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PAMANTASAN NG CABUYAO |YOUR COURSE TITLE HERE 1
Course Material No. 4
ENGLISH FOR ACADEMIC

AND PROFESSIONAL
PURPOSES
Rain R. Yap, LPT
Course Instructor
Writing Position
Paper 4
LEARNING OUTCOMES
Here’s what I will teach you in this course material:
• Analyzes the arguments used by the writer/s in manifestoes

• Defends a stand on an issue by presenting reasonable arguments supported by
properly cited factual evidences
• Writes various kinds of position papers
RESOURCES NEEDED
For this lesson, you would need the following resources:
• PowerPoint presentation: Writing Position Paper

• Laptop, HDMI, and Television
• Applied English for EAPP by Shiella D. Tando, EAPP: A Work-Test for
the Senior High School by Ronaldo A. Bernales, Ramir Jimbert G.
Biligan, and Vanesa Amor T. Aldaca, and The Craft of Effective
Academic and Business Writing
Before you start, try answering the following

questions.
MODULE CONTENTS
1. It is defined as a detailed policy report that usually
explains, justifies, or recommends a particular
course of action.
Pre-Activity Title
_________________________________________
2. It takes up questions like How are positions X and Y
4
similar, and how they differ?
________________________________________ 5 Pre-Activity Title

3. It is unlike expositive, comparative, or evaluative
writing in those questions.
________________________________________ 6 Your heading here

4. It tries to answer questions of the form What did A
say or think about P?
________________________________________ 9 Your heading here

5. Your paper adheres to the rules of style and usage.
________________________________________
11 Your heading here
14 Posttest
Key Terms
15
15 References
Secret Jar
The teacher will provide a piece of paper for every student.
For 1 minute, the student must write their thoughts regarding the matter. The shorter the better. After
that, the student must fold their paper and put it into the jar. With little shake, the teacher will ask one
student to take a paper inside the jar. The teacher will read it. After that, students will be asked to rise
from their seat and move to the pro side or con side if they are in favor of the idea from the paper. Then,
some students will be asked about their choice.
TOPICS:
Who can do the work better: Girl or Boy?

Which is more effective for stress: Party music or Sad song?
Should we still trust the police officer today? YES or NO.
WRITING POSITION PAPER
Position paper can be defined as a detailed policy report that commonly

explains, justifies, or recommends a particular course of action. It is written
proposition of stance on a particular issue by way of sound and logical
arguments supported with evidence.
It is a tool in airing a person’s side on a particular matter or issue. Like a
debate, it presents one side of an arguable opinion and persuades the readers
or audience that the author has well founded knowledge about the issue. In
position paper, it is crucial for the author to choose what area of focus will he
be dealing with. The famous American poet Robert Frost once said, “The
middle of the road is where the line is, and that’s the worst place to drive.”
Also, the former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher was quoted
saying, “Standing in the middle of the road is very dangerous; you get
knocked down by the traffic from both sides.” (Bernales, et al., 2017)
Frost and Thatcher both suggested that there are risks in being neutral,
that there are consequences in not making a stand on issues of concern. With
that being said, an author will need to make a definite position on issues
affecting you and our society. Neutrality or being in the middle will not serve
the objectives of this lesson.
Try to read the following poem and answer questions that follow.
Health is Wealth
Marvin Brato Sr.
www.poemhunter.com
Rich or not, we all have got

Chance in lifetime, to live quite sublime
More rich people become richer

And the majority of poor, a lot poorer
It’s not how much money brings
But having enjoyed life not its cost
Healthy body makes an active mind

One sick can’t make good things rewind
Beware of taking too much of everything
Good health is wealth and the best thing.
Question:
1. What is the message of this poem?
2. What do you mean by “Health is Wealth”?
3. How do you apply this poem to you?
4. Can you relate to it?
5. What is the argument all about?
In position paper, the readings cover more than one issue, and as a writer
you must choose a particular area of focus. Cite for an example, “Who can
do the work better: Girl or Boy?” The author can choose whether the girl or
the boy. Meaning to say, you cannot make a position paper without taking
one side or one area of focus. The central goal of writing a position paper is
not only to state and defend your position on the issue but also to show how
your stance relates to other positions. As we are writing position papers, we
are continuing in practicing skills like providing an eloquent thesis statement
that carries the overall claim, flourishing an argument with textual evidences,
and using transitional words to give cues to readers and enhance coherence.
We can also include the following:
• determining the issues provided by reading materials
• collecting the ideas given from the reading materials

regarding the particular area of focus
• utilizing an effective organizational strategy for writing the

paper
• seeking information from the different sites on the internet or

researching the library
Characteristics of a Good Position Paper

The following are the 10 characteristics of a good position paper:
1. In the author’s own words. This is probably the most basic
requirement. Plagiarism is intentionally or unintentionally
representing somebody else’s ideas as one’s own, and should be
avoided at all costs. You may appeal to the ideas of others if you
acknowledge doing so and cite your sources appropriately.
2. Clear purposes. Your readers should always have a clear
understanding of what you are going to do in your paper. It is helpful
to think about position papers as attempts to answer specific
questions, and to think about think of position papers as falling to
four general kids, according to the types of questions they attempt to
address.
3. Well organized. Your paper as a whole, and each part of your paper,
should work to fulfill the purpose of the paper. It should take up each
task in the order to most helpful to meeting that objective and finish
one thing before starting another.
4. Coherent. Your paper should flow nicely from one point to the next.
Avoid sudden jerks. Use smooth transitions. Organizational cues,
including section headings, transitions, subject-changes, and

