how to write a position paper

Hey there! Do you often ask yourself the question of how to make people listen to you and believe you at the same time? Well, that is where a position paper can be of help! Consider it as your opportunity to explore a subject you are interested in, express an opinion on the mentioned topic, and support your words with facts. Whether you are arguing about an issue as critical as climate change, lobbying for political changes, or coming up with new technological advancements, a position paper allows you to present your argument and convince people of your stand. Ready to learn more? Now it’s time to get familiar with position papers and learn how you can create a powerful, persuasive piece! 

Generally, academic and business situations, and to some extent, many other fields, yield one of the most important and useful writing competencies: being able to articulate a position and defend it coherently. Well, this is the time that, when you write a position paper, you are enhancing or developing. 

What Is a Position Paper?

A position paper is a formally written document that a business submits to a governing body advocating for a specific position on an issue or policy. It is a kind of academic paper that states the author’s stand on a particular subject with the use of logical and factual evidence. Its primary goal is to reduce the aspects of a given issue and present in detail the stand of the author. 

For instance, a teaching assistant can prepare a position paper concerning the role that students play in the adoption and utilization of AI-based writing tools in their assignments. Here, the author embeds a sense of how some of the AI tools can help students work better, but at the same time, points to another side where other AI tools let students not write at all. In this type, the author explicitly declares their stance and backs it with evidence; at the end, the reader comprehends the author’s stand on the issue in question.

This is often a funny feature of positional papers, namely that they are not always the position of one or another person. They can also convey groups’ and organizations’ stand on issues. For instance, let’s go back to the earlier example: a university writing department may issue a paper clarifying its stance on AI writing tools. Such would be a brief scholarly paper of one page in length designed to provide immediate reference for the students and the faculty regarding such instruments and their merit, or lack thereof, in the eyes of the department. These are a few areas where position papers are frequently published and used this way: 

  • Law

  • Research

  • Healthcare

  • Government and organizational policy

What Is a Good Position Paper?

A position paper refers to a piece of work that seeks to articulate an individual's or organization’s stand concerning a given subject. Most of the time, it is used to advance reasons and data as to why people should accept a certain position on an issue or line of action. Here are the key components and characteristics of a good position paper:

1. Clear Thesis Statement: 

It has been bound to give a summary of how the paper is going to end or give a summary of the author's position concerning the matter at hand.

2. Introduction: 

Introduces the topic, gives the reader background information on it, gives the writer a reason why the topic is relevant, and leads to the thesis statement.

3. Body Paragraph:

Argument: In total, there should be four paragraphs, and each of them should belong to one category, which develops the thesis. They should attempt to use logical reasoning, logical evidence, and real-life examples.

Counterarguments: Allow for the opposition and proceed to counter-argue to increase the welcomingness of your side’s stance.

Evidence: This will help make the argument stronger and provide numerical pieces of evidence, words for authorities, and even cases in the real world. Properly cite sources. 

4. Conclusion: 

Conclude by presenting briefly and simply the major points discussed, rephrasing the research problem or question answered based on the presented evidence, and, if possible, recommending an action or future study. 

5. Clarity and Precision: 

Report writing should be well written and avoid the use of ambiguous language, whereby the jury misses out on some points. 

6. Persuasiveness: 

The purpose is to persuade the reader using ethos, logos, and pathos. 

7. Formal Tone: 

The writing style must be formal and businesslike at every stage of the paper. 

Position Paper Format

Here’s a detailed explanation of the parts of a position paper: 

1. Title 

It should briefly inform the reader what the position paper is going to be focusing on. This should be clearly written and definitely on topic so that anyone reading it will get a good idea of what the article will be about. 

2. Introduction 

  • Introduce the problem area briefly, that is, explain why it is important to focus on the issue. This should present a brief historical background, definitions, and the current status of the issue. 

  • Formulate your reason why the given issue is important. Identify the possible consequences of the problem for stakeholders and explain why it should not be overlooked. 

  • State your opinion or thesis in a simple, direct manner in the most straightforward form to provide a canned background to your work. This will indeed set the tone and direction of your paper, as it will follow this statement. 

3. Body Paragraphs 

The body of the position paper mainly has to comprise various paragraphs, one for each of the arguments you have in favor of your thesis statement. Each paragraph should include: 

  • Provide a brief summary of what the paragraph is going to cover or the thesis statement of the paragraph. 

