Guide and Tips on How to Write a Position Paper

Guide and Tips on How to Write a Position Paper
In simple terms, a position paper is an essay that shows a point of view that can be argued about an issue or problem. The point of the paper is to persuade the people you want to reach that your opinion is valid and trustworthy. Our guide will make it easier for you to write a position paper without making you feel confused. The most important thing is to base your opinion on a particular subject. It can be about pretty much anything, from something reflective to something controversial, as long as you can take a stand and give your opinion.

What is an Argumentative Essay?

For a clearer explanation of what a position paper is, you might also hear it called a point of view paper, which is similar to a debate. If you don’t know what a position paper is, you should start with an outline analysis in which you define the main parts. A position paper, on the other hand, should look at both sides of an argument about an issue. Still, you should also explain why you think the way you do and show that what you said in your thesis statement is true and enough for the defense. You have to talk about the ideas you’ve found in your paper as you talk about the chosen topic.

 

Usually, you’ll need to start with facts, different points of view, statistics, and other information that will make your position essay strong. Our guide to writing a position paper will show you how to gather research, write a great outline, and get everything right. The most important thing is to make sure you cover all sides of the issue and show it in a certain way so that your audience can see why your position is different and why it is important and vital.

 

Your goal is to take a side and try to convince your audience that you are right by showing them that you know enough about the topic through references. In the last part of the paper, it is also important to show that your claim has been proven. Even though you should focus on one point of view, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t give your readers a brief explanation of why the other point of view is also valid. For example, if you choose a controversial topic, you should pay even more attention to the other side’s point of view to make sure that your point of view is based on facts.

 

How to Write a Position Paper

When writing a position paper based on what you want to achieve, you need to think about the differences. For instance:

 

Information and overviews for getting started. To back up your point of view, you should use directories, handbooks, textbooks, and academic sources.

Studies in depth. It should have books and reports from the government. You need to narrow your subject.

Research by scholars. In this case, you should look at different articles in academic journals. Usually, it is based on certain courses.

Current Issues. Some magazines, newspapers, websites, and social media can be used. Don’t forget to use what you know from your own life.

Statistical Data. When working with numbers, you might want to use government agencies and associations. Make sure to start your position paper with a strong fact and a clear explanation.

Analysis of a position paper. Start with the articles and websites that talk about your issue. Here, you should use a 50/50 split between your sources and your own analysis.

Of course, you should always keep your audience in mind and make sure you have something to say. If something is too hard to understand, make sure to explain it in simple terms. It must be interesting and move people. So, don’t be too hard to understand.

 

Outline of a Position Paper

The most important thing is to pay attention to your outline. Start with the structure, no matter what subject you choose. Here’s how to start a paper with a point of view:

 

1. Getting started.

 

– Explain what your topic is.

 

– Give some general information about your chosen topic and explain why it is important.

 

– State your thesis, which shows how you see the issue.

 

Your introduction should do two things: explain the topic and how you’re going to talk about it, and get the reader interested in what you’re going to say. Your thesis statement needs to show how you are going to approach your topic. The best way to introduce a topic is to explain what’s going on around it. You should talk about your topic in a way that puts your point of view in context and doesn’t make it hard to tell what you think. If your topic is hard to understand, talk about all of the technical details and lead your audience to your thesis statement. Also, if you are writing a position paper, you can add another sentence to your thesis if it needs to be explained further.

 

2. Counter Argument (Body Paragraphs).

 

– Summarize the counterarguments to help you figure out where you stand and explain it.

 

– Provide evidence and sources to back up counterclaims.

 

– Make sure to disprove the opposing arguments.

 

– Back up every argument you make with proof.

 

Since you want to make your point, you need to think about counterarguments by asking yourself why someone would disagree with you. Think about how to answer their points and why your audience should agree with you. You should explain why the other side is wrong. Here, you want to show your readers that your argument is stronger than the ones you have against it. Make sure you give each argument its due and don’t take sides. It will prove your point in your position paper.

 

3. Your Main Argument (Body Paragraph).

 

– Provide your main point. Give a well-informed and educated opinion.

 

– Talk about evidence and support by showing your source (statistics).

 

– Give the same points for your second point.

 

– Give your third, weakest fact that is still strong.

 

Of course, you should have more than three main points, but if you want to know how to write a MU position paper, you still have to include at least three facts.

 

4. In the end.

 

– Don’t forget to restate your thesis.

 

– Give a clear plan for what to do, but don’t add any new information.

 

You should keep in mind that your conclusion is mostly a restatement of your thesis. Once you’ve done that, you need to give your readers the most important facts that back up your arguments.

 

Example of a Position Paper

Sound Synthesis is the subject.

 

Sound Engineering is the course.

 

Why digital impulses can be changed

 

When IR impulses were first introduced, there were a lot of arguments from sound purists who used their ears to figure out everything about sound. But because of a certain bias, one did not offer any physical research or analysis in terms of numbers and soundwaves. It’s important to know that the original analogue (or digital) speakers, which were powered by numbers and audio frequencies, were used to make IR impulses. If you take a single 10-ms IR impulse and run it through an audio frequency analyzer, you can compare it to the real thing and see how close the digital version is. The ability to edit and cut up different waveforms gives IR impulses a lot of flexibility, which is not really possible in an analog setting. It’s safe to assume that IR impulses provide a more flexible copy of the original sound sample pattern that can be made reliable by using simple sound analysis.

