position paper

• Position paper


  Expresses a position, conclusion, or recommendation concerning a contested issue or undecided question
• Position paper


  • Presents an opinion and makes a claim or stand about the issue
  • A stand supported by arguments and evidence
  • Its purpose is to generate support on an issue
• Issue/Criteria


  • Is it a real issue, with genuine controversy and uncertainty?
  • Can you identify at least two distinctive positions?
  • Are you personally interested in advocating one of these positions?
  • Is the scope of the issue narrow enough to be manageable?
• Parts of a position paper

  • Introduction
  • Body
  • Conclusion
• Introduction


  • Start with a topic sentence that attract attention and summarizes the issue
  • Inform the reader of your point of view
• Body


  • Focus on three main points:
  • General statement of the position
  • Elaboration that references documents and source data
  • Past experiences and authoritative testimony
• Conclusion


  • Summarize then conclude your argument
• Guidelines on writing a position paper

  • Choose an issue
  • Begin the writing process by conducting in-depth research on the issue
  • Define unfamiliar terms when you first mention them
  • Be aware of the various positions about the issue and explain and analyze them objectively
  • Reflect on your position and identify its weaknesses
  • Cite valid and reliable sources (3 or more) to establish the credibility of your arguments
  • View the issue in a different perspective so you can present unique approach
  • Limit your position paper in two pages
  • Analyze your target readers and align your arguments to their beliefs, needs, interests, and motivations
  • Summarize the other side's counterarguments and use various evidence and data to refute them
  • Use an active voice as much as possible to achieve a dynamic and firm one
  • Arrange your evidence logically using an inductive or deductive approach
  • Check your argument for fallacies and eliminate them
  • Use ethical, logical, and emotional appeal
• Diction


  The choice of words for the expression of ideas; the construction, disposition, and application of words in your essay, with regard to clearness, accuracy, variety, etc.; mode of expression; and language
• Paragraphs


  Creating clear paragraphs is essential. Paragraphs come in so many sizes and patterns that no single formula could possibly cover them all
• Transitions


  Help you to establish logical connections between sentences, paragraphs, and sections of your papers. They tell readers what to do with the information you present them
• Grammar and spelling


  You must make certain that your paper is free from grammar and spelling mistakes. Mechanical errors are usually the main reason for lack of clarity in essays
• Plagiarism and academic honesty

  Plagiarism is a form of stealing; the way to avoid it is to give credit where credit is due