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Writing an Effective Position Paper

This document provides guidance on writing an effective position paper. It defines a position paper as an academic writing that presents one's viewpoint on an issue to participate in a larger debate. It outlines the key parts of a position paper, including an introduction that grabs attention and defines the issue, a body with main arguments and evidence, and a conclusion that restates the position and suggests action. It also provides tips for choosing an issue, conducting research, establishing credibility, summarizing counterarguments, and using logical, ethical and emotional appeals.

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Dennis Em
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204 views13 pages

Writing an Effective Position Paper

This document provides guidance on writing an effective position paper. It defines a position paper as an academic writing that presents one's viewpoint on an issue to participate in a larger debate. It outlines the key parts of a position paper, including an introduction that grabs attention and defines the issue, a body with main arguments and evidence, and a conclusion that restates the position and suggests action. It also provides tips for choosing an issue, conducting research, establishing credibility, summarizing counterarguments, and using logical, ethical and emotional appeals.

Uploaded by

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

LESSON

LESSON 14:
14: Position
Position Paper
Paper
By
By the
the end
end of
of lesson,
lesson, you
you will
will have
have been
been able
able to
to

 Identify the features of an effective position


paper;
 Determine the purpose of a position paper;
 Define the context for a position paper;
 Use transitions to connect ideas; and
 Write an effective position paper.
What
What isis aa Position
Position Paper?
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
Parts of
of aa Position
Position Paper
Paper

1.1. Introduction
Introduction
• Uses a lead that grabs the attention of readers.
• Defines the issue and provide a through background.
• Provides a general statement of your position through a
thesis statement.
Parts
Parts of
of aa Position
Position Paper
Paper

2.
2. Body
Body
• States your main arguments and provide sufficient evidence
(e.g., statistics, interviews with experts and testimonies) for
each argument.
• Provides counterarguments against possible weakness of
your arguments.
Parts
Parts of
of aa Position
Position Paper
Paper

3.
3. Conclusion
Conclusion
• Restates your position and main arguments.
• Suggests a course of action.
• 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
Choosing an Issue
Issue

1. The issue should be debatable. You cannot take any


position if the topic is not debatable.
2. The issue should be current and relevant.
3. The issue should be written in a question form and
answerable by yes or no.
4. The issue should be specific and manageable.
Guidelines in
Guidelines in Writing
Writing aa Position
Position Paper
Paper

 Begin
the writing process with an in-depth research
about the issue at hand
 Be
aware of the various positions about the issue
and explain and analyze them objectively.
 Reflect on your position and identify its weaknesses.
Guidelines in
Guidelines in Writing
Writing aa Position
Position Paper
Paper

 Establish your credibility by citing reliable


sources.
 Present a unique way of approaching the
issue.
 Limit your position paper to two pages.
Guidelines in
Guidelines in Writing
Writing aa Position
Position Paper
Paper

 Analyzeyour target readers and align your


arguments to their beliefs, need, interests, and
motivation
 Summarize the other side’s counterarguments and
refute them with evidence.
 Define unfamiliar terms at first mention.
Guidelines in
Guidelines in Writing
Writing aa Position
Position Paper
Paper

 Use
an active voice as much as possible. This will
make your tone dynamic and firm.
 Arrangeyour evidence logically using an inductive
or reductive approach
 Checkyour paper for fallacies and revise
accordingly.
Guidelines in
Guidelines in Writing
Writing aa Position
Position Paper
Paper

 Useethical, logical, and emotional appeals. Ethical


appeals relate your credibility and competence as
writer; logical appeal refers to the rational approach
in developing an argument; emotional appeals
pertain to feelings evoked during arguments. Make
sure to check your appeals to ensure that they are
not fallacious.
Jem
Jem Villacruel
Villacruel

Dennis
Dennis Em
Em

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