SH1672

The Position Paper

Position Paper
 It describes a position on an issue and the rationale for that position. The position paper is based
on facts that provide a solid foundation of your argument.

I. Structure of a Position Paper (xavier.edu., 2017)

• Introduction – It should clearly identify the issue and state the author’s position. It should be
written in a way that catches the reader’s attention.
• 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 pieces of 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.
• Conclusion – It 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.

II. How to Build a Position

• Explore.
The first thing that you must do when you build a position is to read widely about the topic. It
is not enough to rely on your common sense or personal experience. In order to succeed in
building a position, you must read what other people have written about it first.
• Brainstorm.
After gathering all the positions and evidence
you need, brainstorm with a friend about the
ideas you have found. The old adage that “two
heads are better than one” is especially true when
it comes to the construction of arguments.
Oftentimes, we can blind to our flaws in
reasoning, so it is always better to consult
someone about your arguments in order to see
their strengths and weaknesses clearer.
• Create assertions.
Assertions are opinions that people may or may not agree with. They are not general truths,
instead, they are positions on an issue.

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• Gather the evidence.

After gathering one’s assertions, one must gather the evidence to prove each point. Evidence
can be any of the following: facts, statistics, interviews with experts, and perceived
philosophical, socio-political, or psychological truths.
• Have credible resources.
One must make sure that one’s sources are credible. The best sources are bills, laws, and
declarations from government and international organizations such as the United Nations. One
may also use scholarly articles from academic journals, books, and articles from reputable
newspapers, magazines, television stations, and other news media sources, and entries from
encyclopedias or dictionaries.
• Refine the argument.
An argument is made of three (3) elements: assertion, evidence, and explanation. Although the
logic of assertion and the evidence may be clear to you, this logic may not be clear to your
reader. Further explanation is often needed such as the clarification between the link of the
assertion and evidence, the use of further examples and situations, and the explanation and
contextualization of the evidence and its importance. The best arguments are filled with nuance
and sophistication, arguments that cannot be quickly discounted or set aside.
• Prepare for the opposition.
A position will always have a negation of that same position. This is usually called the
opposition. When doing your research, it is imperative to read what the opposition has to say
in order to refute them in your position paper.
• Write the position paper.

References:
Xavier University. (2014). How to write a position paper. Retrieved from
http://www.xavier.edu/library/students/documents/position_paper.pdf
Saqueton, G.M., & Uychoso, M.A. (2016). English for academic and professional purposes. Manila
City. Rex Bookstore, Inc.

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