LibGuides: Academic Writing: Position Paper (2024)

FAQs

What to avoid in writing a position paper? ›

Avoid using the passive voice and words such as “maybe, perhaps, possibly, etc.” that weaken your argument. Phrases like “in my opinion” are also needless and sound apologetic instead of certain. if you're writing the paper, it's obviously your opinion.

Choose a topic

The purpose of a position paper is to persuade, so your ability to provide supporting evidence for a claim can be more important than the topic itself. If a supervisor or manager assigns you a topic, consider your argument and which perspective you support.

The classic position paper contains three main elements: An Introduction, which identifies the issue that will be discussed and states the author's position on that issue. A Conclusion, restating the key points and, where applicable, suggesting resolutions to the issue.

Position papers are usually one page in length. It should include a brief introduction followed by a comprehensive breakdown of the country's position on the topic(s) that are being discussed by each of the committees. A good position paper will not only provide facts but also make proposals for resolutions.

First person point of view can be used in writing a position paper when the paper involves only the writer and does not involve a group, organization, committee, and etc. If the paper represents a group or so, third person point of view is used.

The classic position paper contains three main elements: An Introduction, which identifies the issue that will be discussed and states the author's position on that issue. A Conclusion, restating the key points and, where applicable, suggesting resolutions to the issue.

1 Choose a topic

The first step in writing a position paper is choosing your topic. You may be assigned a topic, or you may need to develop a topic yourself. In either case, a good topic for a position paper is one that allows you to take a definable, defendable stance that you can back up with relevant data.

What are the 5 parts of position paper? ›

You must include in-text citations in your position paper and prepare a Works Cited page. Both must be in proper MLA format.

Position Papers are normally 1-2 pages per topic, and should have 3-4 paragraphs. They should be written from the perspective of the government of your country, include a header, and answering the following questions. Your final Position Paper should look similar to the sample on the next page.

A position paper introduction should: Capture the reader's attention. This can be done by posing a question, stating a relevant quote, making a strong statement, or a using a statistic. State your thesis (the topic and your opinion on it from your chosen perspective).

Research: Gathering reliable and relevant information to support your position can be challenging. It often involves extensive research, such as finding trustworthy sources, reviewing existing literature, and analyzing data. Narrowing down the topic: Position papers require taking a stance on a specific issue.