Writing A Position Paper: The Following Material Explains Ho
Writing A Position Paperthe Following Material Explains How To Produce
The following material explains how to produce a position paper (sometimes called a point of view paper). A template is provided that outlines the major parts of a good position paper. 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?
Analyzing an Issue and Developing an Argument
Once your topic is selected, you should do some research on the subject matter. While you may already have an opinion on your topic and an idea about which side of the argument you want to take, you need to ensure that your position is well supported. Listing the pro and con sides of the topic will help you examine your ability to support your counterclaims, along with a list of supporting evidence for both sides. Supporting evidence includes the following:
| Type of Information | Type of Source | How to find these sources |
|---|---|---|
| Introductory information and overviews | Directories, encyclopedias, handbooks | Use the Library catalogue in-depth studies books, government reports Library catalogue, web sites |
| Scholarly articles | Academic journals | Article indexes current issues newspapers, magazines Article indexes |
| Position papers and analyses | Association and institute reports | Library catalogue, web sites |
Many of these sources can be located online through the library catalogue and electronic databases, or on the Web. Note: You do not have to use all of the above supporting evidence in your papers. This is simply a list of the various options available to you. Consult your separate assignment sheet to clarify the number and type of sources expected.
Organization
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). 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. 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 three overall points to your argument but should not have fewer.
III. Counter Argument
- A. Summarize the counterclaims
- B. Provide supporting information for counterclaims
- C. Refute the counterclaims
- D. Give evidence for your argument
Consider potential counterarguments by contemplating what someone disagreeing with you might say. When presenting these, be fair and objective, not dismissive or mocking. Consider one or two serious counterarguments in depth. If addressing counterarguments causes you to reassess your position, revise accordingly.
IV. Conclusion
- A. Restate your argument
- B. Provide a plan of action but do not introduce new information
The conclusion typically restates the thesis in different words and discusses its implications.
Following these guidelines, your position paper should present a clear, supported argument, address opposing views respectfully, and conclude with a compelling summary and suggested actions.