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What Is A Position Paper?

A position paper describes an author's stance on a particular issue and supports that stance with evidence and reasons. It is meant to argue a position rather than explore all sides of an issue. Choosing a topic requires finding an issue that is arguable and has multiple sides. Researchers should understand all perspectives on a topic and consider their own views and intended audience. When building an argument, authors establish a claim, identify supporting reasons backed by evidence, anticipate counter-arguments, and use a standard format with an introduction, body, and conclusion.

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327 views2 pages

What Is A Position Paper?

A position paper describes an author's stance on a particular issue and supports that stance with evidence and reasons. It is meant to argue a position rather than explore all sides of an issue. Choosing a topic requires finding an issue that is arguable and has multiple sides. Researchers should understand all perspectives on a topic and consider their own views and intended audience. When building an argument, authors establish a claim, identify supporting reasons backed by evidence, anticipate counter-arguments, and use a standard format with an introduction, body, and conclusion.

Uploaded by

Sheila Samon
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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WRITING A POSITION PAPER

What is a Position paper?

A position paper describes a stand or position on a particular issue


supported with viable reasons for taking that position. It is based on facts that
offer concrete basis for their arguments. Position paper enables authors to
exchange views without requiring them to follow research format. In schools,
the commonly used type of position paper is the persuasive position paper even
though it can be u any of the other essay forms like definition, description, and
cause, evaluation, or problem solution. However, you need to remember that
the purpose of the paper is not to explore the issue but to argue a particular
position about the issue.
Example: "Do women make less money than men for the same job" is
something you can research and find a factual answer and so it isn't a good
position topic. But saying “Women are more successful than men in any field”
could generate a good argument because there is a contrary point of view that
you can write about.
Choosing your position
These are the following steps you need to consider in organizing yourf
position paper:
1. Make sure your topic is arguable- choose a topic that’s interesting and
can make a claim that other people would disagree with. In short, choose
a topic that has multiple sides.
2. Research your topic and the alternative sides- make sure that you
fully understand your issue so that you can defend your position. The
background information, recent developments, and the reasons behind
each side should be considered.
3. Think about your views on the issue. – Brainstorm for strong views
about the topic which will help you build the argument.
4. Consider your audience. – Make sure that the arguments will appeal to
the kind of people who will read your position paper.
Building your argument
Below is a guide on how to build your argument in a position paper.
1. Establish your claim- based your claim on what you can prove with
your evidence
2. Identify your supporting reasons- your supporting reasons will come
directly from your evidence, so choose statements that you can prove
3. Compile your supporting evidence. - Identify which pieces of evidence
you will use to support your argument, and mark them in a way that is
convenient for you. You can either use index card or directly type using
your device.
4. Identify a counter-argument that you can easily dismiss. - A good
counter-argument is easy to dismiss, allowing you to refute it using your
evidence.
Position Paper format
I. Introduction
 Introduction ideas (thesis statement)
 Claim Sentence
II. Body
 Sub-claims
 Warrants/Backing (evidence to support warrants)
 Rebuttal
III. Conclusion

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