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How To Write A Position Paper

The purpose of a position paper is to generate support for a particular stance on an issue. It should describe the position and rationale, backed by facts. A position paper examines the strengths and weaknesses of the stance, and evaluates possible solutions and actions. It follows a typical structure of an introduction stating the issue and position, a body with background, evidence for both sides, and a conclusion with suggested actions and solutions.

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297 views2 pages

How To Write A Position Paper

The purpose of a position paper is to generate support for a particular stance on an issue. It should describe the position and rationale, backed by facts. A position paper examines the strengths and weaknesses of the stance, and evaluates possible solutions and actions. It follows a typical structure of an introduction stating the issue and position, a body with background, evidence for both sides, and a conclusion with suggested actions and solutions.

Uploaded by

Ghatz Conda
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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How to Write a Position Paper

The purpose of a position paper is to generate support on an issue. It


describes a position on an issue and the rational for that position. The
position paper is based on facts that provide a solid foundation for your
argument. In the position paper you should:

• Use evidence to support your position, such as statistical evidence or dates


and events.

• Validate your position with authoritative references or primary source


quotations.

• Examine the strengths and weaknesses of your position.

• Evaluate possible solutions and suggest courses of action.

Choose an issue where there is a clear division of opinion and which is


arguable with facts and inductive reasoning. You may choose an issue on
which you have already formed an opinion. However, in writing about this
issue you must examine your opinion of the issue critically. Prior to writing
your position paper, define and limit your issue carefully. Social issues are
complex with multiple solutions. Narrow the topic of your position paper to
something that is manageable. Research your issue thoroughly, consulting
experts and obtaining primary documents. Consider feasibility, cost-
effectiveness and political/social climate when evaluating possible solutions
and courses of action.

The following structure is typical of a position paper:

• An introduction

• Identification of the issue

• Statement of the position

• The body

• Background information

• Supporting evidence or facts

• A discussion of both sides of the issue


• A conclusion

• Suggested courses of action

• Possible solutions

The introduction should clearly identify the issue and state the author’s
position. It should be written in a way that catches the reader’s attention.

The body of the position paper may contain several paragraphs. Each
paragraph should present an idea or main concept that clarifies a portion of
the position statement and is supported by evidence or facts. Evidence can
be primary source quotations, statistical data, interviews with experts, and
indisputable dates or events. Evidence should lead, through inductive
reasoning, to the main concept or idea presented in the paragraph. The body
may begin with some background information and should incorporate a
discussion of both sides of the issue.

The conclusion should summarize the main concepts and ideas and
reinforce, without repeating, the introduction or body of the paper. It could
include suggested courses of action and possible solutions.

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