Objective

✔️Understands the principles and uses of a position paper

✔️ Presents a convincing position paper based on properly
cited factual evidence
✔️ Produces an insightful statement of principles and reasons
for establishing a student organization
THE NATURE OF
A POSITION
PAPER
Activity: Picture Analysis
Direction: Give your views on the image presented and write
it in your notebook.

Answer the following questions:

Are you convinced with the statement in the image?
Why or Why not?
I like KPOP & BTS
and you should Picture
like it too.
Analysis
What is a MANIFESTO?
It refers to a published declaration of the
intentions, motives, lay out a plan, views
of the issuer, be it an individual or group,
who share a common perspective,
ideology or purpose. While it address
any topic, it most often concerns art,
literature, politics or government.
What is a POSITION PAPER?
It is also called an ARGUMENTATIVE
PAPER or a manifesto. It is an essay that
presents a person’s or groups position or
stand on a particular issue. Its goal is to
convince the reader of the acceptability of
the writer’s position and it does so by
presenting rational support through
evidence, counter evidence to flaw
argument of the opposing position and
through emotional appeal.
What is ARGUMENTATIVE
WRITTING?
A kind of writing where the students establish
a position in a given topic and then use
evidence to persuade the audience to see
things from their point of view. To write a great
argumentatively, the students first have to
investigate several sides of the argument,
which allows them to make an educated
stance. Then, they have to collect evidence,
including facts, statistics, and claims from
experts in the topic’s field.
ELEMENTS OF A POSITION PAPER
1. Issue
2. Thesis
3. Reasons
4. Support
5. Opposing view points /
counter arguments
What is an ISSUE?
✔️ An idea or question over which people
are divided, it is also called a
controversy.

Example:

1. Exercise is good for the health and

smoking is bad
2. Legalize medically assisted suicide
What is an ISSUE?
✔️ An idea or question over which people
are divided, it is also called a
controversy.

Example:

1. Exercise is good for the health and

smoking is bad
2. Legalize medically assisted suicide
What is THESIS?
✔️ In academic writing, this is usually a main
idea, often called a “claim” or “thesis
statement,” backed up with evidence that
supports the idea.

✔️ This expresses how you feel about an issue.

are you in favor or against?
What is REASONS?
✔️ Another term of reasons is “Arguments”
✔️ These are the reasons or reasoning given
for or against a matter under discussions.
✔️ In order to explain to the reader why his or
her position is logical, acceptable and
believable.
What is a SUPPORT?
✔️ Refers to evidence or ideas to
substantiate the reasons. Support may be
classified intor following types:

1. Facts - figures & writer’s own observation or

reports from scholarly studies
2. Comparison - Similarities or differentiation
between two ideas, concepts or situations
3. Examples - real life demonstrations of an
idea
4. Opinions - the writers feelings or
generalization
What is an OPPOSING VIEWPOINTS
✔️ Also known as counter arguments that give
the arguments opposing your stand.
✔️ Your goal in presenting these is to refute or
discredit them, so that any opposition in the
reader’s mind is dealt with.
✔️ You refute by showing weaknesses in the
counter argument.
Remember... While you may already have an opinion on your topic and an idea about which
side of the argument you want to take, you need to ensure that your position is well
supported.
 Purpose of a Position Paper
✔️ Position Papers are used in any kind of
situation in which there is a significant issue
that needs to be addressed.
✔️ Cause-oriented groups regularly publish position papers to
express advocacies.
✔️ Government also present position paper to show their stand
on certain issues like our claims in the Spratly Islands
✔️ More than expressing a group or person’s sentiments it
helps others become aware of certain problems in society and
possibly become more involved in finding solution to it.
Major Categories of Manifesto
Characteristics
1. GOAL A goal can be a manifesto when we
share it with other people, it is
public, and a declaration about what
one intends to have happened.

