce possible objections to your position.
  • Support and acknowledge the opposing points. Just be sure you aren't discrediting your own views.                                                          
  • Explain that your position is still the best one, despite the strength of counterarguments.                                                                      
  • This is where you can work to discredit some of the counter-arguments