Writing Position

Paper
Prepared by: Ms. Thesha Mae B. Godoy
 WHAT IS A
POSITION PAPER?
 What is a position paper?

Position paper presents the

writer’s stand or viewpoint
on a particular issue
• It entails outlining arguments
• Proposing the course of action
 A position paper can be
an essential tool in
bringing societal change.
 PARTS OF A POSITION PAPER

INTRODUCTION BODY CONCLUSION

INTRODUCTION

• Start an intro which presents the issue

while grabbing the attention of readers.
• Define the issue and discuss its background
• Provide general statement of your position
via your thesis statement.
BODY

• State your main arguments.

• Provide sufficient evidence for each
argument such as a statistical data, KII,
and testimonies.
• Provide counterarguments against possible
weaknesses of your arguments.
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.
POWERFUL STATEMENT??
POWERFUL
STATEMENT??

• Quotation
• A challenge
• A question
Include an iconic picture from the era.
1. Choose an issue
• The issue should be 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. Writing process.
• Conduct an in-depth research on the issue.
3. Clarify.
• Make sure to define unfamiliar terms when
you first mention them.
4. Be aware.
• Be aware of the various positions about the
issue and explain and analyze them
objectively.
• Reflect on your position and identify its
weakness.
5. Cite.
• Cite valid and reliable sources to
establish credibility of your arguments.
6. Be unique.
• View the issue in different perspective so
you can present a unique approach.
7. For whom?
• Analyze your target readers and align your
arguments to their beliefs, needs, interests,
and motivations.
8. Rebuttal
• Summarize the other side’s
counterarguments and use various evidence
and data to refute them.
9. Specifics
• Limit your position paper to two pages.
• Use an active voice as much as possible to
achieve dynamic tone.
10. Arrange your evidence
logically
• You can use either inductive or deductive
approach.
10. Avoid Fallacies.
• Check your arguments for fallacies and
eliminate them. Fallacies, or errors in
reasoning weaken your argument.
11. Use ethical, logical, and
emotional appeal.
• An ethical appeal relates to your
credibility and competence as a writer.
• A logical appeal refers to the rational
approach in developing an argument.
• An emotional appeal uses arguments in a
way that evokes feelings.
 ASSIGNMENT
• Research on what are the current and pressing
issues in the Philippines.
• Choose an issue and write a position paper
about it.
• Observe the guidelines in writing a position
paper.
• Remember to use the format for the
papers/output.
• Deadline is on October 28, 2019, Monday @4PM.