Position Paper
The position paper is devoted to a discussion of one side of an issue. While other essays are devoted to
presenting information, the position paper tackles one significant issue of a community on which the author takes
a stand. What makes the position paper challenging is that since the work aims at convincing readers to take the
author’s position, credible evidence needs to be presented.
The position paper has several parts that are different from the other essays you have previously
encountered. Specifically, the position paper has essential parts such as the issue, the argumentative thesis, the
claims, and the evidence.
The issue of the position paper is similar to the topic sentence. It is the central concept up for contention.
Specifically, an issue would have supporters for both negative and positive sides and the author chooses one for
the position paper.
Example:
Topic-Dress Code
Issue- Implementing a dress code in school
An issue is developed into an argumentative thesis that states the stand of the author on the issue.
Example: the establishment of condominiums near universities should be prohibited because of the risks it poses
to public safety and the environment.
*Claims- These are statements that support the author’s stand. In the previous example, the author cites risks to
public safety and the environment as points that strengthen his/her stand.
1. Evidence from surveys, library research, and experiments
2. Evidence from informant interviews (those who have direct experience related to the problem/issue)
3. Evidence from expert interviews
In developing a position paper, remember that there are four essential parts: introduction, summary of
counterclaims, arguments, and conclusion.
The introduction contains background information concerning the issue (The who, what, where,
when, and why), a yes or no question containing the issue, and the argumentative thesis.
Essay
By Anna Mikaela Lapus
Background Information
Taft Avenue is a very busy part of Metro Manila. Because of the fast-paced living in the area, it is possible that
condominium living has been the trend for many due to the convenience it provides to inhabitants in going to business
and education districts such as Manila, Quezon City, and Makati. The increase in condominiums around the area could
also be a result of the density of people, predominantly students, given that De La Salle University, one of the country’s
top universities, is located along Taft Avenue. It is probable that most of these students would prefer condominium
living rather than traveling from home to school and vice versa which, for the case of some, can be costly. In addition,
not only students but also other individuals might consider it favorable to live in an area where everything they could
possibly need is easily accessible.
The yes or no question is the issue posed as an interrogative statement. This allows readers to see both
sides of the issue. It also allows you to weigh the evidence to support your claims for your essay. The
argumentative thesis is the sentence that takes a stand on the issue and includes the claims to support your stand.
The summary of the counterclaims will constitute the second paragraph of your position paper and is
devoted to an enumeration of arguments opposing a stand. The summary of counterclaims is a unique feature of
argumentations as it highlights the author’s opposite claims. This will allow you to refute these claims in the body
of your argument. In writing this, you need to be brief.
Example:
Opposing parties might say that the establishment of condominiums pose more disadvantages than
benefits. Some may argue that condominium living is not an ideal way of living, and that people prefer something
more quiet, peaceful. As Cortez (2007) puts it, “communal living is not always desirable for some people and the
noise level generated by living in close proximity to others can influence some buyers. “Some say that
condominium living is not ideal for growing families. Regarding health concerns, research done by Harrison (n.d.)
indicates that the city is a most polluted area with several factors contributing to this pollution:” noise pollution,
tobacco smoke, vehicle emissions, acid rain, industrial run-off, sewage disposal, domestic waste, herbicides, and
pesticides. “Most of the time, environment standards in the city are horribly low and health risks higher.
For succeeding sections of the body of your paper, elaborate on the claims in your thesis. These
sections should include evidence that will convince readers on the strength of your standard.
Pieces of evidence to strengthen the author’s claims:
1. Evidence from surveys, library research, and experiments
2. Evidence from informant interviews (those who have direct experience related to the problem/issue)
3. Evidence from expert interviews
The conclusion contains a restatement of your thesis and summarizes your main claims. Similar to the
introduction, the conclusion holds a powerful position as it contains the thesis statement and gives
readers a strong sense of author’s position.
Example:
While there are some disadvantages, the benefits of condominium living outweigh the alternatives.
Modern society involves city living, for which condominiums provide an opportunity. Not only does
condominium living provide the convenience and comfort that most people want in their lifestyle, but it
seems perfect for those who prefer things cheaper and hassle-free.
PREPARING THE TECHNICAL REPORT
A technical Report is a document that needs different approaches of data collection and treatment. Aside
from exploring it as research problem, it also contains the following sections:
1. Background Study- this section delves into the nature of the problem, the circumstances that led to the
problem, and the reasons why the writer is addressing the problem through research.
2. Relevant Literature (or Review of Related Literature)- this section synthesizes studies that support the
investigation.
3. Methods, Materials, and participants- this section describe the different ways of collecting data and the
strategies to answer the research questions, e.g., techniques of analysis. Also if applicable, participants
should also be described in general-criteria in their selection and number. (How were they selected?
What criteria were used? How many participants?)
4. Results and Discussion- this section expounds on the answers to the research questions. Specifically,
the results and discussion present findings from the literature, survey, interviews, or experiments as
well as online research.
5. Conclusions and Recommendations-this section presents the generalizations drawn from the research
results and discussion.
