SHS

English for Academic

and Professional
Purposes
Quarter 2 – Module 3
WRITES VARIOUS KINDS OF POSITION PAPERS

Welcome to Module 3, Learner! After this module, you will only need to study six
more lessons and you’ll be soon done with this awesome subject! What an
amazing accomplishment! Congratulations in advance!
In this module, you will be guided on how to write a position paper. Several
learning concepts are prepared for you to have a clearer understanding of the
lesson.
Before you start browsing this module, may we please give you some reminders:

• Explore the module at your own pace. Allot considerable time so that you
will be able to cover the concepts included in this module.

• The lessons are self-taught. In case you find some of the concepts difficult
or confusing, you can do additional or supplemental readings using
whatever resources possible.

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 • Do not hesitate to ask for help if the lessons appear to be complicated.

• There are checkpoints on each of the learning concepts. Those were

designed to ensure better understanding before proceeding to the next
lesson. We are expecting that you will take those short assessments
seriously. Be honest with your answers.

• Carefully read the directions to avoid confusion and repetition.

• To have a more reliable output, you are encouraged to cite, explore some
other resources available such as books, newspapers, articles, etc.

• Most importantly, enjoy studying!

We are looking forward for your learnings on this module!

By the end of this module, you should be able to:

Writes various kinds of position papers.

Below are the words you will encounter in the discussion in the next
following pages. This section will help you unlock those words to better understand its context.

• Position Paper: A formal, usually detailed written statement,

especially regarding a single issue, that articulates a position, view
point, or policy, as of government, organization, or political candidate.
• Argument: A process of reasoning; series of reasons; a statement,
reason, or facts for or against a point.
• Opinion: A view or judgment formed about something, not
necessarily based on fact or knowledge.
• Logical Appeal: Refers to a reasonable approach in developing an
argument.
• Ethical Appeal: Refers to your credibility or believability and
competence as a writer.
• Emotional Appeal: Uses arguments in a way that evokes or
uncovers feelings.
• Fallacies: Errors in reasoning; a false or mistaken idea.
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 As a student, you are continuously taking
sides and forming opinions on anything that
involves them. However, defending your
point by simply saying
“because I think so”, won’t help you make a
case. It is therefore important that you learn
how to properly outline your thoughts and
make valid argument.

Definition and Purpose of Position Paper

Presents an opinion and

make a claim or stand
about an issue. A stand supported
by arguments and
evidence.

Position
Learning
Concept 1 paper

Expresses a position,
conclusion, or
recommendation concerning
a contested issue or
undecided question.

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 A position paper presents the writer’s stand or viewpoint on a particular issue. Writing
a position paper entails outlining arguments and proposing the course of action; by doing so,
you are already taking part in a large debate. It is a more complex version of a persuasive
essay, however, a position paper is not an essay, but it has a various parts just like the concept
paper. It can be likened with a debate but the presentation of the arguments is in a written
form. Presenting an argument implies that you are favoring one side of the issue.

The primary goal of a position paper is to declare a “position” on a certain matter or an

issue. Its secondary goal is to convince or persuade others to take that side of an issue or
matter.

Aside from this, you also have the power to change the opinions and attitude of others
when you write a position paper. Because of this, a position paper can be essential tool in
bringing about societal change. For example, if you do not agree with a certain issue or rule,
you can write a position paper to reflect your point of view.

Like a debate, a position paper presents one side of an arguable opinion about an
issue. The goal of a position paper is to convince the audience that your opinion is valid and
defensible. Ideas that you are considering need to be carefully examined in choosing a topic,
developing your argument, and organizing your paper. It is very important to ensure that you
are addressing all sides of the issue and presenting it in a manner that is easy for your
audience to understand. Your job is to take one side of the argument and persuade your
audience that you have well-founded knowledge of the topic being presented. It is important
to support your argument with evidence to ensure the validity of your claims, as well as to
refute the counterclaims to show that you are well informed about both sides.

Issue Criteria

To take a side on a subject, you should first establish the arguability of a topic that interests
you. Ask yourself the following questions to ensure that you will be able to present a strong
argument:

• 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?

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 Let’s check how you understood the concepts in the previous page. You are not
allowed to go back on the previous page.

DIRECTIONS: On a separate sheet of paper or in your notebook, write T if the

statement is correct, otherwise write F.
1. A position paper presents two sides of an arguable opinion about an issue.
2. A position paper is a type of essay.
3. The primary goal of a position paper is to declare a “position” on a certain
matter or an issue.

