Tips in Writing

Position Paper
Group 1 STEM 201- A

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Do pick a topic

that can be

argued
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 Do pick a topic that can be

argued
Position papers are meant to convince readers of
something, to change their mind, or to incite

change. If your topic is not arguable—or if there is

a definite, correct solution—your paper will

automatically be ineffective.

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Do formulate a

thesis that contains

your opinion
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 Do formulate a thesis that

contains your opinion

From the beginning, the reader should have no
doubt about your stance on the issue. A good
formula to follow for a thesis statement is to
identify the situation and then make a claim about
why that claim is true.

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Do rely on facts, not

opinion, to make

your argument
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Do rely on facts, not opinion, to

make your argument.

Though most topics worth arguing about stir up

strong emotional reactions, your argument should

always rely on facts instead of emotions. Keep in

mind, though, that these sources should be reputable

so that the reader can trust your judgment.

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Do be mindful of

your audience
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 Do be mindful of your

audience
Certain facts and approaches are more effective

for a particular audience

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Do remember that

your writing skills

still apply
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 Do remember that your
writing skills still apply
Though a position paper may be slightly different

from other forms of academic writing, the same rules

of grammar, formality, and documentation apply. As

always, your conclusion must tie your paper together

with a summary of the main points. A polished and

professional paper helps to convince your reader.

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Don't disrespect the

opposing point of

view
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 Don't disrespect the opposing

point of view
Even if you disagree with a particular point of view, treat

the issue and the opponent with dignity. Again, any topic

worth arguing about does not have an easy answer, and

all sides of the issue are likely to have valid points. The

more professional your behavior and argument, the more

convincing you will be.
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Don't fall victim to

logical fallacies
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 Do remember that your
writing skills still apply
Fallacious arguments are errors in reasoning, and

most readers will be able to detect them. Avoid

arguments that depend upon generalization or

oversimplifications

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 Do remember that your
writing skills still apply
Don't attempt to tie together two or more

logically unrelated ideas as if they were related

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 Do remember that your
writing skills still apply
Don't assume that a complex situation can have
only one correct outcome.

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 Do remember that your
writing skills still apply
Avoid treating a question as if it has already been
answered.

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Don't rely upon

emotional fallacies
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Don't rely upon emotional fallacies
These appeals attempt to overcome a reader's

good judgment by using exaggerated emotional

pleas. Avoid flattery and in-crowd appeals to

convince your reader.

Don't attempt to frighten readers into agreement

by threatening them or making comparisons

between two situations that are not related.

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Don't employ ethical

fallacies
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 Don't employ ethical fallacies
These tactics are unjustified attacks that are
directed to the person and not the issue. Don't
assume that a person's character or association with
others reflects his or her ability to make a relevant
argument. Always focus upon the issues at hand.

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Thank you for

listening!