Lesson 10
Writing a Position
Paper
What is a Position Paper?
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 larger
debate.
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 an 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.
Parts of a Position Paper
1. Introduction
• Start with an introduction which presents the
issue while grabbing the attention of readers.
• Define the issue and discuss its background.
• Provide a general statement of your position via
your thesis statement.
2. Body
• State your main arguments.
• Provide sufficient evidence for each argument
such as statistical data, interviews with experts,
and testimonies.
• Provide counterarguments against the possible
weaknesses of your arguments.
3. Conclusion
• Restate your position and main arguments.
• Suggest a course of action.
• State what makes your position superior and
more acceptable.
• End with a powerful closing statement such as a
quotation, a challenge, or a question.
Guidelines in Writing a Position Paper
1. Choose an issue. When choosing one, keep the
following guidelines in mind.
• The issue should be debatable-you won’t be able to
take a stand if the topic is not debatable
• The issue should be current and relevant.
• The issue should be written in a question form 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 to establish the
credibility of your arguments.
7. View the issue in a different perspective so you
can present a unique approach.
8. Limit your position paper to 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 a dynamic and firm tone.
12. Arrange your evidence logically using an
inductive or deductive approach.
a. In an inductive approach, you discuss specific
information first, and then look for patterns to
create a general conclusion. In essence, an
inductive approach entails a flow from specific to
general ideas.
b. In a deductive approach, you take something
general and then branch out and think of specific
things that could apply to it. Basically, this is a
type of reasoning where the flow of discussion
starts with a general theory and moves to a
specific hypothesis.
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.
