WEEK 3: WRITING A POSITION PAPER

Another week has already arrived to continue your journey

in unleashing your incomparable prowess in presenting
your ideas through writing discourse. Last week, you have
equipped yourself with a holistic knowledge about writing a
concept paper. This week, you will be learning to convince
your audience that your opinion on something presented is
valid and worth listening to as you deal with the concepts
of writing a Position Paper.
 
At the end of the lesson, you should be able to:
     define a position paper;
     identify the features of an effective position paper;
     use reasonable arguments and factual evidence to defend a stand;
     determine the purpose of a position paper;
     use transitions to connect ideas; and
     accomplish the quiz to measure the effectiveness of knowledge
acquisition.
 
As you proceed to understanding and transferring your thoughts into a
written discourse in a form of a position paper, it is necessary for you to be
guided with the appropriate things to be discussed. Hence, it is but right to
ask yourself,
 

 
In everyday life, people continuously take sides and form opinions on
anything that involves them; however, defending your point by simply
saying, “Because I think so” would not help you make a case. It is therefore
important that you learn how to properly outline your thoughts and make
valid arguments.
 

P     O     S     I     T     I     O     N           P     A     P     E     R
 

 
     It is an essay that presents an opinion about an issue, typically
that of the author or another specified entity; such as a political
party. Position papers are published in academia, in politics, in
law, and other domains.
      It is a written presentation of an issue that has many sides. Most
position papers take a specific point of view, and the purpose of
the paper is to defend, explain, and document the reasoning
behind that point of view, or position.
      It entails outlining arguments and proposing the course of
action; by doing so, one is already taking part in a larges debate.
 
A Position Paper is a common type of academic argument writing
assignment. Typically, a Position Paper is written after reading about and
discussing a particular issue. Quite often, the readings cover more than
one issue, and as a writer you must choose a particular area of focus.
 
The central goal of writing a position paper is not only to state and defend
your position on the issue but also to show how your stance relates to
other positions. As we write the Position Paper, we will continue to
practice skills such as articulating a thesis statement that contains an
overall claim, developing an argument with reasons and evidence, and
using transitions and reader cues for coherence.
 
PARTS OF A POSITION PAPER
 
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 thesis
statement.
     The introduction should basically establish the issue and
express the author’s position. It should be written in a way that
grabs the reader’s attention. The introduction will either entice the 
reader to your paper or let go of them if it does not look interesting.
Therefore, you should put substantial work in coming up with a
decent introduction to appeal to the readers.
 
Body
     State your main arguments.
     Provide sufficient evidence for each argument such as statistical
data, interviews with experts, and testimonies.
     Provide counterarguments against possible weaknesses of your
arguments.
    The body of the position paper can be broken down into several
paragraphs. Each paragraph should signify an idea or main
concept that explains the position statement and is held by proofs
or facts. Evidence should lead, through logical reasoning, to the
main concept or idea explained in the paragraph. The body may
begin with some circumstantial evidence and should include an
argument of both sides of the matter. You can give a few points
concerning the counter argument then finish up with ample points
and support for your desired position in the argument. This will act
 well for the reader because they will see that you are not biased
but, in the end, you will have convinced them towards your
direction.
 
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.
     At the start of the conclusion, restate your thesis just to remind
the reader of what your intentions were in the paper then support
your thesis with a summary of the points in the body paragraphs.
    You should positively define your position in the last and
concluding paragraph. You can also choose to dismiss the
opposing opinions in short as to conclude your paper. Finish your
paper with a request for applying your opinions. Let the reader
decide the necessity for your position paper.
 
PURPOSE OF WRITING A POSITION PAPER
 
     The main motive of a position paper is to induce assistance to
an issue. It defines a position on a matter and the logic for that
position. The position paper is built on pieces of evidence that
provide a rock-solid base for your line of reasoning. Some people
mix-up a position paper for being just like a regular report.
However, a position paper involves the writer taking on one side of
the subject under debate. While writing a position paper, you need
to give your stance on the matter at hand.
     To argue your position on an issue raised in at least two of the
articles we have read, showing how your position relates to those
of the authors.
 
AUDIENCE
 
     It includes the authors of the readings and others interested in
the issue upon which you are focusing.
     In considering the audience, ask yourself the following
questions:
     Who is your audience?
     What do they believe?
     Where do they stand on the issue?
     How are their interests involved?
     What evidence is likely to be effective with them?

 
GUIDES FOR WRITING A POSITION PAPER
 
Know the issue given.
     Generally, the topic to be discussed is given in advance, and it
is your duty as a member to comprehend the topic first before you
take a position on the matter. If the topic is not crystal clear, you
may give opinions that do not demonstrate your stand. To get
familiar with the topic, you can carry-out some investigation on the
topic.
 
Make sure that your topic can effortlessly be debatable.
     In some cases, you may be asked to choose a topic to write on
for your position paper. Topics like current trends and issues
disturbing society today can be used for discussion. Select a topic
that has opinions and can bring counterstatement to begin the
argument. When you choose a common issue where most
individuals would argue for only one side of your stand then that is
not a worthy issue. A decent topic should have almost related
points on both sides of the argument to bring a strong discussion.
 
Make a checklist of the advantages and disadvantages for both stands of
the argument.
     When you list the advantages and disadvantages of two
contradictory sides of the argument you will be able to pick the
ideal position that you can debate.
 
Choose your position and composes your arguments
     In a position paper you have to take a stand in the argument.
Confirm that you have satisfactory opinions to strengthen your
stance.
 
Know your audience position on the topic.
     It is beneficial to identify where your audience is positioned in
the argument so that you can strategies your arguments.
 
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.
 
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 proof
read your paper before handing it in.
 
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.
 
FEW IDEAS FOR AN OUTSTANDING POSITION PAPER
 
Draft a formal appearance for your paper
     In being official you only need to be realistic in your arguments
so that the readers can easily be influenced with your points
without much struggle.
Simplicity is the key
     In a display of your statements, you should make certain that
you are straight to the argument and evade uncertain details as it
may make your work boring to read. Be very direct by using easy,
straight-forward language. Keep away from using too much
decorative vocabulary in your paper.
Structured presentation of your opinions
     You should be able to know which argument comes first and
ensure each idea is placed in its relevant section. This will also
assist in your paper having a solemn look.
Put references for your points
     Quoting your sources is essential as your arguments can be
referred therefore effective.
Review your paper after finishing
     Proofread your labor as it will assist you to see some minute
errors made and you can also modify the movement of arguments
to be convincing to your audience.

G   E   N   E   R   A   L   I   Z   A   T   I   O   N
 
Writers of position papers usually feel strong about the issues they
address, and they strive to convince readers to accept their opinions as
valid and reasonable. To achieve this end, position papers typically include
the following features: a well-defined, controversial issue; a clear position
on the issue; a convincing argument; and a reasonable tone. Furthermore,
position papers will often attempt to make use of emotional appeals as well
as intellectual appeals to sway an audience.
 
In writing an effective position paper, do not be afraid to be argumentative,
that is the reason why it is called a “position” paper. Look at all sides of the
issue and base your position on a thorough examination of all the relevant
evidence. In addition, convince the reader that you have critically read the
text or analyzed the issue. Then, express your thoughts clearly and
concisely. 
 
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.
 
For impeccable writing skills of a position paper, you need to be open to
diverse position paper examples. There are various position papers written
conveying several scenarios. It can range from either on state matters or of
a definite corporate or industry. When you get exposed to these examples,
you will be able to dictate the right structure and outline for your given
paper.
 
- End of discussion - 
 

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