summaries of what will be or has been done, can help your reader to
follow your paper.
5. Clear. Make sure that you really understand what you are saying that
an average member of you could be expected to understand it, too.
When in doubt about your audience, the positions, and argument
should be stated in such a way that they would be understood by a
reasonably intelligent reader who is unfamiliar with the materials.
6. Complete. Think slowly. Do not jump to conclusions. Flesh out all
ideas and arguments in sufficient detail and ensure that you
adequately defend claims that need defending.
7. Focused. Try not to include irrelevant or inessential material,
unrelated to the attainment of the paper’s purpose. If you are not
going to discuss an argument do not spend time setting it out.
8. Substantively correct. Attribute positions to the right person and
represent those positions correctly. Always try to avoid speculating
about an author’s motivations because motivations are difficult to
establish and are usually irrelevant to the merits of an author’s case.
9. Mechanically correct. Adhere to the rules of style and usage.
10. Creative. Ideally, ask new questions, answer old questions in a new
way, see new things, see old things in new ways, or make original
point.
Purpose and Audience

An academic audience that includes the authors of the readings and
others interested in the issue upon which you are focusing. Your position
paper would appeal to the logic of the readers if it is written with sound
arguments supported with evidence. It would appear to the emotional side of
the readers, if the arguments are anchored to the reader’s sentiments and
emotions as well as human-interest level.
Since position papers are written with a purpose of presenting your

personal stance on an issue and try to persuade the readers to take on your
side, you have to identify the kinds of readers ─ those whom you share the
same values and those who have opposite beliefs. Of the two, the second
kind of readers is more challenging for you. You have to make these kinds of
readers that though you have opposing views, you still respect their views
but still hopes that they take your side in the end. Addressing readers with
whom you have opposing views with, you need to consider their knowledge,
values, and assumptions. One way doing this is to offer them a new way of
seeing the issue and reconsider their personal beliefs on the topic. Build a
bond of trust with your readers, especially if you are presenting an argument
on highly emotional issue.
If you want to affect the reader’s thinking skills, you have to make a
special effort to win their confidence. You may state that you also have
personal disagreements initially but now you feel confident about the issue.
This makes an impression that you share the same feelings with the readers.
You have to establish your credibility in presenting the argument. You

need to use a tone of neutrality giving the impression that you are objective.
The basic components of a position paper are: a well-defined issue, a clear
personal position about the issue, a convincing argument, and a reasonable
tone.
Kinds of Position Papers

There are four general kinds of position papers, and each has its own type
of objective. A position paper may be classified under one, two, three, or all
of these kinds:
1. The Expositive Position Paper tries to answer questions of the form
What did A say or think about P?, What did A mean in the following
passage?, and so on.
Generally speaking, expositive writing and consists of summarizing or
setting out the ideas or a given philosopher in your own words, in order to
help your reader to understand material that is otherwise obscure or hard to
follow. It often involves arguing for or against a certain interpretation of that
philosopher’s ideas by showing that this interpretation is more or less
consistent with other writings by the same philosopher, entails consequences
which the philosopher would or would not be willing to accept, etc.
2. The Comparative Position Paper takes up questions like How are

propositions X and Y similar, and how do they differ?. What is the
relationship between the arguments for X and Y?, and How do
philospohers A and B compare with respect to their thinking on P?
As with the exposition paper, comparative paper will usually require you
to summarizing or setting out the arguments and positions your own words.
It will also require you to defend your claims of commonality and difference.
3. The Evaluative Position Paper considers such questions as Is
position P plausible?, Is P more or less plausible than Q?, Is the
argument for P strong?, and Is the argument for P stronger or
weaker than the argument for Q?
If a position seems to contradict what we know, or if we can find a case
which seems to contradict the position, that’s a mark against the position. If
an argument assumes things, we have reason to doubt, or which can’t be
believed without accepting the argument wants us to draw, that’s a mark
against the argument.
4. The Constructive Position Paper is unlike expositive, comparative,

or evaluative writing in that the questions it considers are less directly
concerned with pre-existing positions or arguments. Instead of asking
What did A think about P?, constructive writing asks What should we
think about P? or What’s the truth about P?
In defending a position of our own, usually involves an analysis and
evaluation of particularly relevant and influential work in order to
elucidate or advance our own position, carefully supporting our position
with argument, and responding to actual or potential objections.
THINK, MAKE, EVALUATE!
Task: Form a group of six members. Brainstorm on various situations in which a position paper may
be effectively used in our present society. Write down all the situations that your group has
identified.
Task: Gather three manifestoes from various individuals, groups, offices, or institutions. Analyze the
manifestoes that you have gathered and answer the following questions:
Post activity questions

