LESSON 6 TOPIC: WRITING A POSITION PAPER

Question 1

Essential Features of a Position Paper
In writing a position paper, it is important to put into consideration the reasonability and credibility of an argument. To achieve this end, the essential features and characteristics of a position must be observed, and they are the following:

Answer 1

• A well-defined or controversial issue;
• A clear position on the issue;
• A convincing argument; and
• A reasonable tone.
  Bringing back the topics from the previous modules about position papers, they explain how you are going to defend a side of an issue. Mainly, your position must consist of arguments and claims founded by strong shreds of evidence from credible sources. So, what are these credible sources?

Question 2

Credible sources are crucial in making the position paper more persuasive, and most of these are the following:
* Bills and laws
* Declarations from government and international non-government organizations, such as the United Nations, WHO,
etc.
* Books, entries from encyclopedias and dictionaries.
* Scholarly articles from academic journals, articles from reputable newspapers, and magazines
* Reputable television programs; and other news media sources
* Personal interviews from experts and resource informants
Importance of Position Papers
* Give a critical examination with the use of facts, evidence, and reasoning, which addresses both the strengths and weaknesses of the writer’s point.
* Support an issue with a solid foundation of an argument, strong evidence, and proofs.
* Discuss the rationale and author’s side of an issue.

Answer 2

Credible sources

Question 3

Writing a position paper is a bit tough as it may seem especially to novice writers. However, with preparation, research, and taking into consideration its important parts; you will find that writing a position paper is easier and manageable. The position paper has several parts:

Answer 3

The Position Paper Format

Question 4

, is an assertion or issue that 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 environment.

Answer 4

1. The Argumentative Thesis or Argument

Question 5

are statements that support the author’s stand. In the above example, written in bold cites risks to public safety and the environment is the claim that strengthens a stand.

Answer 5

2. The Claim

Question 6

, are proofs to strengthen the author’s claims, this can be any of the following:
* Facts and statistics; surveys, library research and experiments
* Interviews with experts and informants who have direct experience about the problem or issue
* Perceived philosophical, socio-political, or psychological truths.

Answer 6

3. The evidence

Question 7

How to Build a Position Paper

Answer 7

Now, let us write your first draft, get an extra paper, and follow the steps below. Always refer to the previous lessons
for key concepts in crafting a position paper.
1. Do research about any issue you find interesting or controversial.
2. Brainstorm with anyone who may have an opinion and stand about the issue or topic you have chosen.
3. Crafting the main issue or problem:
The issue is about _________________________________________________
4. Write the claims and assertions you would like to include in your position paper:
Claim 1 _________________________________________________________________
Claim 2 _________________________________________________________________
Claim 3 _________________________________________________________________
5. Prepare your argumentative thesis by combining 3 and 4; the issue and claims, into one complex sentence.
Argumentative Thesis: ___________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________ .
6. Now, utilize the three elements: assertions or claims, evidence, and explanation making your reasoning valid, clear,
and understandable in every point. Refer to previous lessons about these terms.
7. In writing paragraphs, always consider the parts of writing a good paragraph, the proper introduction, body, and
conclusion that you already have learned on the previous lessons, and integrate it with a position paper specific
features and format:
Introduction write the background of the issue and argumentative thesis
Body, the claims should be developed from topic sentences and must be supported with credible evidence. Make
sure you always refer back to the previous discussions.
The Conclusion is composed of a summary of the major claim and a restatement of your thesis statement.