This document provides guidance on writing an effective position paper, including defining a position paper, outlining its purpose, and describing the typical structure which includes an introduction stating the position, body with supporting evidence, and conclusion with suggested actions. It also lists several issues that are well-suited for a position paper such as social issues, education, technology, media, and politics. The document aims to help students understand how to research, organize, and argue a position on a controversial topic.

1. POSITION PAPER
MANOLO L. GIRON
ZAMBALES NATIONAL HIGH
SCHOLL

2. POSITION PAPER
It is an essay that presents an opinion about
an issue – typically that of the author or some
specified entity.
It is a critical analysis of current facts, data
and research literature.
It present the arguable opinion about an issue.

3. PURPOSE OF POSITION PAPER
To help you understand your nation’s views and interests on
the various issues that you will discuss during the
conference.
To generate support from the readers through strong and
valid assertions.
To generate support on an issue. It describes a position on
an issue and the rational for that position.

4. HOW TO WRITE A POSITION PAPER
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.
Position papers are usually one to one-and-a-half pages in length.
Your position paper should include a brief introduction followed by a
comprehensive breakdown of your country's position on the topics
that are being discussed by the committee.
A good position paper will not only provide facts but also make
proposals for resolutions.

5. A. Choose an issue where there is a clear division of
opinion and which is arguable with facts and inductive
reasoning.
B. 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.
C. Prior to writing your position paper, define and limit
your issue carefully. Social issues are complex with
multiple solutions.
D. Narrow the topic of your position paper to something
that is manageable.
E. Research your issue thoroughly, consulting experts and
obtaining primary documents.
F. Consider feasibility, cost-effectiveness and
political/social climate when evaluating possible

6. THE FOLLOWING STRUCTURE IS
TYPICAL OF A POSITION PAPER:
I. An introduction
A. Identification of the issue
B. Statement of the position
II. The body
A. Background information
B. Supporting evidence or facts
C. A discussion of both sides of the issue
III. A conclusion
A. Suggested courses of action
B. Possible solutions

7. INTRODUCTION
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

8. BODY
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

9. CONCLUSION
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.

10. WHAT ARE THE ISSUES IN WHICH A POSITION
PAPER MAY BE EFFECTIVELY USED IN OUR
PRESENT SOCIETY?
1. Social Issues
2. Educational Issues
3. Technology
4. Media
5. Relationships
6. War and Peace
7. Environmental Issues
8. Politics

11. 1. SOCIAL ISSUES
Example.
What is the cause of the increase in child obesity?(cause)

12. 2. EDUCATIONAL ISSUES
Example.
Does adding year to the high school really improve learning?(fact)

13. 3. TECHNOLOGY
Example
Textbooks should be replaced by iPad and online resources.(policy)

14. 4. MEDIA
Example
Does the news from ABS CBN bias? (fact)

15. 5. RELATIONSHIPS
Example
What are the causes of having broken family?(cause)

16. 6. WAR AND PEACE
Example
War is not really the solution to achieved peace.

17. 7. ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES
Example
What are the cause of flash flood?

18. 8. POLITICS
Example
Some of the government leader are illegal drugs protector.(fact)

19. GROUP ACTIVITY
 With 5 members
 In ½ crosswise sheet of paper
 Write 5 title of issues in which a position paper may be effectively
used in our present society?

20. REFERENCES
http://www.xavier.edu/library/students/documents/position_paper.p
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