LESSON 5:
POSITION PAPER
WHAT IS A
POSITION PAPER?
A position paper presents an
arguable opinion about an issue.
The goal of a position paper is to
convince the audience that your
opinion is valid and worth listening
to. Ideas that you are considering
need to be carefully examined in
choosing a topic, developing your
argument, and organizing your
paper.
It is very important to ensure that
you are addressing all sides of the
issue and presenting it in a manner
that is easy for your audience to
understand.
Your job is to take one side of the
argument and persuade your
audience that you have well-
founded knowledge of the topic
being presented.
It is important to support your
argument with evidence to ensure
the validity of your claims, as well
as to address the counterclaims to
show that you are well informed
about both sides.
PURPOSE OF A
POSITION PAPER
The purpose of a position paper is
to generate support on an issue.
It describes the author’s position
on an issue and the rationale for
that position and, in the same way
that a research paper incorporates
supportive evidence, is based on
facts that provide a solid
foundation for the author’s
argument.
HOW TO CREATE A
POSITION PAPER?
Select a Topic for Your Paper
Your position paper centers around a topic that is supported
by research. Your topic and position have to hold up when
challenged, so it's helpful to research a few topics and pick
the one you can best argue, even if it may not reflect your
personal beliefs. In many cases, the subject matter and your
topic are not as important as your ability to make a strong
case. Your topic can be simple or complex, but your
argument must be sound and logical.
CONDUCT PRELIMINARY
RESEARCH
Preliminary research is necessary to determine
whether sufficient evidence is available to back up your
stance. You don’t want to get too attached to a topic
that falls apart under a challenge.
Search a few reputable sites, like education (.edu) sites
and government (.gov) sites, to find professional
studies and statistics. If you come up with nothing after
an hour of searching, or if you find that your position
doesn’t stand up to the findings on reputable sites,
choose another topic. This could save you from a lot of
frustration later.
CONTINUE TO COLLECT
SUPPORTING EVIDENCE
Once you’ve determined that your position is
supportable and the opposite position is (in your
opinion) weaker than your own, you are ready to
branch out with your research. Go to a library and
conduct a search, or ask the reference librarian to help
you find more sources. You can, of course, conduct
online research as well, but it's important to know how
to properly vet the validity of the sources you use.
Ensure that your articles are written by reputable
sources, and be wary of singular sources that differ
from the norm, as these are often subjective rather
than factual in nature.
 SAMPLE OUTLINE FOR A
POSITION PAPER
CREATE AN I. Introduction
OUTLINE A. Introduce the topic
A position paper can be arranged
in the following format: B. Provide background on the topic

1. Introduce your topic with some

C. Assert the thesis (your view of the issue)
basic background information.

2. Introduce possible objections to II. Counter Argument

your position.
A. Summarize the counterclaims
3. Support and acknowledge the
opposing points.
B. Provide supporting information for
counterclaims
4. Explain that your position is still
the best one, despite the strength C. Refute the counterclaims
of counter-arguments.
D. Give evidence for argument
5. Summarize your argument and
restate your position. End your
paper focusing on your argument
and avoid the counter-arguments.
III. Your Argument
You want your audience to walk
A. Assert point #1 of your claims
away with your view on the topic
being one that resonates with 1. Give your opinion
them.
2. Provide support
When you write a position paper,
write with confidence and state
your opinion with authority. After
all, your goal is to demonstrate
B. Assert point #2 of your claims
that your position is the correct 1. Give your opinion
one.
2. Provide support

POSITION PAPER
C. Assert point #3 of your claims
TEMPLATE
1. Give your opinion
[Introduction]
[Body] 2. Provide support
[Conclusion]