Writing a

Position Paper
GROUP 2
What is a position paper?
A position paper is a written document that presents an
argument or viewpoint on a particular issue or topic. It is
typically written by an individual or a group to persuade
others to take a particular stance on a subject.
A position paper is a type of academic writing that
presents one’s stand or viewpoint on a particular issue.
Characteristics of a
Position Paper
01
Clear and concise
A position paper should be well-written
and easy to understand. It should be clear
and concise, with no unnecessary words
or information.
02 Research-based
A position paper should be grounded in
research and evidence. This means that the
writer should have done extensive research on
the topic they are writing about, and should use
that research to support their argument.
03 Focused
A position paper should be focused on a
specific issue or topic. It should not try to
address multiple issues or topics at once,
as this can make the argument less
persuasive.
04
Balanced
Present both sides of an argument fairly, even if
the writer ultimately takes a specific position.
This means that the writer should acknowledge
and address counterarguments, and explain
why their position is still the strongest.
05
Persuasive
A position paper should be persuasive,
using logic, reasoning, and evidence to
convince the reader to take a particular
stance on the issue.
06
Well-structured
A position paper should be well-structured,
with a clear introduction, body, and
conclusion.
07
Properly cited
A position paper should cite all sources
used in the research, using a recognized
citation style such as MLA or APA. This
helps to establish the writer's credibility
and avoid plagiarism.
 Parts of a
Position Paper
Introduction, Body, Conclusion
Pre-Writing
a. The issue should be debatable
b. The issue should be current and
relevant
c. The issue should be written in question
form; a yes-or-no question
d. The issue should be specific and
manageable.
Introduction
● Uses a lead that grabs the reader’s
attention
● Must include a well-defined,
controversial issue. The issue should be
carefully defined so that readers
understand exactly what is at stake and
why the issue is important.
Introduction
● Must have a clear position on the issue.
An introduction provides a general
statement of your position through a
thesis statement
Body
● Consists of three sections:
1.) Background information
2.) Evidence and supporting author’s
position
3.) Discuss both issues, addresses
arguments that contradicts author’s
position
Body
● Contains several paragraphs in which
each paragraph shall contain ideas or
concepts supported by strong evidence
and facts
● States your main arguments, counter-
arguments, and provide sufficient
evidence for each argument
Body
● Your main arguments should be
convincing. It must consist of sufficient
evidences.

Evidences to support your arguments:

1. Statistics
2. Interview with experts
3. Testimonies from relevant sources
Body
● Present your argument in a reasonable
tone. Writers of position papers typically
adopt a tone that will be perceived as
reasonable and trustworthy.
Conclusion
● Restates your position and main
argument. Just stress the importance of
your ideas
● Wraps up the entire paper stating why
your position is better than any other
position
● Should be ended with a final comment, it
should be powerful. (i.e. quote)
Quiz
1. It is a type of academic writing that presents
one’s stand or viewpoint on a particular
issue.
2. What is the objective of a position paper?
A. To persuade B. To inform
C. To entertain D. To claim
3. This part in writing the position paper is
what grabs the attention of the readers.
A. Introduction B. Lead
C. Topic D. Title
4. How many sections does the body of a
position paper have?
A. One B. Two C. Three D. Four
5. Position papers typically include the
following features: A well-defined, controversial
issue; a clear position on the issue; a convincing
argument; and a reasonable tone
A. TRUE B. FALSE
6. Position papers will often attempt to make
use of intellectual appeals to sway an audience.
A. TRUE B. FALSE
7. Which part of a position paper may contain
several paragraphs in which each paragraph
shall contain ideas or concepts supported by
strong evidence and facts?
A. Introduction B. Body C. Conclusion
8. Testimonies are part of the evidences used
to support an argument
A. TRUE B. FALSE
9. Give one characteristic of a position paper.
10. Enumerate all the parts of a position paper.
Answers
1. Position Paper 9. Clear and concise,
2. A. To persuade Research-Based,
3. B. Lead Focused, Balanced,
4. C. Three sections Persuasive, Well-
5. A. TRUE structured, Properly
6. A. TRUE cited
7. B. BODY 10.Introduction, body,
8. A. TRUE and conclusion