  • Use the data, statistics, quotes of professionals and experts, and real-life examples that support your opinion. Properly cite all sources. 

  • Greet the counterargument and try to negate all the points that are in conflict with your argumentation to make it stronger. 

4. Conclusion 

Another vital thing that should be done is to restate the thesis in consideration of the presented evidence and the repetition of some main points. It should also make a recommendation for the action to be taken or further study to be undertaken. 

To finish, it is necessary to recall the main points discussed in the body paragraphs. This will involve paraphrasing the thesis in light of the supporting arguments or evidence. 

Mention the population to which the findings may be generalized and/or offer particular recommendations that should be implemented or topics for further investigation. 

5. References 

Provide all the sources that you used in your position paper. This section should be formatted according to the citation style you agreed upon with your instructor or according to the guidelines of the organization where you will work. 

Sample Position Paper for Students

Here’s a sample position paper designed for students, illustrating the structure and elements discussed earlier:

Title: The Importance of Renewable Energy for Sustainable Development

Introduction

As energy consumption is growing across the world and the effects of using fossil fuels on the environment are increasingly seen, the use of renewable power sources has become the most urgent issue. Wind, solar, and hydroelectricity sources are better options than conventional and non-renewable energy sources. Hence, the present paper focuses on the following contentions: renewable energy is critical for sustainable development as it falls under environmental, economic, and energy security brackets. 

Point: Greenhouse gases clearly pose a threat to the environment, particularly in the current world where climate change continues to be an issue. 

Evidence: Compared to conventional sources, renewable energy sources not only provide clean energy but also cause low emissions during their utilization. For instance, wind power is harnessed from wind turbines to produce electricity without the need to burn fuel or emit carbon gases. The IEA has stated that if the world switches to renewable energy sources, it could bring down carbon emissions by as much as 70 per cent by the middle of the century. 

Counterargument: Some critics have said that some of the most promising sources of alternative energy, such as wind and solar power, are unpredictable and, therefore, unable to deliver a steady power supply.

Rebuttal: Although, with time, energy technology from renewable sources continues to be cheaper and within the reach of many people. For instance, the cost and price of solar photovoltaic cells have been reduced by over 80% in the past three years. 

Argument 3: Energy Security 

Point: Renewable energy improves energy security because it supplements the kind of energy that is imported into most countries.  

Evidence: For sustainability, through the harnessing of renewable energy, countries would be in a position to cut down on imports of fossil fuels, as this is sometimes associated with political instability and fluctuating prices. For instance, the German Energiewende policy, whose main strategy is to enhance the consumption of renewable energy, will decrease the use of imported coal and natural gas. 

Counterargument: Critics have also suggested that there are still problems associated with the use of renewable energy technologies, including efficiency and storage. 

Rebuttal: Constant improvements and changes in the field are ensuring that renewable energy is nowadays more reliable as compared to the past. For instance, advanced possibilities in the construction of wind turbines or the increase in the effectiveness of solar panels give remarkable results in energy production. 

Conclusion 

Therefore, the use of renewable energy is a worthy cause for any country that seeks to practice sustainable development. The advantages of using renewable energy sources include their environmental impacts, economic value, and energy security, which make them essential sources of energy as compared to fossil energy sources. The governments should, therefore, consider increasing the funds towards the development of renewable energy systems and solar sciences. Additional funding to make new advances in how we generate renewable electricity is going to take us towards a brighter and stronger future. 

Final Words

Well, that’s the thing with this writing! What writing a position paper entails, then, is pinning down an argument and making sure that this argument is well-articulated and supported by relevant information. Think of it as your territory, where you are entitled to speak, to teach others, and to persuade others. So, while the general rule is to remain interested and informed, it is also crucial to burn out. The right approach to your position paper can help you become a catalyst to engage participants in further discussions and even make changes to particular decisions; therefore, it can be a very effective weapon in your arsenal. 

 However, if you are one of those who are struggling to write position papers or are facing issues at some stage, you may avail yourself of online assignment services from our team. We have a team of experts who are highly professional and offer the best assignment help services, whether they are related to essays or case studies. We may offer to write my assignment service at a cost-effective budget. So, don't waste your time thinking about choosing us and leave your worries on our experts's shoulders. Connect with us the right way and score good marks.


Related Post

Share:
About Author
John

Get Help Instantly
Raise Your Grades with Grade Assignment Help
Recent Posts