Learning Concept 2

Parts of a Position Paper

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INTRODUCTION
a) Analyze the source/quote: pull it apart sentence by sentence and explain the
meaning of the source both in general terms and more specifically
b) Identify the perspective the source/quote reflects:
c) Explain your understanding of that ideology (discuss key underlying beliefs or
political principles or economic principles)
d) State your position. Do you agree with the ideological perspective or not?
NOTE:
If taking a qualified position, state it clearly and precisely.
II. BODY
a) Explain your first reason to support your position
b) Factual, relevant and accurate evidence to prove your first argument
c) Explain your second argument/reason
d) Factual, relevant and accurate evidence to prove your second argument
e) Explain your third argument/reason
f) Factual, relevant and accurate evidence to prove your last argument
NOTE:
In General, the strongest/best argument should be the last. Others would advise
the first argument by the strongest/best; never the middle argument.

[Link]
(Summarize, restate in a forceful manner your position)
NOTE:
Please remember that the conclusion should not merely be a brief repetition of your
results – in that case your discussion would seem fairly pointless. Focus instead
on what your results may imply after careful consideration (consideration that you
have outlined in your discussion).

Sample Outline

I. Introduction
A. Introduce the topic
B. Provide background on the topic to explain why it is important
C. Assert the thesis (your view of the issue). More on thesis statements can be found
below.

Your introduction has a dual purpose: to indicate both the topic and your approach to it (your
thesis statement), and to arouse your reader’s interest in what you have to say. One effective
way of introducing a topic is to place it in context – to supply a kind of backdrop that will put it
in perspective. You should discuss the area into which your topic fits, and then gradually lead
into your specific field of discussion (re: your thesis statement).

II. Counter Argument

A. Summarize the counterclaims
B. Provide supporting information for counterclaims
C. Refute the counterclaims
D. Give evidence for argument

You can generate counterarguments by asking yourself what someone who disagrees with
you might say about each of the points you've made or about your position as a whole. Once

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you have thought up some counterarguments, consider how you will respond to them--will you
concede that your opponent has a point but explain why your audience should nonetheless
accept your argument? Will you reject the counterargument and explain why it is mistaken?
Either way, you will want to leave your reader with a sense that your argument is stronger than
opposing arguments.

When you are summarizing opposing arguments, be charitable. Present each argument fairly
and objectively, rather than trying to make it look foolish. You want to show that you have
seriously considered the many sides of the issue, and that you are not simply attacking or
mocking your opponents.

It is usually better to consider one or two serious counterarguments in some depth, rather than
to give a long but superficial list of many different counterarguments and replies.

Be sure that your reply is consistent with your original argument. If considering a
counterargument changes your position, you will need to go back and revise your original
argument accordingly.

III. Your Argument

A. Assert point #1 of your claims
1. Give your educated and informed opinion
2. Provide support/proof using more than one source (preferably three)
B. Assert point #2 of your claims
1. Give your educated and informed opinion
2. Provide support/proof using more than one source (preferably three)
C. Assert point #3 of your claims
1. Give your educated and informed opinion
2. Provide support/proof using more than one source (preferably three)

You may have more than 3 overall points to your argument, but you should not have
fewer.

IV. Conclusion
A. Restate your argument
B. Provide a plan of action but do not introduce new information

The simplest and most basic conclusion is one that restates the thesis in different words and
then discusses its implications.

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 FIX ME!
Directions: Below is a selection not arranged accordingly. Your job is to fix the
Selection chronologically by putting numbers 1 to 4; 1 being the Introduction, 2
and 3 as the body and 4 as the Conclusion. Write your answers in your notebook.

Gandhi’s two most notable fasts were in September 1947 and January 1948. In the first,
shortly after India won its independence in august 1947, the governor of Calcutta spoke of him
not as “Mahatma” but as “the magician,” for he successfully ended a summer violence and
bloodshed in a vicious civil war between Muslim and Hindus that had left 4000 dead and
20,000 wounded. In the second, fasted to promote tolerance among Sikhs, Hindus and
Muslim. Because he was successful in achieving consensus among leaders of the various
groups, it is ironic that Gandhi was assassinated 10 days later by a fellow Hindu. The militant
could not tolerate his view that Muslim and Hindus were equal and no one religion was superior
to another.
Throughout his career, Gandhi staged a total of 17 hunger strikes. The first was in 1918
to express his solidarity with mill workers. They had lost their positions because of a labor
dispute and were unable to feed their families. To demonstrate his support for their cause and
for their suffering. He initiated a fast, which resulted in a quick settlement and increased wages
for the laborers. In 1932, he began a “fast until death” to protest discriminatory British laws.
Mohandas Gandhi (1869-1948), honored by his supporters with the name Mahatma or
“great soul” was a prominent twentieth-century Indian politician and spiritual leader. Through
his philosophy based on courage, truth, and non-violent resistence, he established a number
of economic and social reforms for India. Furthermore, he effectively led the nation to its
independence in1947. One of his most potent forms of protest was the hunger strikes or fast.

