WRITING A POSITION PAPER

Domains of a Position Paper

Issue Criteria
Importance of writing a Position Paper
 A position paper is an essay that presents an
arguable opinion about an issue – typically that of
the author or some specified entity. Position papers
are published in academia, in politics, in law and
other domains. The goal of a position paper is to
convince the audience that the opinion presented
is valid and worth listening to. Ideas for position
papers that one is considering need to be carefully
examined when choosing a topic, developing an
argument, and organizing the paper.
DOMAINS OF A POSITION PAPER
1.In Academia
 Position papers in academia enable
discussion on emerging topics without the
experimentation and original research
normally present in an academic paper.
Commonly, such a document will
substantiate the opinions or positions put
forward with evidence from an extensive
objective discussion of the topic.
DOMAINS OF A POSITION PAPER
2.In Politics
 Position papers are most useful in contexts
where detailed comprehension of another
entity's views is important; as such, they
are commonly used by political campaigns,
government organizations, in the diplomatic
world, and in efforts to change values (e.g.
through public service announcements) and
organizational branding.
DOMAINS OF A POSITION PAPER
3.In Law
 In international law, the term for a position
paper is Aide-mémoire. An Aide-Mémoire is
a memorandum setting forth the minor
points of a proposed discussion or
disagreement, used especially in
undiplomatic communications.
 ISSUE CRITERIA
To take a side on a subject, you should first establish the
arguability of a topic that interests you. Ask yourself the
following questions to ensure that you will be able to present
a strong argument:
1. Is it a real issue, with genuine controversy and uncertainty?
2. Can you identify at least two distinctive positions?
3. Are you personally interested in advocating one of these
positions?
4. Is the scope of the issue narrow enough to be manageable?
IMPORTANCE IN WRITING A
POSITION PAPER
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, thought based, solution or a
unique approach to solving a problem.
4. To frame the discussion in order to define the playing
field. This can put in an advantageous position with
those who may not be so well prepared as regards
the issues behind their position.
IMPORTANCE IN WRITING A
POSITION PAPER
5. To establish one’s credibility. In writing a
position paper, one is able to demonstrate
that he has 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.
7. To guide one in being consistent in
maintaining his/her position in negotiation.