 

As you can see from our example position paper, you need to talk about a topic and explain why your position is important. Make sure to talk about the different points of view and explain why some people think differently. Use the above example as a guide, and always start with your main point.

 

A Step-by-Step Guide to Writing a Position Paper

Since you have already chosen a topic that interests you, think of a mental outline that will help you organize your paper as if you were writing an essay for someone else or talking to a friend. Here are some tips for writing a position paper:

 

How to handle an introduction:

 

Shortly explain what your topic is.

Give some background information that will help people understand what your subject is about.

Talk about your topic and why it’s important.

Explain where you stand.

Your content argument:

 

Give a brief summary of all the different points of view and the facts.

Think about what someone could say to disagree with your point.

Include the statistics in your outline.

Fight the arguments against you.

Give proof that shows why your point of view is better.

Your point of view sentence:

 

Give your opinion and the facts that back it up.

Use at least three arguments from the sources to show that you are right.

Write down the main points of your position essay by looking at similar research and data.

Conclusion part:

 

Change the words in your thesis statement.

Give a clear answer by explaining what you’ve learned and why.

Edit and check your text for mistakes.

Here are fifteen important steps you must take if you want to write a good position paper. Even if your style is a little different, you should always start with an outline.

 

Topics for a position paper

When choosing a topic for your position paper, you should always take a stand on a certain issue. You have to start with a topic that you are interested in and can argue about. If something doesn’t move you, your topic won’t sound inspiring and sure of itself. Asking yourself the following questions will help you make a convincing case:

 

What does this problem mean to you?

Is there a fight about it?

What are the main arguments against your point?

Is it a matter of morals?

Do you have a personal reason to support one of the existing positions?

Can your topic be made stronger by narrowing the issue?

Here are 15 ideas for topics for a competitive position paper:

 

Global warming is a lie made up by politicians.

It should be against the law to gamble.

In the 2000s, rap music was not as bad as it was in the 2000s.

Black Lives Matter is not just a movement for social change.

Young children should not play video games.

Still, it’s important for students to read print books instead of only eBooks.

Asian people should try even harder to get into college.

In a lot of places, drinking alcohol is a part of the culture.

France and England are still rivals.

I chose X because he or she would be a better leader.

If you drive instead of fly, you will be safer.

Dogs aren’t as good as pets as cats are.

Community colleges cost less because they are a safer way to get an education.

In terms of injuries, soccer is safer than tennis because…

Vaccinations cause many diseases and immune system changes in babies.

As you can see, each of the statements about the topic has a clear point of view. You must give your audience clear evidence and statistics about both sides of the argument. For example, you could talk about those who disagree and explain why they think that way.

 

Of course, these are just a few ideas to get you started, but they should give you a lot of ideas. If you don’t know what to write about, think about problems that are important to your course. As a general rule, don’t choose controversial topics like religion or morals because you will have to give counterarguments. If you’re not sure you can find enough information on these topics, it’s best to stay away from them.

 

How to Write a Good Position Paper

Some position papers are better than others, as you may already know. All of this is in the mix, from good grammar to picking a position topic to gather good evidence and clear counterarguments. Here are some things you can do to improve your position paper:

 

Choose a topic that is current and interesting to you.

It should be something you know a lot about.

Don’t forget to give both sides. A position paper outline should be written in two columns.

Start with preliminary research and look for papers that are like yours.

Gather your evidence and write it down.

Find out who you want to reach.

Stay sure of yourself.

Make your position clear.

Write down and answer every counterargument.

Include supporting data and use quotes.

Pay attention to how you cite and format your work.

Keep things easy to understand.

Each paragraph you use should focus on one main idea.

Make sure to proofread your paper and read it out loud. Remember that you should check how you use quotes in your writing (like format APA rules).

Check your guide for how to grade a position paper twice.

You will feel much better if you follow these rules and suggestions. The major difference between a research paper and a position paper format is that you should act more like a compare-and-contrast paper.

 

When Your Position Paper is Challenging

When you are dealing with a position paper, it is easy to get confused and feel stressed, especially if you are dealing with a controversial topic that you have been provided. Even if you can choose something that you would like, it is difficult when you have little time to complete your essay and find relevant sources. Do not give up because our EduBirdie experts can help you with any type of paper by writing a perfect paper from scratch, which eliminates plagiarism risks! Do not wait and worry when you can place an order and receive an immediate reply 24/7.

 

FAQ

– What is the purpose of a position paper?

 

The purpose is to show an argument where you place an opinion with the list of supporting evidence. The main objective is to choose a topic and take a certain position. It is not enough to say that you think that smoking marijuana is bad for your health. You must provide counterarguments and prove why your position is valid and better.

 

– How long should a position paper be?

 

The position paper usually follows a classic research paper pattern where you have an introduction, three to five body paragraphs, and the conclusion. While there is no specific word count, your position paper should be at least 3-4 pages long not counting your title page and the Bibliography. It should be at least three pages (1000 words) because you must provide a clear writing position and all the relevant references.

 

– I have a position model UN paper that must be revised for my college course. My professor provided me with some notes but I do not know what to do. Could you help me, please?

 

It is only natural to feel lost when you have a paper for revision. You can contact our EduBirdie experts in case you are not sure about the problem. We shall be able to provide you with an explanation and explain what each note means according to the best of our knowledge.