These were aimed at legalizing the caste system and segregating the dalits or
untouchable caste into a separate electoral body. In 1933, the respected leader began a three-
week hunger strike to protest British rule in the country. In 1939, he fasted for the same reason
and to promote the cause of independent and unified India. In august 1947, his dream was
realized, albeit with partitioning of greater India into the two separate nations of India and
Pakistan, with a majority of Hindus in the former and a predominance of Muslim in the latter.

Were you able to fix the selection?

If YES, you are absolutely awesome! It means that you are understanding
the concept discussed above.

If NO, do not despair. You can always try it again! I firmly believe that you
can do that!

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 Guidelines on Writing a Position Paper

Learning Concept 23
Issue
argue
research
voice
Vocabulary

citation
Analyze
Guidelines
2 pages
Weakness

perspective
evidence appeal
logical fallacy

1. Choose an issue. When choosing one, keep the following guidelines in mind.
• The issue should be debatable because you won’t be able to make a stand if the topic
is not debatable.
• The issue should be current or relevant.
• The issue should be written in a question from and answerable by yes or no.
• The issue should be narrow and manageable.

2. Begin the writing process by conducting an in-depth research on the issue.

3. Make sure to define unfamiliar terms when you first mention them.
4. Be aware of the various positions about the issue and explain and analyze them objectively.
5. Reflect on your position and identify its weaknesses.
6. Cite valid and reliable sources (3 or more) to establish the credibility of your arguments.
7. View the issue in a different perspective so you can present unique approach.
8. Limit your position paper in two pages.
9. Analyze your target readers and align your arguments to their beliefs, needs, interests, and
motivations.
10. Summarize the other side’s counterarguments and use various evidence and data to refute
them.
11. Use an active voice as much as possible to achieve dynamic and firm one.
12. Arrange your evidence logically using an inductive or deductive approach.
13. Check your argument for fallacies and eliminate them. Fallacies, or errors in reasoning
weaken your argument.
14. Use ethical, logical, and emotional appeal. An ethical appeal relates to your credibility and
competence as a writer; a logical appeal refers to a rational approach in developing an
argument; while an emotional appeal uses arguments in a way that evokes feelings.

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Writing with style and clarity
Many students make the mistake of thinking that the content of their paper is all that
matters. Although the content is important, it will not mean much if the reader can’t understand
what you are trying to say. You may have some great ideas in your paper but if you cannot
effectively communicate them, you will not receive a very good mark. Keep the following in
mind when writing your paper:

Diction
Diction refers to 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. There is often a tendency for students to use fancy
words and extravagant images in hopes that it will make them sound more intelligent when in
fact the result is a confusing mess. Although this approach can sometimes be effective, it is
advisable that you choose clear words and be as precise in the expression of your ideas as
possible.

Paragraphs
Creating clear paragraphs is essential. Paragraphs come in so many sizes and patterns
that no single formula could possibly cover them all. The two basic principles to remember are
these:

1) A paragraph is a means of developing and framing an idea or impression. As a general

rule, you should address only one major idea per paragraph.

2) The divisions between paragraphs aren’t random, but indicate a shift in focus. In other
words you must carefully and clearly organize the order of your paragraphs so that
they are logically positioned throughout your paper. Transitions will help you with this.

Transitions
In academic writing your goal is to convey information clearly and concisely, if not to
convert the reader to your way of thinking. Transitions help you to achieve these goals by
establishing logical connections between sentences, paragraphs, and sections of your papers.
In other words, transitions tell readers what to do with the information you present them.
Whether single words, quick phrases or full sentences, they function as signs for readers that
tell them how to think about, organize, and react to old and new ideas as they read through
what you have written.

Transitions signal relationships between ideas. Basically, transitions provide the

reader with directions for how to piece together your ideas into a logically coherent argument.
They are words with particular meanings that tell the reader to think and react in a particular
way to your ideas. In providing the reader with these important cues, transitions help readers
understand the logic of how your ideas fit together.