2. LIST & RULES A manifesto containing set of rules

for behaving within a specific
context or a list of items to be
achieved or tasks to be fulfilled.
Major Categories of Manifesto
Characteristics
3. WORLD This type of manifesto aims to create
a new world. It’s not about simple
rules, instead it presents a vision for
the future. A solemn declaration by
the constituted authorities of a
nation which contains the reason for
its public acts towards another.
Remember

The common thing about the 3 categories is that a

MANIFESTO or the writer of the manifesto aims for
change in the state or in other words, the author is trying
to convince the reader to believe the concept that he/she
is trying to convey by giving arguments or logical
reasons that will catch the attention of the reader and
eventually believing it.
How are these
changes carried
out with just the
use of words?
It is when the author
provides the reasons
accompanies with
evidences to prove the
belief they wanted the
reader to believe or the
called argument.
A statement can only be considered
an argument if it presents proof or
evidences however if it does not, it is
only a mere ________.
A statement can only be considered
an argument if it presents proof or
evidences however if it does not, it os
only a mere OPINION.
As a reader, the challenge however
lies on how will you understand the
meaning that the author wanted you
to know.
Knowledge check ✔️Identify what type of manifesto?
The Health & Wellness Journey
We, the community of East Gusa NHS, believe in the power of holistic health
and well-being. Our goal is to foster a culture of wellness that promotes
physical, mental, and emotional health. We would like to encourage regular
physical activity through organized fitness programs and challenges, provide
resources and support for mental health, including workshops and
counseling services, promote healthy eating habits by offering nutrition
education and access to healthy food options and a supportive community
that encourages sharing, motivation and accountability.
Knowledge check ✔️
Vision for a Sustainable Future
We, the advocates for a sustainable world, envision a future where humanity lives in
harmony with nature. Our manifesto outlines the principles and actions needed to
create this ideal world. We envision to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050
through the adoption of renewable energy sources and sustainable practices, protect
and restore natural habitats to preserve biodiversity and ensure ecological balance,
ensure that all communities have access to clean water, air, and nutritious food,
promote environmental education to foster a culture of sustainability and
responsibility and strengthen international cooperation to address environmental
challenges and share best practices.
Knowledge check ✔️
The Ethical Workplace
We, the employees of GAS Corporation commit to maintaining a workplace that
upholds the highest standards of ethics and integrity. This manifesto outlines the
core rules and principles we live by to always act honestly and transparently, treat
everyone with dignity and respect, regardless of their position or background, take
ownership of our actions and their impact on others, ensure equity and justice in all
our dealings and make decisions that consider the long-term well-being of our
environment and community.
Knowledge check ✔️
The Ethical Workplace
We, the employees of GAS Corporation commit to maintaining a workplace that
upholds the highest standards of ethics and integrity. This manifesto outlines the
core rules and principles we live by to always act honestly and transparently, treat
everyone with dignity and respect, regardless of their position or background, take
ownership of our actions and their impact on others, ensure equity and justice in all
our dealings and make decisions that consider the long-term well-being of our
environment and community.
Knowledge check ✔️
Vision for a Sustainable Future
We, the advocates for a sustainable world, envision a future where humanity lives in
harmony with nature. Our manifesto outlines the principles and actions needed to
create this ideal world. We envision to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050
through the adoption of renewable energy sources and sustainable practices, protect
and restore natural habitats to preserve biodiversity and ensure ecological balance,
ensure that all communities have access to clean water, air, and nutritious food,
promote environmental education to foster a culture of sustainability and
responsibility and strengthen international cooperation to address environmental
challenges and share best practices.
Knowledge check ✔️
The Health & Wellness Journey
We, the community of East Gusa NHS, believe in the power of holistic health
and well-being. Our goal is to foster a culture of wellness that promotes
physical, mental, and emotional health. We would like to encourage regular
physical activity through organized fitness programs and challenges, provide
resources and support for mental health, including workshops and
counseling services, promote healthy eating habits by offering nutrition
education and access to healthy food options and a supportive community
that encourages sharing, motivation and accountability.
Knowledge check ✔️
Write a brief manifesto (1-2 paragraphs) on a topic
you are passionate about. You should clearly state
your intention, provide reasons and include at least
one piece of evidence to support your claim.
GATHER
MANIFESTOES &
ANALYZE THE
ARGUEMENTS USED
BY THE WRITER
STEPS IN ANALYZING AN ARGUMENT

