The material covers all the essential components of a position paper, including the introduction, context, arguments, counterarguments, recommendations, and conclusion. As a teacher, you are welcome to use this instructional material in your classroom to help your students enhance their critical thinking and writing skills. By utilizing this material, your students will gain a better understanding of how to effectively articulate and defend their opinions in writing.
2. Define what a position paper is and
identify its purpose.
Objectives
At the end of the lesson, students should be
able to:
Identify the essential parts of a position
paper.
Write a well-organized position paper on
a given topic.
3. A position paper is a written
document that presents an
individual or organization's stance
on a particular issue or topic. It
outlines the beliefs, arguments,
and proposed solutions of the
author or group in a clear and
organized manner. It is typically
written in a formal style and aims
to persuade others to adopt the
same viewpoint.
Position Paper
4. Essential
Parts
1. Introduction
This section should provide
background information on the
issue or topic being addressed,
as well as a clear and concise
statement of the position being
taken.
The introduction should also
grab the reader's attention and
provide a clear thesis statement.
2. Background
Information
The background
information provides
context for the issue being
addressed. It may include
historical or legal
background, statistics, or
other relevant information
that helps the reader
understand the issue.
6. Conclusion
This section should summarize
the main points of the position
paper and restate the position
being taken, as well as make a
final appeal to the reader to
adopt the same viewpoint.
4. Counterarguments
This section should address
opposing viewpoints and
potential objections to the
position being taken, and
provide counterarguments to
refute them.
This section is important
because it demonstrates that
the writer has considered
multiple perspectives on the
issue.
This section should
present the main
arguments in support of
the position being taken,
with each argument
supported by evidence or
examples.
3. Arguments
5. Recommendation
This section should
provide specific
recommendations
for action or policy
based on the
position being
taken.
5. Sample
Position
Paper
Increasing Access to Education in
Developing Countries
Introduction
Education is a fundamental human right that is critical to individual
and societal development. However, millions of children in developing
countries do not have access to quality education. In this position
paper, we argue that increasing access to education in developing
countries should be a top priority for governments and international
organizations.
Background Information (Context)
The lack of access to education in developing countries is a
multifaceted problem that is driven by factors such as poverty,
conflict, gender discrimination, and inadequate infrastructure.
According to UNESCO, there are currently over 260 million
children out of school globally, and 90% of them live in low-
income countries. Moreover, girls are disproportionately
affected, with over 130 million girls out of school.
6. Education is key to economic and social development: Providing access to education can break the
cycle of poverty and promote economic growth. Education also helps individuals develop critical
thinking skills and knowledge necessary for active citizenship and participation in their communities.
Arguments
1.
2. Education improves health outcomes: Educated individuals are more likely to make
informed health decisions, have better healthcare access, and are less likely to engage in
risky behaviors.
3. Education promotes gender equality: Educating girls, in particular, has been shown to have
numerous benefits for society, including lower rates of child marriage, lower maternal and
infant mortality, and greater economic opportunities for women.
Lack of resources: Some may argue that increasing access to education in
developing countries is too expensive, given other competing priorities such as
healthcare and infrastructure. However, investing in education can yield
significant long-term benefits for individuals and societies, and should therefore
be considered a top priority.
Counterarguments
1.
2.Cultural barriers: Some may argue that cultural norms and beliefs in developing
countries prevent certain groups, such as girls, from accessing education.
However, such practices can be challenged through targeted interventions and
education campaigns.
7. Increase funding for education: Governments
and international organizations should
prioritize funding for education, including
providing scholarships and financial support
for disadvantaged groups.
Address infrastructure barriers: Governments
and international organizations should invest
in building and maintaining schools, providing
transportation, and ensuring access to clean
water and sanitation.
Address gender barriers: Governments and
international organizations should work to
eliminate gender discrimination in education,
including through targeted interventions and
education campaigns.
1.
2.
3.
Conclusion
Increasing access to education in developing
countries is critical to promoting economic
growth, improving health outcomes, and
promoting gender equality. We urge
governments and international
organizations to make education a top
priority, and to invest in policies and
programs that promote access to education
for all.
Recommendations