1. What kind of position paper was used in the manifestoes?
2. Is the characteristics of the paper can be considered good position paper? Explain.
3. What are the similarities of the manifestoes you gathered to the situations your group
has identified?
Why a Position Paper is Written

Gabelo, et al. (2016) identified several reasons why a position paper
is written:
1. to organize and outline one’s viewpoint on an issue,
2. to formally inform others of one’s position as a foundation to
build resolution to difficult problems,
3. to present a unique, though biased, solution or a unique approach
to solving a problem,
4. to frame the discussion in order to define the playing field ─ this
can put one in an advantageous position with those who may not
be so well prepared as regards the issues behind their position,
5. to establish one’s credibility ─ in writing a position paper, one is
able to demonstrate that he has a command of the issues and the
research behind them, and can present them clearly,
6. to let one’s passion be demonstrated in the force of his argument,
rather than in the use of emotional terms, and/or
7. to guide one in being consistent in maintaining his position in
negotiation.
Stages in Writing a Position Paper

According to Fleming (2017), in writing a position paper, your
charge is to choose a side on a particular controversial topic and build up a
case for your opinion or position. Once you state your position, you will use
facts, opinions, statistics, and other forms of evidence to convince your
reader that your position is the best one.
As you collect research for your position paper and begin to craft an
outline, you must remember that your teacher will be looking for a well-
constructed argument. This means that the subject matter and your topic are
not as important as your ability to make a case. Your topic can be simple or
complex, but your argument must be sound and logical (Fleming, 2017).
Fleming suggests that you do the following steps in writing your own
position paper:
First Step: Select a topic for your paper. You have to explore and
research the issue of your stance. Your position paper is going to center
around a personal belief that is supported by research, so you have an
opportunity to tap into your own strong feelings in this assignment. Find a
topic that is near and dear to your heart, you will put more of your heart into
your work. That always leads to a better outcome. You also have to explore
the issue by determining the pros and cons to identify the possible readers for
your paper.
Challenge: Try to think of a societal issue that you have in your mind and
you have a strong conviction. Keep that in mind! You can use it in the
upcoming activity.
Second Step: Conduct preliminary research. Preliminary research is

necessary to determine whether evidence is available to back up your stance.
You do not want to get attached to a topic that falls under a challenge. Search
a few reputable sites, like education sites and government sites, to find
professional studies and statistics. If you come up with nothing after an hour
of searching, or if you find that position does not stand up to the findings on
reputable sites, you should choose another topic.
Challenge: If you still want to pursue the topic, ask yourself the following
question: a) What argument strategy should I use? b) How do they define the
issue? C) What is their level of acceptance or rejection of the issue?
By providing the answers to these questions, you are now ready to state your
thesis statement. A thesis statement is your standpoint about the issue. Make
it arguable and debatable.
Third Step: Challenge your own topic. This is a very important step! You
must know the opposite view as well as you know your own stance when
you take a position. You must know all the possible challenges that you
might face as you support your view. Your position paper must address the
opposing view and chip away at it with counter-evidence. For this reason,
you must find arguments for the other side of your position, present those
arguments or points in a fair manner, and then state why they are not sound.
Try to test your choice and develop your reasoning.
Challenge: Using the societal issue that you think of from the first step, try
to get one whole sheet of paper and put a line in the middle. List your points
on the left side and then list opposing points on the right side. Which
argument is really better? If it looks like your opposition might outnumber
you with valid points, you might have to reconsider the topic. You are in
trouble! So, in order for you to test your argument, you have to ask yourself
questions like Does this topic really interest me? Is this topic completed in
the time allotted? Now proceed to your list of reasons for choosing the
stance that you want, then identify your strongest stand and weakest stand.
Fourth Step: Continue to collect supporting evidence. Once you are

determined that your position is supportable and the opposite position is (in
your own opinion) weaker than your own, you are ready to branch out with
your research. Go to the library or reputable sites to find more sources. You
also have to anticipate that there will be numerous counterarguments to your
thesis statement or are of focus therefore, you have to reconsider the list of
counterarguments that you know and analyze the following in order for you
to refute each one. In doing so, you also have to consider changing your
thesis statement depending on the counterarguments provided by the
opposition if so happens that you find it hard to refute some of the
counterarguments.
Challenge: Now, list all the sites, links, and titles of the article that you think
might help you to support your stance or area of focus. Write it underneath
the list of your and your opposition’s ideas.
Fifth Step: Create an outline. Your position paper might be arranged in a

format that will be discussed next.
Challenge: You can use different formats or kinds of paragraphs ─

deductive, inductive, etc. But make sure that you use the content format:
introduction, body, and conclusion.
Sixth Step: Summarize your argument and restate your opinion. Get
attitude. When you write a position paper, you should write with confidence.
In this paper, you want to state your opinion with authority. After all, your
goal is to demonstrate that your position is the correct one. Be assertive, but
don’t be rude. State your points and back them up with evidence. Always
remember, you attack the idea, not the person itself.
Challenge: Write a comprehensive position paper about the societal issue
that is close to your heart using all of the information you find while
following the challenges provided by each step.
Outline of a Position Paper

