11th

Grade

Writing a
Position Paper N

Prepared by: Ms. Jonah A. Banquil

 Objectives:

Analyze Write a
arguments from position
the text paper.
provided.
Reflect on the
importance of
writing a position
paper.
 True or False
01

02
A good position paper considers
all possible views on the issue at
hand.
04
02

02Anissue is a crucial
component of a position
paper.
04
03

02
An issue is debatable if it
cannot be answered by yes
or no.
04
04

Audience analysis will help you

write a more persuasive position
paper.
05
One way to establish your
credibility as a writer is to boast
about your
credentials.
06

Opinions are better than facts in

supporting arguments.
07

Statistics can be used as evidence

to support an argument.
 08
The main goal of a position paper
is to inform readers.
09

The strongest type of appeal in a

position paper is logical appeal.
10

Your position should be restated

in the concluding paragraph.
What Is It?
When we face an issue and
are challenged to make a
L
stand, it is
necessary for us to support
it with logical arguments.
What is a position paper?
According to Fleming (2018), a position
paper is one where an author
chooses a side on a particular topic and
builds up a case for your opinion or
position.
Building up your case will entail the
use of facts and statistics to
convince the readers that the
author’s position on the matter is
the best one.
As defined by Merriam- Webster, a
position paper is a detailed report
that recommends a course of action
on a particular issue.
Why are position L

papers written?
Position papers are written for the
purpose of generating support
regarding a particular stand/ idea
(Xavier.edu.2020)
The fundamental goal of a position paper
is not only to present your stand on an
issue/idea but also to determine how your
stance is related to the
arguments of others. (CSU, 2020)
Parts of a Position Paper
Introduction
a. Start with an introduction which presents the
issue while grabbing the
attention of readers.
b. Define the issues and discuss its background.
c. Provide a general statement of your position
via your thesis statement.
Body
a. State your main arguments.
b. Provide sufficient evidence for each argument
such as statistical data,
interviews with experts, and testimonies.
c. Provide counterarguments against the possible
weaknesses of your
arguments.
Conclusion
a. Restate your position and main arguments.
b. Suggest a course of action.
c. State what makes your position paper superior
and more acceptable,
d. End with a powerful closing statement such
as quotation, a challenge, or
a question.
L
Structure of a Position Paper
The structure of a position paper is flexible, but it
should generally follow a simple flow that clearly
conveys the problem and the position of the
author(s). A position paper should begin by clearly
stating the problem and its relevance to the
scientific community or even to the society as a
whole. It
should then address the main position of the
author.
L

For example:
1. Background: For decades, the WHO has
urged the adoption of a tax on unhealthy
foods to discourage the consumption of
products that are harmful to our health.
L

2. Relevance: Sugar has been shown to

have a negative impact on health and play a
major role in the rising obesity rates in
America.
3. Position: The United States should adopt
a tax on drinks with added sugar, to reduce
the consumption of sugar, and promote
healthier eating habits.
L

The author should clearly list

the common arguments and
possible
objections against this
position.
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To continue with our example:

1. Argument 1: A sugary drink tax
that focuses on soda may not
impact
other products that have an
equally negative health impact
such as fruit
juice or candy.
L

2. Argument 2: A sugary drink

tax is regressive and places a
financial burden on the
poorest consumers.
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A strong position paper

acknowledges the validity of the
counter- arguments and then puts
forth reasons why the author’s
position is still the correct one. In our
example paper, the author can
address the counter arguments in
the next section like so:
L

1. Counterargument 1: It is true that a

sugary drink tax would not impact
all sources of added sugar in the
average American diet. However, it
would still have a significant impact on
a major source of added sugar to
achieve its goal of reducing overall
sugar consumption.
L

2. Counterargument 2: All consumption

taxes are regressive. A sugary
drink tax would be most effective
accompanied by subsidies for healthy
foods such as fruit and vegetables.
L

Finally, summarize your main points

and re-state your position in your
conclusion. All arguments in the paper
should be backed up by facts, data, and
evidence, with proper citation
attributed to your sources.
L

In this way, a position paper is no different

from an ordinary research paper. If you
wish,
you can include a brief literature review in
your discussion of the background of the
issue. While such a literature review is not
essential, it can make your paper stronger.
L
Choosing an Issue
1. The issue should be debatable. You
cannot take any position if the topic is not
debatable.
2. The issue should be current and
relevant.
3. The issue should be written in a
question form and answerable by yes or
no.
4. The issue should be specific and
L
Tips for Writing a Strong Position Paper

1. Select a timely, relevant topic with two

clear opposing sides.
2. Conduct thorough preliminary research
and collect evidence to support
arguments for and against your position.
L
Tips for Writing a Strong Position Paper

3. Identify your intended audience. You

should tailor your tone depending on who
the paper is written for (the public, other
scientists, policy makers, etc.).
4. Clearly state your position on the topic.
L
Tips for Writing a Strong Position Paper

5. List and refute the counter-arguments

to your position.
6. Include supporting data and evidence to
back up your argument.
L
Tips for Writing a Strong Position Paper

7. Properly attribute your sources using

correct citation.
8. Keep it simple! Position papers don’t
need to go into excessive detail. Present
your points clearly and briefly.
L
Tips for Writing a Strong Position Paper

9. Each paragraph in the paper should

discuss a single idea.
10. Have someone proofread your paper
to ensure it reads well and looks
professional.
L

A position paper can be a great way to

expand your horizons and write a new type
of research paper. While position papers
are unlike ordinary research papers, they
still contribute valuable perspectives to
the scientific community. Use these ten
tips to write an effective position paper!
L
Let Us Familiarize the Following Words

Manifesto, a document publicly declaring

the position or program of its issuer. A
manifesto advances a set of ideas,
opinions, or views, but it can also lay out a
plan of action.
L
Let Us Familiarize the Following Words