1. Briefly note the main assertion – what does

the writer want you to do or believe or act
upon? It starts by identifying the main claim or
conclusion the writer is thinking.
STEPS IN ANALYZING AN ARGUMENT
2. Make a note of the first reason the author
makes to support his/her conclusion – Pay
attention to the first reason or lists of evidence the
author presents to support their main assertion. This
sets as the foundation for their arguments and
provide initial basis for evaluation.
STEPS IN ANALYZING AN ARGUMENT
3. Write down every other reasons – Take note of any
other reasons/evidences that the author presented
throughout the argument. This additional points may
stregnthen or weaken the overall presentation of the
argument. It is important to consider all the reason
presented to have a comprehensive understanding of
the author’s position.
STEPS IN ANALYZING AN ARGUMENT
4. Underline the most important reason – After
considering all the reasons presented, identify the one
that appears to be the most crucial or significant in
supporting the main assertion. This may be the
strongest piece of evidence and the most logical
reason and most impactful point.
Knowledge check ✔️
DIRECTIONS: Read and analyze the sample Position
Paper and answer the questions that follows and we will
discuss in a short while.
Knowledge check ✔️
Issue - About the plastic ban in Manila
Claim - Plastic ban is actually harmful to the
environment
Counterargument - People easily believe that
paper is more eco-friendly than plastic
Refute - These are all just a myth
Reasons - Scientific research proves that plastic
bags are better than paper ones
Support - Findings of research studies
WRITING A
POSITION
PAPER
DEVELOPING THE POSITION PAPER
1. Introduction
a. Contains the background info
concerning the issue (5Ws)
b. A yes or no questioning
containing the issue and
argumentative thesis
c. Issue + thesis (claim)
DEVELOPING THE POSITION PAPER
2. Arguments
a. Ellaborate on the claims and
should contain evidence/s

3. Summary of counterclaims
a. An enumeration of arguments
opposing a stand
b. Allows you to refute these.
DEVELOPING THE POSITION PAPER
4. Conclusion
a. Restatement of your thesis and
summarizes your main claims.
Writing a position paper can be
quite easy if you focus on one
step at a time.
1. Choose an issue for a topic.
2. Collect information on the issue:
Identify the different positions on
the issue, as well as the supports
by the different sides.
3. Organize your presentation.
 STEP 1: CHOOSE AN ISSUE FOR A TOPIC
✔️ Is there a particular problem in your
country that you feel strongly about?
✔️ Are you someone who feels they belong to a
cause-oriented group?
✔️ You can also get issues by paying attention
to the news and other media sources
 STEP 1: CHOOSE AN ISSUE FOR A TOPIC
✔️ Is there a particular problem in your
country that you feel strongly about?
✔️ Are you someone who feels they belong to a
cause-oriented group?
✔️ You can also get issues by paying attention
to the news and other media sources
STEP 2: COLLECT INFORMATION ON THE ISSUE
✔️ This can help you decide on your position or claim
and strengthen your position.
✔️ Get information on both sides of the issue.
✔️ Gather information that will give you a strong
understanding of the issue such as answers to basic
questions (5ws)
STEP 2: COLLECT INFORMATION ON THE ISSUE

Your position may be supported through major

types of appeals:

1. Logical Appeals
2. Emotional Appeals
 1. Logical Appeals - this is the use of facts in order
to support a position and to persuade the
audience by targeting their thinking.

Example:
Health
Example:
Health

Arguments: Vaccinations are essential

for preventing diseases and protecting
public health.
Evidence/reasons:
1. Vaccines like the measles, mumps, and rubella
(MMR) vaccine have an effectiveness rate of over
90%, significantly reducing the incidence of these
diseases.
2. Historical data shows that diseases like smallpox
and polio have been nearly eradicated thanks to
widespread vaccination efforts.
 1. Emotional Appeals - this is the use of audience’s
feelings for the subject of the paper such as anger,
pity and aversion in order to persuade. It may also
refer to values that readers may identify such as
importance of family ties, hospitality and bayanihan
spirit.
Example:
Election
 Knowledge check ✔️
1. Work in pair and identify some issues in our society today. State
your position/ claim on this issue and if you can state the reasons
for your position as well.
2. Clip a print Ad and paste in your notebook. Analyze the
statements used in the Ad by classifying them as either logical or
emotional appeal.

All answers in the notebook. #1 submit today, #2 submit on Wednesday

We don’t only think, we feel as well. That is why
targeting the audience’s emotions when done
right will help our position paper more believable.
TYPES OF EMOTIONAL APPEALS
1. Bandwagon or “Join the crowd”
2. Appeal to common folk
3. False authority
4. Name calling or “Ad Hominem”
5. Association
TYPES OF EMOTIONAL APPEALS
1. Bandwagon or “Join the crowd”
The writer uses people’s tendency to conform
with the majority, pointing out that his or her
position enjoys support from many people.