An outline is a skeletal structure of the flow of the paper. It depends
on how you see the material for your paper. Below are the two most
commonly used outlines for a position paper.
A.
I. Identification of the issue and states the thesis
II. Introduction of the counterarguments
III. Refutation of the counterarguments
IV. Restatement of thesis
B.
I. Introduction of the two sides or arguments
II. Consideration of the strengths and weaknesses of the
argument offered by one side
III. Consideration of the strengths and weaknesses of the
argument offered by the other side
IV. Statement of the thesis advocating a new way to view the
issue
You can also follow the steps suggested by Fleming (2017). He
suggests that you can arrange your position paper in the following format:
1. Introduce your topic with a little background information. Build
up your thesis sentence, which asserts your position.
There is now a call for the government to require warning labels to be placed on certain
products that pose a threat to public health.
Fast food restaurants are bad for our health.
Fast food packages should contain warning labels.
2. List possible objections to your position.
Sample points:
Such labels would affect the profits of major corporations.
Many people would see this as overreaching government control.
Whose job is it to determine which restaurants are bad? Who draws the line?
The program would be costly.

3. Support and acknowledge opposing points.

Sample points:
It would be difficult and expensive for any entity to determine which restaurants should
adhere to the policy.
Nobody wants to see the government overstepping its boundaries.
Funding would fall onto the shoulder of the taxpayers.
4. Explain that your position is still the best one, despite the strength
of counterarguments.
Sample points:
The cost would be countered by the improvement of public health.
Restaurants might improve the standards of food if warning labels were put into place.
One role of the government is to keep citizens safe.
The government already does this with drugs and cigarettes.
The In-depth Writing Process of Position Paper

In writing a position paper, there are steps to
follow. These steps include (1) choosing and exploring an
issue; (2) researching the issue; (3) considering the
purpose; (of developing your reasoning, (5) and
anticipating your counterarguments.
Choosing and Exploring an Issue. A position paper

reflects a pressing issue detrimental to society. As part of
your class requirement, you should come up with an
appropriate topic that really calls for stating your stance
and proposition to clear things out. This step involves
listing possible issues/topics for your paper.
In defining the issue, you have to consider factors

such as Is it specific? Is it measurable? It is attainable? ls
it socially relevant? Is it within time constraint? During
the brainstorming session, do not immediately take sides.
For a period of three (3) minutes, write down anything

that comes into your mind about the topic. Just write
freely. Then, read what you have written. This serves as a
springboard or prewriting stage for your paper.
In exploring an issue, there are two basic things

that you have to consider: the pros (advantages) and cons
(disadvantages) and the readers. On a separate sheet of
paper, put two columns. The first column is for the pros
and the other column is for the cons. Accomplish it
considering all the possible arguments for your chosen
topic/issue.
Then, at the bottom of each column identify / the

possible segment of your target readers who would take
side on the arguments presented.
Research on the issue. After you have chosen an issue

for your paper, you are now ready to do your homework
of gathering the needed data. There are two kinds of
research that you can do: (1) primary or field research -
gathering the information firsthand (e.g., interview,
survey, etc.); (2) secondary research - getting the
information from published works.
Primary research or Field Research. Across Observation. It is a tool in gathering

information from an actual observation of the
disciplines, field research is the basic means of gathering place or the subject in relation to the
information. Basically, it is composed of three (3) types: environment. Taking notes of the observation
may be after the first visit or a series of visits.
observations, interviews and questionnaires. The following are guidelines on how to use
observations.
a. Announce your intention to do an
Interview. It is a data gathering tool in which the information is obtained
observation in the place or on the
from a person knowledgeable on the topic. It has four (4) steps: (1)
subject
planning and setting up the interview; (2) notetaking; (3) reflecting on the
b. Take the needed materials.
interview; and (4) writing up your notes.
(Notebook, pen, recorded, etc.)
a. Planning and setting up the interview. This involves choosing
c. Observe the place, event, or person
your subject for the interview. You have to inform your subject
coming from different perspective
in advance. Tell him/her the date, the place as well as the time
or view.
for the interview session. It is also important for you to indicate
the length of the session.
This step also involves consideration of the type of questions that you are
going to use. Questions are classified into types: forced-choice questions
and leading questions; closed questions and open questions.
Forced-Choice Questions
The forced-choice questions are too limiting. The question already
provides the choices for the interviewee. For example:
Weak:
“Do you think K-12 implementation is an advantage or disadvantage?

