Purposeful Writing in the Disciplines and for Professions, Reading and Writing Skills

Writing a Position Paper

At the end of the lesson, you will learn how to write a position paper.

Have you ever seen or read a position paper in the past? What is it about?
As a student, what do you think are the things you should do before writing a position paper?
Do you know the structure of a position paper? Can you share your insights about writing a
position paper?ģ

Purposeful Writing in the Disciplines and for Professions, Reading and Writing Skills
Writing a Position Paper
Lesson6 chapters
Questions
Learn about it!
Position Paper
A position paper, also known as point of view paper, is used to claim a one-side position on a
specific issue. This type of paper is used in academics, law, and politics and is usually one to one-
and-a-half pages in length. It contains factual arguments to support the one-side claim or position
statement, but this will not limit the paper to present just only the strength but also the weakness
of the position statement.

Pre-Writing
Before writing a position paper, you must identify the issue to be discussed. The issue must be
interesting, valid, and specific. The issue must also have two identifiable positions or sides – either
in favor or against the claim or position statement. Research both positions and collate the
arguments, scholarly articles and in-depth studies from academic books and journals.

After performing thorough research on a certain issue and its arguments, you need to choose the
position or side you want to support. Remember that this type of paper requires you to take only
one side of argument – either in favor or against the issue.

Structure of a Position Paper

The sandwich graphic organizer below is used to understand how to easy it is to write a position
paper.

A sandwich is made up of a top loaf, its content, and a bottom loaf. A top loaf, as compared to
writing a position paper, contains the background and the writer's stand on the issue. The content,
like ham, cheese or lettuce of a sandwich, is compared to the arguments and evidence presented.
Lastly, the bottom loaf serves as a concluding paragraph which includes the recommended
solution of the writer to the issue presented.
Writing a Position Paper
The Introduction
Write the specific issue, together with its importance and effect to the society. End the
introductory paragraph with your position statement or your stand on the issue. Keep in mind that
you could take only one side of the argument.
Example:
The implementation of the K-12 program this year has a tremendous effect on the Philippines’
education system. The implementation by the Department of Education is in compliance with the
Republic Act 10533 Enhanced Basic Education Act of 2012 mandating the ten-year to an
additional two years, making it a twelve-year span of education for all. This paper will solely
focus on its claim that an additional two years is necessary to improve the quality of education in
the country.

Explanation:
The purpose of writing the introduction is to give the reader an overview of the issue and to arouse
their interest to read your paper. In this example, the writer states a brief background on the
position statement or claims that will be the focus of this position paper.

The Content
The content may have several paragraphs. It may begin with short background information or a
discussion of arguments on both sides of the issue.** In each paragraph, write an explanation or
observation to clarify the portion of the position statement, followed by the supporting
evidence**. Evidence that can be used is primary source quotation, interviews with field experts, a
recommendation from scholarly articles and position papers, historical dates or events, and
statistical data.
Example:
The quality of education reflects on the achievement scores of the Filipino students. To note, the
Philippines ranked twenty-third (23rd) out of twenty-five (25) countries that participated in the
international test - the "Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study" (TIMMS). The
mathematics and science test were taken by grade four students in 2003. DepEd itself pointed out
that the decline in quality of education is partly attributed to the ten-year basic education cycle.

Explanation:
The writer presents that the basis of the position statement is the scores of the Filipino students.
The examination performance shows a low quality of education and it must be improved
immediately. Notice that the data was taken from TIMMS and must be cited in a footnote

The End Statement

On the last part of writing the paper, summarize and reinforce the concepts and facts presented
without repeating the introduction and its content. It is also optional to include the procedure used
to deal with the issue and your suggested possible solution or recommendation.
Example:
The paper still stands on the claim that the additional school years are needed by our educational
system. Based on the evidence presented including the low test scores in mathematics and
sciences by grade four Filipino students, it shows that the additional two years will aid the student
in gaining mastery of school subjects. Since our country has one of the highest number of labor
workforce in the world, focusing on both on enhancing knowledge and skills are applicable to
strengthen our workforce.

For that reason, the paper suggests that DepEd and the government should focus on teacher
training and development, for the law and its implementation will not fully succeed without these
teachers that are fully equipped and highly skilled.

Explanation:
In this end statement, the writer summarizes and reinforces the evidence. The recommendation is
also provided at the end of the paper.

Tips
Keep in mind that a position paper takes only one side of the argument.
If the paper represents a group of people (e.g. committee or organization), refrain from using first
person singular pronouns such as I, my, and mine; instead, use first person plural pronouns like
we, us, our, and ours.
Cite the book or website where the evidence is, including the statistical data and facts. If
unfamiliar with the bibliographic form or putting a footnote, try to search the MLA or APA
guidelines.
Use the sandwich graphic organizer (Introduction, Content, End Statement) in writing your
position paper.
If possible, review and rewrite your position paper.