A guide on how to write a position paper
- 1. Lesson 1: WRITING A POSITION PAPER
- 2. LET’S WARM UP!!! Divide the class into six groups. Assign a group leader. Each of the question below will be assigned to two groups. • Should girls ask guys out? • Is fashion important? • Does age matter in relationships? The leaders will pick the group’s stand by engaging in a Game of Rock, Paper, and Scissors. The winner gets to choose their group’s stand. 01 02 03
- 3. Once your group knows your stand on the Issue, think of three valid argument to defend it. Present your arguments through a creative role play presentation. Each group will be given 5 minutes to present. 04 05
- 4. After completing let’s warm up, check the column that best describes how frequent you practice each of the following statements. Do it in your one whole sheet of paper. Copy and answer. Activity 2: check me! Usually (3) Sometimes (2) Seldom (1) Never (0) 1.I conduct in-depth research before writing my position paper. 2. I provide a background on the issue being discussed.
- 5. 3. I use reliable sources when providing evidence on my arguments. 4. I state clearly my position at the start of a position paper. 5. I anticipate possible criticisms and counters to my arguments. 6. I consider the reader’s beliefs, values, interests, and motivations when taking a stand on an issue. 7. I use emotional, ethical, or logical appeals in my position paper whenever appropriate.
- 6. 8. I reread my position paper and check for weaknesses in my arguments and writing, then revise accordingly. 9. I restate my stand at the end of my position paper. 10. I suggest a course of action after presenting all of my arguments. TOTAL GRAND TOTAL
- 7. Introduction In everyday life, people continuously take sides and form opinions on anything that involves them. However, defending your point by simply saying, “Because I think so” won’t help you make a case. It is therefore important that you learn how to properly outline your thoughts and make valid arguments.
- 8. What is a position paper? A Position Paper presents the writer’s stand or viewpoint on a particular issue. Writing a position paper entails outlining arguments and proposing the course of action; by doing so, you are already taking part in a larger debate.
- 9. Parts of a position paper 1. introduction 2. body 3. conclusion • Start with an introduction which presents the issue while grabbling the attention of readers. • Define the issue and discuss its background. • Provide a general statement of your position via your thesis statement. • State your main arguments. • Provide sufficient evidence for each argument such as statistical data, interviews with experts, and testimonies. • Restate your position and main arguments. • Suggest a course of action. • State what makes your position superior and more acceptable. • End with a powerful closing statement such as a quotation, a challenge or a
- 10. Guidelines in writing a position paper 1. Choose an issue. When choosing one , keep the following guidelines in mind. • The issue should be debatable---you won’t be able to take a stand if the topic is not debatable. • The issue should be current and relevant • The issue should be written in a question form and answerable by yes or no. • The issue should be narrow and manageable.
- 11. 2. Begin the writing process by conducting an in-depth research on the issue. 3. Make sure to define unfamiliar terms when you first mention them. 4. Be aware of the various positions about the issue and explain and analyze them objectively. 5. Reflect on your position and identify its weaknesses. 6. Cite valid and reliable sources to establish the credibility of your arguments. 7. View the issue in a different perspective so you can present a unique approach. 8. Limit your position paper to two pages. 9. Analyze your target and align your arguments to their beliefs, needs, interests, and motivations. 10. Summarize the other side’s counterarguments and use various evidence and data to refute them. 11. Use an active voice as much as possible to achieve a dynamic and firm tone.
- 12. 12. Arrange your evidence logically using an inductive or deductive approach. 13. Check your argument for fallacies and eliminate them. Fallacies, or errors in reasoning weaken your argument. 14. Use ethical, logical, and emotional appeal. An ethical appeal relates to your credibility and competence as a writer; a logical appeal refers to a rational approach in developing an argument; while an emotional appeal uses arguments in a way that evokes feelings.
- 13. Checking for understanding!! DIRECTION: write G if the practice is a good one; write w if not.
- 14. ____1. Patrick considers all possible views on the issue at hand. ____2. Alex says that the possible issue is a crucial component of a position paper. ____3. Brendon thinks that an issue is debatable if it cannot be answered by yes or no. ____4. Pete conducts an audience analysis to help him write a more persuasive position paper. ____5. katy boast about her credentials to establish her credibility as a writer. ____6. Jack primarily uses opinions in supporting his arguments. ____7. Nicki uses statistical data in supporting her arguments. ____8. Brandon believes that the main goal of a position paper is to inform readers. ____9. Jamie uses emotional appeal in all of his position papers because it is the best type of appeal. ____10. Matt restates his position in the concluding paragraph.
- 15. Activity 2: major paper Write a position paper. Assume the persona of a student delegate attending an international youth gathering. Your task is to present your argument on an issue which directly affects the Filipino youth. A. Work with a partner. Come up with a writing situation for your position paper by filling out the items below. Once you have selected an issue, decide who takes the pro and con side.
- 16. Issue: _______________________ General Purpose: ________________________ Specific Purpose: __________________________ ____________________________ Target Output: ____________________________ Audience: ________________________ Writer’s Persona: ________________________ Tone/Formality: ________________________ Explain your side on an issue: _________________ ______________________________________