Why?”
Strong:
“People have differing views about K12. Some see it as an advantage as
graduates can readily work after high school. Others see it as a
disadvantage since graduates become laborers. Which of the two is your
personal view? Or do you have other views about K12 aside from the two
mentioned?”
The second interview question is a strong questioning technique. It

does not limit the answer of the interviewee to choices. It allows the reader
to share his/her views other than the answers provided.
Leading Questions
These are the type of questioning which is too assuming. The
condition is already set and the interviewee is prompted to just cite his/her
reasons for the answer. For example:
Weak:
“Do you think the effect of COMELEC website hacking incident on the
election in 2016 is extensive? Explain your answer.”
Strong:
“Do you think the incident in COMELEC website hacking affected the 2016
Presidential elections? How extensive is the effect in your own views?”
The second interview question is a strong questioning technique. It
does not assume a condition but solicits ideas from the interviewee regarding
the background of the issue.
Open Questions
These are the type of questions that allow the interviewee to provide
information such as anecdotes, personal revelations, and expressions of
attitudes.
For example:
“Please tell me about the preparations in your department for the full
implementation of K12?”
In the given example, the interviewee has the freedom to express
his/her opinions on the issue at hand. Given this, he/she might stray from the
topic. It is the job of the interviewer to make follow-up questions.
Closed Questions
This type of question requires a specific answer from the interviewee.
He/she has to be direct with the answers.
For example:
“What are the tracks in Grade 11 and 12?”

In the given example, the interviewee has the freedom to express
his/her opinions on the issue at hand. Given this, he/she might stray from the
topic. It is the job of the interviewer to make follow-up questions.
Guidelines for Conducting an Interview:

For proper etiquette and courtesy, interviews should be conducted
considering the following:
1. Make an appointment. Do not show up unannounced.

2. Inform your interviewee of the subject of the interview. If
possible, send an advanced copy of the interview schedule so
he/she can prepare.
3. Arrive on time and properly dressed.
4. Bring pen, paper, two (2) copies of the interview schedule, and a
tape recorder.
5. Ask the interviewee for permission to tape the interview. If it is
not granted, take notes instead.
6. Allow the interviewee to finish answering your previous question

before asking the next one.
7. Stick to the agreed-upon time limit.
8. Thank your interviewee for their time.
Library Research
It is also known as secondary research. It involves gathering
information from published materials. Since the materials are found in
printed materials, you have to use your library skills in data gathering. You
have to familiarize yourself with the different sections in your school’s
library. This will save you time in locating the needed materials.
Cooper (1988) presents the diagram which represents the search

strategy which you may use in your paper.
OVERVIEW OF A SEARCH STRATEGY

Choose a documentation for your working bibliography
Find key terms or subject heading
Get background information
Find bibliographies
Use periodicals Use card catalog to

Use card catalog to index to locate locate Government
locate books articles publications
Evaluate sources
In evaluating the sources, the questions below may be helpful:
1. Does the source have a reputation for honesty and reliability?
2. Is the source potentially biased?
3. What is the purpose of the material?
4. Where did the sources get its information?
5. Can you verify the material independently?
6. Is the material current?
7. Is the material complete?
Working Bibliography
Since you are listing down numerous sources, you will use a specific
documentation style appropriate to your course or subject. It is important for
you to identify the documentation style because it uses different formats. In
the languages and social sciences subjects, the MLA (Modern Language
Association) and APA (American Psychological Association) are used.
A working bibliography refers to a list of all sources (books, journals,

articles, websites, thesis, etc.) you find relevant to your topic of research. A
final bibliography, on the other hand, is a list of the sources you would
actually use in your paper. You need to put your list of sources in either a
notebook or index card. Using index cards is better because you can easily
rearrange the sources to follow an alphabetical format. Either way, you need
to make sure that all the elements are entered in your bibliography list
Below show the contents that you should include in the bibliography
list. It is important that you include all the elements so it will be easy for you
to locate the book during your research session.
OVERVIEW OF A SEARCH STRATEGY

Call Number
Author
Title
Publishing Imprint
Page number
Using Acknowledging Sources

In writing a position paper, you need to get the ideas somewhere else.
All you need to do is to analyze and process these materials and incorporate
them into your paper. Borrowing other authors’ ideas without giving them
due credit is tantamount to plagiarism. Generally, there are three (3) ways in
weaving the new material into your discussion: (1) summarizing; (2)
quoting; and (3) paraphrasing.
Quoting
Students of the 21st Century must be able to locate, understand,
evaluate, and use written information in their personal and academic lives.
Their ability to do so will profoundly affect the trajectory of their adult lives.
In an age where digital, academic, political, and social worlds are driven by
written information, their capacity to make use of multiple literacies will be a
determinant in how they live. Their futures depend on it.
For example: According to a recent survey, plagirism (sic} is a growing

problem in thesis writing among students.
There are cases, however, when you are allowed to correct the errors
in the quoted material. These are (1) underlining or italicizing for emphasis;
(2) using ellipses for omissions; and (3) using brackets for insertions or
changes.
1. Underlining or italicizing for emphasis ─ For the words that you

want emphasis on, you may use italicizing or underlining. Simply
add emphasis added or italics added, depending on what you
emphasized, after the sentence or statement.
For example:
According to Fisher and Frey (2008):
"Students of the 21st Century must be able to locate, understand, evaluate,

and use written information in their personal and academic lives. Their
ability to do so will profoundly affect the trajectory of their adult lives. In an
age where digital, academic, political, and social worlds are driven by
written information, their capacity to make use of multiple literacies will be a
determinant in how they live... their futures depend on it." (Italics added)
2. Using ellipses for omissions ─ If you intentionally delete or omit

several words in a quotation, simply use three (3) ellipses or
periods with space in between.
For example:

