Writing a Position Paper

How do we write a Position Paper?

In writing a position paper, there are steps to follow.
Step 1: Choosing and Exploring an Issue
 This step involves listing the possible issues/topics for your paper.
 In defining the issue, you must consider factors such as:
a. Is it Specific?
b. Is it Measurable?
c. Is it Attainable?
d. Is it Relevant?
e. Is it within Time constraints?

 In exploring an issue, there are two basic things you must consider:
a. The pros/advantages
b. The cons/disadvantages
Step 2: Researching on the Issue
 After you have chosen an issue for your paper, you are now ready to gather needed data.
 There are two ways of gathering date you may choose from:
a. Primary or Field Research is composed of three types:
1. Observations. It is a tool in gathering information from an actual observation of
the place or subject in relation to the environment. Taking notes of the observation
may be after the first visit or series of visits.
2. Interview. It is a data gathering tool in which the information is gathered is
obtained from a person knowledgeable on the topic. Interview has 4 steps:
a. Planning and setting up
b. Notetaking
c. Reflecting on the interview
d. Writing up your notes
3. Survey/questionnaire. It is a series of written questions a participant answer.
This method gathers responses to questions that are essay or
agree/neutral/disagree style.
b. Secondary Research or Library Research. It involves gathering information from
published materials.
Step 3: Considering your Specific Purpose
 Write a paragraph reflecting your thesis statement—the central idea in your paper.
 You must 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.
2. A strong thesis statement justifies discussion.

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 3. A strong thesis statement expresses one main idea
4. A strong thesis statement is specific.
5. A strong thesis statement considers the audience of the paper.
Step 4: Developing your Reasoning (Argumentation)
 Reasoning is the process of drawing a conclusion based on evidences.
 Argumentation presents an opinion or a position on controversial topic to the reader.
 It explains, clarifies, and illustrates that opinion or position.
 It persuades the reader that the opinion or position supported by the paper is valid by:
1. Moving the reader to action,
2. Convincing the reader that the position is correct, or
3. Persuading the reader that the position is at least worth considering
 As a writer you must support your position by means of giving evidence:
1. Facts;
2. Examples;
3. Physical description;
4. Support of authority, and
5. Statistics.
 The readers must see sound and logical arguments 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
b. Don't 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 (Make certain that the
audience will accept the general principle)
2. Use causal reasoning
a. Establish a relationship between causes and effects.
b. Avoid the fallacy of the false cause
c. Avoid the assumption that events have only one cause
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
Step 5: Anticipating and Generating Counterarguments
 In writing an effective position paper, you need to present arguments to the thesis and refute
them respectfully and critically.
 One way to strengthen your argument is to show that you can anticipate and address the
counterarguments or objections that your readers may have.

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  Once you’ve anticipated your counterarguments, you may start generating your own
counterarguments.
 The following are the ways on 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 on how you can refute these arguments
4. Know if it might help you to agree with some 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.

Step 6: 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 counterargument is the key point.
3. Insufficient: showing that the counterargument is weak because it is based on
insufficient information or ignores significant information.
Step 7: 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 over-all content of the paper.
 The following questions serve as your guide in finally writing the initial draft of your position
paper.
1. The Beginning
a. How shall I open the essay to engage reader's attention immediately?
b. Should I begin by identifying the controversy and stating my thesis?
c. Should I use a rhetorical question, surprising examples, a personal anecdote,
or startling statistics to draw readers into the argument?
d. How much do I need to explain about the controversy and define the terms
before proceeding with my argument?
e. Should I summarize the facts?
f. Should I summarize both sides?
2. Your Argument
a. If I have more than one reason, how should I order the reasons? From
strongest to weakest? From to the least predictable? From simplest to hard?
b. Can I sequence them logically, so that one leads inevitably to the next?
c. Which counterarguments should I mention, if any?

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 d. Shall I acknowledge and rebut them all?
e. Shall I focus on one that I can easily dismiss?
f. What would I gain from conceding? What would I lose?
3. Avoiding Logical Fallacies
a. Can I avoid making sweeping generalizations?
b. Will I be able to avoid oversimplifying the issue?
c. Will I be able to avoid committing an either/or fallacy?
d. Can I avoid an ad hominem argument (making personal attack against my
opponent rather than addressing the issue)?
4. The Ending
a. How can I conclude my argument effectively?
b. Should I repeat my thesis?
c. Should I look to the future, possibly to redefine the issue?
d. Can I end on a note of agreement by reminding readers of common concerns
and values we share?
e. Shall I look forward to a new way of understanding the issue that transcends
our differences?

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