2. A position paper presents an
arguable opinion about an issue.
The goal of a position paper is to
convince the audience that your
opinion is valid and worth
listening to. Ideas that you are
considering need to be carefully
examined in choosing a topic,
developing your argument, and
organizing your paper.
3. Parts of a Position Paper
(Introduction, Body and Conclusion)
Introduction
In this part of the position paper is where the issue is
defined and background is discussed.
Body
In this part of the position paper is where the main
arguments are stated.
Conclusion
This part of the position paper is where the writer's
position and main arguments are restated. It is also where
the writer suggests a course of action.
4. 5 STEPS IN WRITING POSITION PAPER
Select a Topic for Your Paper
Conduct Preliminary Research
Challenge Your Own Topic
Collect Supporting Evidence
Create an Outline
5. Select a Topic for Your Paper
Your position paper centers around a topic
that is supported by research. Your topic and
position have to hold up when challenged, so
it's helpful to research a few topics and pick
the one you can best argue, even if it may not
reflect your personal beliefs. In many cases,
the subject matter and your topic are not as
important as your ability to make a strong
case. Your topic can be simple or complex, but
your argument must be sound and logical.
6. Conduct Preliminary Research
Preliminary research is necessary
to determine whether sufficient
evidence is available to back up
your stance. You don’t want to get
too attached to a topic that falls
apart under a challenge.
7. Challenge Your Own Topic
You must know the opposite view as well as
you know your own stance when you take a
position. Take the time to determine all the
possible challenges that you might face as you
support your view. Your position paper must
address the opposing view and chip away at it
with counter-evidence. Consider having
friends, colleagues, or family debate the topic
with you to get alternative points of view that
you might not have readily considered
yourself.
8. Continue to Collect Supporting Evidence
Once you’ve determined that your position is
supportable and the opposite position is (in
your opinion) weaker than your own, you are
ready to branch out with your research. Go to a
library and conduct a search, or ask the
reference librarian to help you find more
sources. You can, of course, conduct online
research as well, but it's important to know how
to properly vet the validity of the sources you
use. Ensure that your articles are written by
reputable sources, and be wary of singular
sources that differ from the norm, as these are
often subjective rather than factual in nature.
9. Create an Outline
A position paper can be arranged in the following format:
1. Introduce your topic with some basic background
information. Build up to your thesis sentence, which asserts
your position.
2. Introduce possible objections to your position.
3. Support and acknowledge the opposing points. Just be sure
you aren't discrediting your own views.
4. Explain that your position is still the best one, despite the
strength of counter-arguments. This is where you can work to
discredit some of the counter-arguments and support your
own.
5. Summarize your argument and restate your position. End
your paper focusing on your argument and avoid the counter-
arguments. You want your audience to walk away with your
view on the topic being one that resonates with them.
10. AB1A TOPICS FOR DEBATE:
1. Should the death penalty be legal?
2. Should students have to wear school
uniforms?
3. All people should have the right to
own guns.
4. Should parents decide which career
their children will pursue?
11. AB1B TOPICS FOR DEBATE:
1. Drug addicts: Do they need help or
punishment?
2. Is the internet “making us stupid?”
3. Is a college education worth it?
4. Should abortion be allowed in all
cases?
12. AB1C TOPICS FOR DEBATE:
1. Should marijuana be legal?
2. Should public college be tuition-free?
3. People shouldn’t have to go to school
or work on their birthdays.
4. Should parents or other adults be able
to ban books from schools and libraries?
13. AB1D TOPICS FOR DEBATE:
1. Is homework beneficial?
2. Should prostitution be legal?
3. Social media has improved human
communication.
4. Is climate change real or man-made?
14. AB1E TOPICS FOR DEBATE:
1. Is sex education necessary for middle
school students?
2. Video games are better than board
games.
3. Should same sex marriage be legalized
in Philippines?
4. Smoking should be banned in all public
places.