"Students of the 21st Century must be able to locate, 1understand, evaluate,
and use written information in their personal and academic lives." . .
"Their capacity to make use of multiple. . . their futures depend on it."
3. Using brackets for insertions and changes ─ To make the

necessary corrections in a statement, you may enclose it in
brackets.
For example:
(Taken from the essay Journalistic Ethics by Sydney Young)

"The boys must generate their own heat by {playing} till {their} bodies
glowed."
Placing Quotation
Quotations may be incorporated into the text by either in-text
quotations or block quotations. Use in-text quotations if the material is four-
typed lines or less. If it is composed of five typed lines or more, use block
quotations. You may cite the author either at the beginning or at the end.
In-Text Quotation
According to Fisher and Frey (2008), they assert that "students of the 21st Century
must be able to locate, understand, evaluate, and use written information in their personal and
academic lives. Their ability to do so will profoundly affect the trajectory of their adult lives.
Block Quotation
Students of the 21st Century must be able to locate, understand, evaluate, and use
written information in their personal and academic lives. Their ability to do so will
profoundly affect the trajectory of their adult lives. In an age where digital, academic,
political, and social worlds are driven by written information, their capacity to make use of
multiple literacies will be a determinant in how they live. Their futures depend on it.
Considering Your Specific Purpose
Write a paragraph reflecting your thesis statement – the central idea
in your paper. You have to be very clear in stating your thesis statement. A
strong thesis statement has the following characteristics:
1. A strong thesis statement takes some sort of stand.

Weak: There are some negative and positive
aspects to Banana Herb Tea Supplement.
Strong: Because Banana Herb Tea Supplement

promotes rapid weight loss that results in the loss
of muscle and lean body mass, it poses a potential
danger to customers.
2. A strong thesis statement justifies the discussion.

Weak: My family is an extended family.
Strong: While most American families would

view consanguineal marriage as a threat to the
nuclear family structure, many Iranian families,
like my own, believe that these marriages help
reinforce kinship ties in an extended family.
3. A strong thesis statement expresses one main idea.
Weak: Companies need to exploit the marketing

potential of the internet, and Wed page can
provide both advertising and customer support.
Strong: Because the Internet is filled with
tremendous marketing potential, companies should
exploit this potential by using Web pages that offer
both advertising and customer support.
4. A strong thesis statement is specific.
Weak: World hunger has many causes and effects.

Strong: Hunger persists in Glandelinia because
jobs are scarce farming in the infertile soil is rarely
profitable.
Clear and engaging thesis statements contain words like because,

since, so, although, unless, and however. These words are used for thesis
statements that have more than one idea. Your thesis statement may still be
changed as you learn and explore the issue. Nevertheless, you may begin
constructing your thesis statement tentatively.
The thesis statement should be made considering factors like the type
of audience for your paper. The following questions would be helpful in this
step:
1. Considering my target reader, what strategy in presenting my

argument should I utilize?
2. What is the audience’s knowledge of the issue?
3. What values about the issue on hand do you share with your
reader?
4. With the type of audience, what do you think is the evidence they
would find convincing?
Paraphrasing
It refers to the process of rewording all the words in the material.
When you paraphrase, the original material composed of three paragraphs
would produce the same length of material.
For example:
(Taken from www.examples,yourdictionary.com)
Original Passage:
In the Sopranos, the mob is besieged as much by inner infidelity as it is by the federal
government. Early in the series, the greatest threat to Tony's family is his biological family.
One of his closest associates turns witness for the FBI, his mother colludes with his uncle to
contract a hit on Tony, and his kids click through websites that track the federal crackdown in
Tony's gangland.
Paraphrased Passage:
In the first season of The Sopranos, Tony Soprano's mobster activities are more
threatened by members of his biological family than by agents of the federal government.
This familial betrayal is multi-pronged. Tony's closest friend and associate is an FBI
informant, his mother and uncle are conspiring to have him killed, and his children are
surfing the web for information about his activities.
Reword Statements
Original Paraphrase
early in the series first session
more threatened greatest threat
closest friend and associate one family member
his mother colludes with his uncle his mother and uncle are
conspiring
his kids click through websites his children are surfing
the web
Summarizing
It is similar to paraphrasing but distills the content into fewer words.
For example:
(Taken from www.examples,yourdictionary.com)
Our facilities costs spiraled out of control last year. The 23 percent jump was far
ahead of every other cost category in the company and many times higher than the 4 percent
average rise for commercial real estate in the Portland metropolitan area. The rise can be
attributed to many factors, but many factors include repairs (mostly electrical and structural
problems at the downtown office), energy (most of our offices are heated by electricity, the
price of which has been increasing much faster than for oil or gas).
45-Word Summary
Our facilities costs jumped 23 percent last year, far ahead of every other cost category
in the company and many times higher than the 4 percent local average. The major factors
contributing to the increase are repairs, energy, and the loss of two sublease tenants.
22-Word Summary
Our facilities costs jumped 23 percent last year, due mainly to rising repair and energy
costs and the loss of sublease income, and last but not least, the loss of two sublease tenants
whose rent payments made a substantial dent in our cost profile for the past five years.
payments made a substantial dent in our cost profile for the past
Developing your Reasoning
five years.tenants.
What is argumentation? It presents an opinion or a position on a
controversial topic to the reader. It explains, clarifies, and illustrates that
opinion or position. It persuades the reader that the opinion or position
supported in the paper is valid by:
moving the reader to action,
convincing the reader that the position is correct, or
convincing the reader that the position is at least worth
considering;
As a writer, you need to support your position by means of giving

