ENGLISH FOR ACADEMIC &
PROFESSIONAL PURPOSES
POSITION PAPER:
Steps on writing the POSITION PAPER:
#1. CHOOSING YOUR POSITION.
1.1 MAKE SURE YOUR TOPIC IS ARGUABLE
-Choose a topic that has multiple sides. The
topic should be controversial, with at least 2
clear sides.
1.2 RESEARCH YOUR TOPIC & THE
ALTERNATIVE SIDES.
-Fully understand the issue in order to choose
and defend a position by researching the
background information and reasons behind
each side. REMEMBER to examine at least 2
sides of the issue.
1.3 MAKE A PROS AND CONS LIST FOR AT
LEAST 2 SIDES OF THE TOPIC.
-Write down the reasons of each side for you
to choose a position that is easy to defend
based on the information you have collected.
1.4 THINK ABOUT YOUR VIEWS ON THE
ISSUE.
-You may have strong views on the topic that
will have you choose your side. If you have an
opinion, make a list of your reasons that might
help you with the topic.
1.5 CONSIDER YOUR AUDIENCE’S VIEWS ON
THE TOPIC.
-If you are preparing your paper for a
particular audience, it could be helpful to
consider their views. Contextualize your
content so that your argument will be
beneficial to the learnings of your audience.
#2. BUILDING YOUR ARGUMENT.
2.1 ESTABLISH YOUR CLAIM.
-Base your claim on what you can prove with
your evidence.
2.2 IDENTIFY YOUR SUPPORTING REASONS.
-Your supporting reasons will come directly
from your evidence, so choose statements that
you can prove.
2.3 COMPILE YOUR SUPPORTING EVIDENCE.
-Identify which pieces of evidence you will use
to support your argument, and mark them in a
way that is convenient for you.
2.4 IDENTIFY A COUNTER-ARGUMENT THAT
YOU CAN EASILY DISMISS.
-Using a counter-argument can help you
strengthen your claim because it shows the
audience that you have considered other
options. By introducing and then dismissing the
counter-argument, you are showing that your
position is the correct one to take.
#3. DRAFTING YOUR PAPER.
3.1 DEVELOP YOUR THESIS
-Explain your side by exposing your counter-
argument in such a way that it will look invalid
then elaborate your claim/side afterwards.
e.g.: “Although installing new playground
equipment in the park will be expensive, new
playground equipment would provide a safe
play area for children and offer options for
children with special needs.
3.2 WRITE YOUR INTRODUCTION
-Provide your audience with background
information on your topic, including the history
and recent developments.
3.3 INCLUDEAT LEAST 2 BODY
PARAGRAPHS.
-A short position paper may only contain 2
body paragraphs – one for the counter-
argument and one for the supportive points.
3.4 USE TOPIC SENTENCES THAT LINK BACK
TO YOUR THESIS.
3.5 PROVIDE EVIDENCE TO SUPPORT YOUR
POSITION
-Facts; Statistics; Quotes; Documented Stories.
3.6 PROVIDE COMMENTARY TO EXPLAIN
YOUR EVIDENCE.
-This should explain clearly the link between
your evidence and thesis statement (claim).
3.7 CONCLUDE YOUR ESSAY BY
REASSERTING YOUR POSITION.
-Sum up your argument.
3.8 CITE YOUR SOURCES.
-Since your position paper will contain
evidence, you need to include where you
sourced that information.
#4. Revising & Editing your Paper.
4.1USE YOUR SPELL CHECK TOOL
4.2 TAKE A BREAK FROM YOUR PAPER
4.3 RE-READ YOUR PAPER WITH FRESH EYES
4.4 REVISE YOUR PAPER
4.5 PROFFREAD YOUR PAPER TO MAKE
FINAL EDITS
4.6 PREPARE YOUR WORKS CITED PAGE,
BIBLIOGRAPHY, OR REFERENCES PAGE
4.7 FORMAT YOUR PAPER TO FIT YOUR
INSTRUCTOR’S REQUIREMENTS.