While it can address any topic, it most

often
concerns art, literature, or politics.
Manifestos are generally written in the
name of a group sharing a common
perspective, ideology, or purpose rather
than in the name of a single individual.
L
Let Us Familiarize the Following Words

An argument is usually a main idea, often

called a “claim” or “thesis statement,”
backed up with evidence that supports the
idea.
L
Let Us Familiarize the Following Words

A claim defines your paper’s goals,

direction, scope, and is supported by
evidence, quotations, argumentation,
expert opinion, statistics, and telling
details. A claim must be argumentative.
L
Let Us Familiarize the Following Words

When you make a claim, you are arguing

for a certain interpretation or
understanding of your subject. Claims are,
essentially, the evidence that writers or
speakers use to prove their point.
L
Let Us Familiarize the Following Words

Examples of Claim: A teenager who wants

a new cellular phone makes the following
claims: Every other girl in her school has a
cell phone.
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Let Us Familiarize the Following Words

Assumption is information not stated in

the argument that has to be true in order
for the argument’s logic to hold. Simply
put, an assumption is something an
argument takes for granted in reaching its
conclusion.
L
Let Us Familiarize the Following Words

Example: All kids are excited when they

get new toys. Therefore, Tim will be
thrilled when he gets the new radio-
controlled car we bought him.
In this argument, the author, says two
things explicitly:
L
Let Us Familiarize the Following Words

- All kids are excited when they get new

toy
- Tim will be thrilled when he gets the new
radio – controlled car we bought him.
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Let Us Familiarize the Following Words

Steps in identifying assumptions:

- Identify the conclusion of the argument
- Identify what is stated in the authors
reasoning
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Let Us Familiarize the Following Words

Evidence is the available body of facts or

information indicating whether a belief or
proposition is true or valid.
L
Let Us Familiarize the Following Words

Example: All kids are excited when they

get new toys.
Conclusion: Tim will be thrilled when he
gets the new radio- controlled
car we bought him.
Author’s Assumption: Tim is a child.
L
Activity
2nd

Directions: Choose one editorial

from a newspaper that deals with
any social issue relevant to the
Filipinos. Analyze the arguments
used by the writer. You may use
the following guide in writing your
analysis.
 Guide in Writing a Position
Paper/Analysis
This argument analysis examines the
article titled (title of the article)
written by (author). This article is
about (briefly summarize the content
of the article in 3 to 5 sentences).
N
 Guide in Writing a Position
Paper/Analysis
Specifically, this analysis identifies
the position of the author, his/ her
main arguments, and the evidence
supporting these arguments.
(Author) makes (number of claims)
and supports them with various
pieces of evidence. N
 Guide in Writing a Position
Paper/Analysis
The first main argument is (state the
argument in your own words). To
support this argument, the author
uses (number of evidences
presented). (State all the pieces of
evidence presented by the author to
support the first argument. N
 Guide in Writing a Position
Paper/Analysis
(State your analysis of the argument
and evidence presented. When
presenting your analysis, you may
use phrases such as “first of all”,
“the author assumes,” and “the
author fails to consider.”)
N
 Guide in Writing a Position
Paper/Analysis
In conclusion, the author (state the
author’s purpose). I agree that (state
the arguments of the author in which
you agree with). However, (state
your major arguments).
N
 ASSESSMENT
Directions: Identify the word that is
described in each statement.
1. It is one where an author chooses a side
on a particular topic and
build up a case for your opinion or
position.
2. A document publicly declaring the
position or program of its issuer.
 ASSESSMENT
3. It is usually a main idea, often called a
“claim” or “thesis statement,”
backed up with evidence that supports the
idea.
4. It is something an argument takes for
granted in reaching its
conclusion.
5. It is the available body of facts or
information indicating whether.
 ASSESSMENT

Directions: Identify the

statement which supports the
following claims. Write the letter
of your choice on a separate
sheet.
 ASSESSMENT
1. Kids are super spreaders of Covid
19 virus.
A. Kids loves chatting with friends.
B. A US study published in the Journal of
Pediatrics show that children have higher
level of virus compared to adults.
C. Children are required to wear masks.
D. Children needs not to be vaccinated.
 ASSESSMENT

2. Pollution is seen as a major world problem.

A. Some of the lands disappearing beneath rising
seas.
B. The earth is considered the only planet in the
universe that supports life.
C. The word Environment is derived from the
French word “Environ” which means surrounding.
D. People get water, power, and oxygen from the
environment.
 ASSESSMENT

3.Reforestation is a long ranges answer to

massive flooding.
A. The effects of tropical cycles include heavy
rain, strong wind and large storm surges.
B. Strong typhoons can disrupt power supply.
C. Forest serves to keep the water in the
mountains.
D. Health facilities have been damaged due to
heavy flooding.
 ASSESSMENT
4.Mental health is not just a millennial’s issues or
senior citizens, but of everyone.
A. A healthy lifestyle is not achieved overnight, but we
have to be consistent.
B. Fats are important for good health and proper
functioning of the body.
C. A high salt intake can result in high blood pressure
and increase the risk of cardiovascular disease.
D. Being far from family alone, not knowing where to
get the family’s next meal, and other nasty things on
social media can trigger one’s anxiety.
 ASSESSMENT
5. Digital technology played a key role as the
economy started reopening.
A. Developments in biotechnology could allow anyone
even amateur biologist, to develop a tool that kill
millions
B. Employees began working remotely and use work
collaboration tools to ensure productivity
C. Data security is risky as digital technology can be
hacked, transmitted by several ways.
D. People are now more into virtual communication
rather than cherishing what have in real life.
Awesome words N
 Thanks!
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