evidence:
facts;
examples;
physical education;
support of authority, and
statistics.
In developing the arguments for your position paper, you have to list
the logical and valid reasons for them. Reasoning is the process of drawing a
conclusion based on evidence. The readers have to see sound and logical
arguments in order to make a conclusion and take your stance.
The following are the ways in developing your sound and logical
reasoning:
1. Use reasoning from specific instances
a. Beware of hasty generalizations based upon insufficient
evidence.
b. Do not overstate the facts
c. Reinforce the argument with statistics or testimony
d. Use reasoning from principle
e. Move from a general principle to a specific conclusion
2. Use causal reasoning
a. (establish a relationship between causes and effects)
Avoid the fallacy of the false cause
b. "Post hoc, ergo propter hoc"
c. "After this, therefore because of this"
Avoid the fallacy of assuming that events have only
one cause
1. Most events have several causes
2. Do not oversimplify
3. Use analogical reasoning
a. Compare two similar cases ─ make the analogy that what is
true for one case is true for the other.
b. Make sure the two cases being compared are essentially alike
If the 2 cases are essentially alike ─ analogy is valid.
If the 2 cases are not essentially alike ─ analogy is
invalid.
Anticipating your Counterarguments

In writing an effective position paper, you need to counterarguments
to the thesis and refute them respectfully and critically. One way to
strengthen your argument is to show that you have a deep understanding of
the issue and also to show that you can anticipate and address the
counterarguments or objections that your readers may have. In this way, you
show that you have thought the about issue in detail.
Generating your Counterarguments

The following are the ways how to construct effective
counterarguments:
1. Identify how strong the opposition is,

2. Know the arguments which might be used against your thesis
statement.
3. Identify the best ways how you can refute these arguments
4. Know if it might help you to agree with some of these of these
points?
5. Identify which of your arguments that the readers might try to
discredit?
6. Assess how closely the target readers identify with the
counterargument?
7. Build on the weak links on the opposition's thinking.
Anticipating the counterarguments is not easy. Overall, you need to
consider closely your thesis statement and supporting arguments. Most
importantly, you need to go back to the critical audience analysis and
anticipate their opposing views. Build your case from there.
For example:
(Taken from www.examples,yourdictionary)
PRO-CON CHART
Issue: There should be censorship in television viewing
Pro Arguments Counter Argument

Parents interfere with their children watch. It does not distinguish between works of art
Society already supports censorship. and others.
Some programs manipulate the low- Whom shall the censor be?
educated/illiterate. Who’s the person to decide for us? What
“qualification” should this “superior being”
Censorship is good for the society as a have?
whole. (It serves the common good)
There are solutions other than censorship.
Not all adults are matured enough to decide (e.g. paying fines)
what I good for them.
This kind of censorship causes economic
Society needs rules and regulations; loss for TV channels.
Otherwise, things get out of control.
Banning films has the effect of drawing
There are biased news, and indecent extra attention to them.
programs under the name of “work of art”.
Censoring TV program is not the solution.
There is cultural degeneration.
Censorship limits and controls the way
Children need protection (from violent people think and feel. (not consistent with
scenes, pornography, suicidal incidents, and the ideals of democracy)
the like. )
In the Pro-Con Chart above, it shows the pro-arguments or the main

points made by the writer in his/her position paper. The counterarguments,
on the other hand, are the possible opposing views of the readers. This chart
will be useful in order for you to predict and anticipate opposing views in
order to refute them in your paper.
Refuting Counterarguments
Refutation refers to the process of discrediting the arguments that
oppose your thesis statement. Refuting counterarguments is done by
claiming that they are:
1. Incorrect: demonstrating that the counterargument is wrong

because it is based on incorrect or misleading information.
2. Irrelevant: showing that the counterargument is inappropriate
and unrelated because it is not relevant to the key point.
3. Insufficient: showing that the counterargument is weak because
it is based on insufficient information or ignores significant
information. Partially agree with the opponent’s point of view but
on the whole prove that it is weak.
Drafting your Position Paper

