Objective

In this lesson, you will learn how to express your stand and make strong arguments on a particular issue.

Position Paper

A position paper is an essay that presents one's stand on a particular issue--it can be anything from
social, moral, political, or educational contexts. Expressing your position on a particular issue requires a
great deal of effort to present details and arguments that in turn will persuade the readers. In writing a
position paper, one must remember that it should contain these five major elements:

 issue

 arguments

 evidence

 counterarguments

 conclusion

Guidelines in Writing a Position Paper

Start with an end in Mind

All writing tasks must be carefully planned and structured. One has to set out at the very beginning the
flow of his or her ideas in his or her paper. One particular strategy is the use of an outline; it is a list in
which main arguments and supporting details are written in a logical manner. An outline will help one
sort out the things that he or she should include in his or her position paper. For this purpose, the writer
is guiding the readers in the flow of his or her ideas.

Establish your ground

One way of doing this is being clear about making a stand. One must clearly express which particular
side he or she is supporting. Never confuse the readers by being biased on both sides. One can never be
on both sides of the issue; this is the reason why we call it a 'position' paper.

Be professional in making arguments.

One can do this by knowing the topic very well. "Write like an authority" is the key to successful
expression of one's arguments; it is simply expressing arguments that one is very sure of. This is for the
purpose of being consistent throughout the paper.

Present valid supporting evidence

The key to successful argumentation is being able to support one's arguments with valid sets of
evidence. One has to provide data such as statistics, results of research studies, words of experts in the
field, authentic account experiences, and the likes that will prove the validity of one's arguments.
Be ready to fight for your stand

Not literally of course. Fighting for your stand means making counterarguments. One may find
himself/herself standing on an issue which many people actually oppose. Do not be bothered! For as
long as you can keep your arguments valid; that means, supported by a strong set of evidence, you do
not have to worry! Refuting other people's position on a particular topic means one has exerted a great
deal of effort in studying the issue. Remember, one has to exert critical thinking in making a stand; that
means analyzing a particular issue in an objective and intelligent manner and making relevant
judgments.

Make a reflection

Reflect on and emphasize the positive things about your position. One chooses to stand on a specific
side on a specific issue because one believes in the good nature of it. Be extremely objective on why you
are choosing your stand and express how others will benefit from it.

Remember

When writing your position paper always bear in mind to follow the guidelines so you can have a good
and successful paper.