English for Academic and Professional Purposes (EAPP)

2nd Quarter – Written Report

Writing a Position Paper and Defending a Stance on an Issue

You have learned that a position paper presents an arguable opinion about an issue. Your goal as the
writer is to convince the audience that your opinion or stand or claim is valid and worth listening to. It is
important to support your argument or reason with evidence to ensure the validity of your claims. The
best way to defend your stand is to provide supporting evidence which includes the following:
• Factual Knowledge – information that is verifiable and agreed upon by almost everyone
• Statistical Inferences – interpretation and examples of an accumulation of facts
• Informed Opinion – opinion developed through research and/or expertise of the claim
• Personal Testimony – personal experience related by a knowledgeable party.
In every claim, there is always a counterclaim. A counterclaim is just the opposite of a claim. When your
claim says, “I want a new cellphone.” But then your Mother said, “'No, you don't.” This is your mom's
counterclaim. Counterclaims are also provable and supportable by reasons and evidence. Just when your
Mother proves by saying, ’Your current situation does not require a new cell phone.’
All of these essential parts play an important role in writing a position paper. The outline below will help
you organized your ideas in one coherent composition.
Position Paper Outline
I. Introduction
A. Introduce the issue.
B. Provide background on the issue.
C. Provide thesis statement on your stand of the issue.
II. Body (the arguments/reasons)
A. Argument #1 of your claims
1. Give your opinion
2. Provide supporting evidence
B. Argument #2 of your claims
1. Give your opinion.
2. Provide support evidence.
C. Argument #3 of your claims
1. Give your opinion.
2. Provide support evidence.
D. Provide counterarguments against possible weaknesses of your arguments.
IV. Conclusion
A. Restate your argument.
B. Provide a plan of action.
A few reminders before writing a position paper!

✓ Choose an issue that is debatable, current and relevant.

✓ Conduct an in-depth research on the issue.

✓ Explain the issue and analyze it objectively.

✓ Reflect on your position and identify its weaknesses.

✓ Cite valid and reliable source.

✓ Limit your position paper to 2 pages.

✓ Analyze your target audience and align your arguments to their beliefs, needs, interest and motivation.

✓ Use active voice as much as possible to achieve a dynamic and firm tone.

Test I. Write TRUE if the statement is correct and write FALSE if the statement is wrong.
_________ 1. It is a good practice to consider all possible views on the issue at hand.
_________ 2. The issue is a crucial component of a position paper.
_________ 3. Choose an issue that is debatable, current and relevant.
_________ 4. Audience analysis is also important to consider in order to write a more persuasive position
paper.
_________ 5. In writing a position paper, the writer’s credentials is an important factor to establish
credibility.
_________ 6. Any opinions can be used to support an argument.
_________ 7. Providing a background of the issue is not necessary in writing the introduction.
_________ 8. The main goal of a position paper is to inform the readers.
_________ 9. A position paper is also called a point of view paper.
_________ 10. The conclusion of a position paper must end with a strong call for action.
Test II. Answer the following questions briefly.
1. In your own words, state what a position paper is.
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2. In what ways can you develop your arguments?
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