In drafting your position paper, you have to make sure that all parts
(introduction, body, and conclusion) are in-synch and coherent to contribute
to the overall content of the paper. The following questions serve as your
guide in finally writing the initial draft of your position paper.
(Taken from www.studygs.net)
The Beginning
1. How shall I open the essay to engage the reader’s

attention immediately? Should I begin by
identifying the controversy and stating my thesis?
Should I use a rhetorical question, a surprising
example, a personal anecdote, or startling statistics
to draw readers into the argument?
2. How much do I need to explain about the
controversy and define the terms before
proceeding with my argument? Should I
summarize the facts? Should I summarize both
sides?
Your Arguments
1. If I have more than one reason, how should I order

the reasons? From strongest to weakest? From the
most to the least predictable? From simplest to
hardest? Can I sequence them logically, so that

one leads inevitably to the next?
2. Which counterarguments should I mention, if any?
Shall I acknowledge and rebut them all? Shall I
focus on one that I can easily dismiss? Can I
concede anything? What would I gain from
conceding? What would I lose?
Avoiding Logical Fallacies
1. Can I avoid making sweeping generalizations

(offering broad statements without providing
specific details to support them)
2. Will I be able to avoid oversimplifying the issue
(concentrating on only one or a few aspects of an
issue and ignoring its complexity)?
3. Will I be able to avoid committing an either/or
fallacy (unjustly limiting the issue to only two
alternatives).
4. Can I avoid an ad hominem argument (making a
personal attack against my opponent rather than
the issue)?
5. How can I avoid building a straw man
(representing the opposition's argument unfairly so
that I can knock it down easily)?
The Ending
1. How can I conclude my argument effectively?

Should repeat my thesis? Shall I look to the future,
possibly redefine the issue?
2. Can I end on a note of agreement by reminding
readers of the common concerns and values we
share? Shall I look forward to a new way of
understanding the issue that transcends our
differences?
AFFIRMATIVE-NEGATIVE
Task: Form a group of six members. From the list as follows, select one topic and
discuss the topic that you have chosen. You may select a topic that is not in
the list but subject to the approval of your teacher. Write the affirmative and
negative arguments that you have gathered from your group discussion.
1. Legalizing Same-sex marriage
2. Legalizing the Medical Use of Marijuana
3. Legalizing the Sale of Human Organs
4. Removing the Term Limits of Government Officials
5. Re-imposing the Death Penalty for Heinous Crime
AFFIRMATIVE NEGATIVE
PERFORMANCE TASK #1
Task: Write an expositive or a comparative position paper on the topic that you
have discussed in groups. Remember that your paper will be evaluated using
this rubric:
SUMMARY
Position paper can be defined as a detailed policy report that commonly

explains, justifies, or recommends a particular course of action. It is written
proposition of stance on a particular issue by way of sound and logical
arguments supported with evidence.
There are four general kinds of position papers, and each has its own type
of objective. A position paper may be classified under one, two, three, or all
of these kinds: expositive, comparative, evaluative, and constructive.
KEY TERMS
Position Paper Constructive Citation

Expositive Quoting Bibliography
Comparative Paraphrasing Stage
Evaluative Summarizing Writing Process

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PAMANTASAN NG CABUYAO |YOUR COURSE TITLE HERE 1

Course Material No. 4

ENGLISH FOR ACADEMIC

Here’s what I will teach you in this course material:

• Analyzes the arguments used by the writer/s in manifestoes

For this lesson, you would need the following resources:

• PowerPoint presentation: Writing Position Paper

Before you start, try answering the following

________________________________________ 5 Pre-Activity Title

________________________________________ 6 Your heading here

________________________________________ 9 Your heading here

Who can do the work better: Girl or Boy?

WRITING POSITION PAPER

Position paper can be defined as a detailed policy report that commonly

Rich or not, we all have got

More rich people become richer

Healthy body makes an active mind

We can also include the following:

• determining the issues provided by reading materials

• collecting the ideas given from the reading materials

• utilizing an effective organizational strategy for writing the

• seeking information from the different sites on the internet or

Characteristics of a Good Position Paper

including section headings, transitions, subject-changes, and

Purpose and Audience

Since position papers are written with a purpose of presenting your

You have to establish your credibility in presenting the argument. You

Kinds of Position Papers

2. The Comparative Position Paper takes up questions like How are

4. The Constructive Position Paper is unlike expositive, comparative,

THINK, MAKE, EVALUATE!

Post activity questions

Why a Position Paper is Written

Stages in Writing a Position Paper

Second Step: Conduct preliminary research. Preliminary research is

Fourth Step: Continue to collect supporting evidence. Once you are

Fifth Step: Create an outline. Your position paper might be arranged in a

Challenge: You can use different formats or kinds of paragraphs ─

Outline of a Position Paper

2. List possible objections to your position.

Such labels would affect the profits of major corporations.

Many people would see this as overreaching government control.

The program would be costly.

3. Support and acknowledge opposing points.

Nobody wants to see the government overstepping its boundaries.

Funding would fall onto the shoulder of the taxpayers.

The cost would be countered by the improvement of public health.

One role of the government is to keep citizens safe.

The government already does this with drugs and cigarettes.

The In-depth Writing Process of Position Paper

Choosing and Exploring an Issue. A position paper

In defining the issue, you have to consider factors

For a period of three (3) minutes, write down anything

In exploring an issue, there are two basic things

Then, at the bottom of each column identify / the

Research on the issue. After you have chosen an issue

Primary research or Field Research. Across Observation. It is a tool in gathering