Writing A Position

Paper
 What is a Position Paper?
POSITION PAPER
It is an essay that presents an opinion about an
issue – typically that of the author or some
specified entity.
It is a critical analysis of current facts, data
and research literature.
It presents the arguable opinion about an issue.
 PURPOSE OF POSITION PAPER

• To help you understand your nation’s views and

interests on the various issues that you will discuss
during the conference.
• To generate support from the readers through strong
and valid assertions.
• To generate support on an issue. It describes a
position on an issue and the rational for that position.
 CHARACTERISTICS OF GOOD POSITION
PAPER
1.It has a clear purpose-(to explain, evaluate,
predict or advise)
2.It has focused and limited topic.
3.It should be organized and orderly.
4.It is factual and reliable.
 STEPS IN WRITING A POSITION PAPER

1.Decide on a topic or issue.

2.Decide on your position.
3.Research for evidences for both sides.
4.Write your position paper and defend
your opinion on the issue
 REMINDERS IN WRITING A POSITION PAPER

• Use evidence to support your position, such as

statistical evidence or dates and events.
• Validate your position with authoritative references or
primary source quotations.
• Examine the strengths and weaknesses of your position.
• Evaluate possible solutions and suggest courses of
action.
THE FOLLOWING STRUCTURE IS TYPICAL OF A POSITION PAPER:
I. An introduction
A. Identification of the issue
B. Statement of the position
II. The body
A. Background information
B. Supporting evidence or facts
C. A discussion of both sides of the issue
III. A conclusion
A. Suggested courses of action
B. Possible solutions
 INTRODUCTION
• The introduction should clearly identify
the issue and state the author’s
position.
• It should be written in a way that
catches the reader’s attention
 BODY
• The body of the position paper may contain several paragraphs.
• Each paragraph should present an idea or main concept that
clarifies a portion of the position statement and is supported by
evidence or facts.
• Evidence can be primary source quotations, statistical data,
interviews with experts, and indisputable dates or events.
• Evidence should lead, through inductive reasoning, to the main
concept or idea presented in the paragraph.
• The body may begin with some background information and should
incorporate a discussion of
 CONCLUSION
• The conclusion should summarize the main
concepts and ideas and reinforce, without
repeating, the introduction or body of the
paper.
• It could include suggested courses of action
and possible solutions.
WHAT ARE THE ISSUES IN WHICH A POSITION PAPER MAY BE
EFFECTIVELY USED IN OUR PRESENT SOCIETY?

1. Social Issues
Example.
What is the cause of the increase in child obesity?(cause)
2. Educational Issues
Example.
Does adding year to the high school really improve learning?(fact)
3. Technology
Example
Textbooks should be replaced by iPad and online resources.(policy)
 WHAT ARE THE ISSUES IN WHICH A POSITION PAPER
MAY BE EFFECTIVELY USED IN OUR PRESENT SOCIETY?

4. Media
Example
Does the news from ABS CBN bias? (fact)
5. Relationships
Example
What are the causes of having broken family?(cause)
6. War and Peace
Example
War is not really the solution to achieved peace.
WHAT ARE THE ISSUES IN WHICH A POSITION PAPER MAY
BE EFFECTIVELY USED IN OUR PRESENT SOCIETY?

7. Environmental Issues
Example
What are the cause of flash flood?
8. Politics
Example
Some of the government leader are illegal drugs
protector.(fact)