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 LOGICAL TRANSITIONAL EXPRESSION
RELATIONSHIP

Similarity also, in the same way, just as ... so too, likewise, similarly

Exception/Contrast but, however, in spite of, on the one hand ... on the other hand,
nevertheless, nonetheless, notwithstanding, in contrast, on
the contrary, still, yet

Sequence/Order first, second, third, ... next, then, finally

Time after, afterward, at last, before, currently, during, earlier,

immediately, later, meanwhile, now, recently, simultaneously,
subsequently, then

Example for example, for instance, namely, specifically, to illustrate

Emphasis even, indeed, in fact, of course, truly

Place/Position above, adjacent, below, beyond, here, in front, in back,
nearby, there

Cause and Effect accordingly, consequently, hence, so, therefore, thus

Additional Support or additionally, again, also, and, as well, besides, equally

Evidence important, further, furthermore, in addition, moreover, then

Conclusion/Summary finally, in a word, in brief, in conclusion, in the end, in the final

analysis, on the whole, thus, to conclude, to summarize, in
sum, in summary

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, so be sure to
thoroughly proofread your paper before handing it in. For help with common errors in grammar
and usage consult the following websites:

Plagiarism and academic honesty

Plagiarism is a form of stealing; as with other offences against the law, ignorance is
no excuse. The way to avoid plagiarism is to give credit where credit is due. If you are using
someone else’s idea, acknowledge it, even if you have changed the wording or just
summarized the main points.

To avoid plagiarism, you must give credit whenever you use

• another person's idea, opinion, or theory;

• any facts, statistics, graphs, drawings--any pieces of information--that are not common
knowledge;
• quotations of another person's actual spoken or written words; or
• paraphrase of another person's spoken or written words.

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 Now that you are able to complete the
different learning concepts, let’s practice what
you have learned.

Directions. Think of three problems that surround the Philippines’

society today. Enumerate these problems on the space provided on
the left side of the chart below. And then, write the opinion about each
of them in a separate sheet of paper or in your notebook.

YOUR OPINION
ISSUE/PROBLEM Example: I am not in favor
Example: Passage of Anti-terror because it violates basic human
Law rights such as the right to free
speech, etc.
1. 1.

2. 2.

3. 3.

Direction: Underline the correct answer from the

choices given to answer the following questions.

1. What structure of academic text do we follow in writing a position paper?

One-paragraph structure essay

Two-paragraph structure essay
Three-paragraph structure
IMRaD

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2. In which part of the essay do we write the action plan or recommendation of the
position paper?

Title page
Introduction
Body
Conclusion

3. Which of the following does NOT include in the introduction of the position paper?

Counter-argument
Background of the topic
Importance of the topic
Thesis of the position paper

4. Which part of the position paper you "refute" the counterclaim?

Introduction
Conclusion
Your argument
Counter argument

5. Which part of the position paper that you have to restate the main points and final
comment?

Introduction
Body: Counter Argument
Body: Your Argument
Conclusion

6. How many main points can be written in the body of the position paper?

One main point

Two main points
Three main points
Four main points

7. How many sources will you have to provide in supporting your assertions?

One source
Two sources
Three sources
No need of any source

8. What is the ideal minimum number of paragraphs in a position paper?

Two paragraphs
Three paragraphs
Four paragraphs
Five paragraphs

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 9. How can you make your position paper strong?

Be sure to annotate your paper

Give an educated and informed opinion with supporting evidences
Apply citations and references in the introductory part of the paper
Record your observations and post them on YouTube.

10. What part of the essay do we restate the argument of the paper?

Introduction
Body
Conclusion

DIRECTIONS. Read and comprehend the following outline of a position paper. Then,
decide what issue you are going to write. After that, fill up the parts of a position paper
using the template below. Your reasons or opinions should be supported by facts. In a
separate sheet of paper, write your answers with a minimum of five paragraphs.

I. Introduction- One Paragraph

A. Background and relevance of the issue
B. Thesis statement (Use prior knowledge on how to write thesis
statement)
C. Reasons you believe what you do
II. Body- Three paragraphs
A. explanation of reasons you believe what you do and its opposing
viewpoints.
III. Conclusion: One Paragraph
A. Restate your thesis in different words
Provide a suggestion or a call to action.

Make sure to follow the guidelines discussed above.

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