“Go with the flow”

TYPES OF EMOTIONAL APPEALS
2. Appeal to common folk
The persuasion is done by pointing out that a
person is no different from ordinary people or a
product or idea is something that ordinary
people would purchase or support.

“Erap para sa mahirap”

TYPES OF EMOTIONAL APPEALS
3. False Authority
A person speaks as expert on something on
which he/she has no expertise. When an actor
claims that he proved the efficacy of a brand of
medicine through laboratory test (as if he is a
pharmacist or chemist)
TYPES OF EMOTIONAL APPEALS
4. Name calling / Ad Hominem
Using labels with negative meanings to cast
one’s opponent in a bad light.

“You're a hypocrite, so your argument is invalid.”

TYPES OF EMOTIONAL APPEALS
5. Association
This is done by creating a link between one thing
or idea and another one that people have a
positive or negative feelings for.

“Kamayan”
The right way to use emotional appeals is to use them
only in addition to logical appeals, as to measure a
balanced approach - one that targets both the mind
and heart of our readers.

Argumentum ad misericordiam (Argument to pity)

 Knowledge check ✔️ Copy and Answer
Identify the type of emotional appeal used in the statements.
1. The Philippines is one of the only two countries that have not yet
legalized divorce. Thus, it should legalize divorce so as not to be
left out.
2. Those against gay marriage are bigots and promoters of
discrimination.
3. Royalty Brand Juice Drink is all about freedom and empowerment.
4. Ms. X understands the common people. She grew up without
riches & struggled to rise from poverty like many of us. Vote for Ms.
X!
In order to make our position paper convincing, it is
important to be able to back up our claim with sound
reasons or arguments and adequate support.

What is argument?
In order to make our position paper convincing, it is
important to be able to back up our claim with sound
reasons or arguments & adequate support.

What is argument? are reasons given for or against a

matter under discussion. It explains why a claim is
correct & believable.
TYPES OF ARGUMENTS
1. Argument from transitivity
2. Argument from incompatibility
3. Argument from reciprocity
4. Argument from comparison
5. Argument from generalization
6. Argument from examples
7. Argument from cause
8. Argument from sign
 TYPES OF ARGUMENTS
1. Argument from transitivity
Involves three terms associated through the
process of classification. Two statements serve as
premises which is the basis for the argument,
presented in the form of a conclusion. As in A is B; B
is C; thus A is C.
TYPES OF ARGUMENTS
A is B; B is C; thus A is C.

Example:
As an antioxidant, coffee is an anticancer substance.

What are the terms, premises and conclusion?

TYPES OF ARGUMENTS
Example:
As an antioxidant, coffee is an anticancer substance.

Terms:

A is B; B is C; thus A is C.
TYPES OF ARGUMENTS
Example:
As an antioxidant, coffee is an anticancer substance.

Terms: Coffee, antioxidant and anti cancer substance

A is B; B is C; thus A is C. What are the premises?

TYPES OF ARGUMENTS
Example: As an antioxidant, coffee is an anticancer substance.

Terms: Coffee, antioxidant and anti cancer substance

Premises:
Antioxidants are anticancer substance
Coffee is an antioxidant

What is the Conclusion?

TYPES OF ARGUMENTS
Example: As an antioxidant, coffee is an anticancer substance.

Terms: Coffee, antioxidant and anti cancer substance

Premises:
Antioxidants are anticancer substance
Coffee is an antioxidant

Conclusion: Therefore, coffee is an anticancer substance.

The middle term must have the same meaning
in the two premises for the argument to be
valid.
If one of them proves false, then the whole
argument becomes invalid.
TYPES OF ARGUMENTS
2. Argument from incompatibility
It presents two contradictory choices, such as that
the choices of one means the exclusion of the
other. So it means, if something/someone is A it
cannot be B, if it is B it cannot be A for A and B
cannot be combined - they are incompatible.
 TYPES OF ARGUMENTS
If something/someone is A it cannot be B, if it is B it
cannot be A for A and B cannot be combined - they are
incompatible.

Example: President Joe cannot be pro-education as he

claimed to be. He reduced the education budget by half.
You have to consider whether the two
argument choices /ideas are really
incompatible. If they can be combined then
the incompatibility argument is false.
TYPES OF ARGUMENTS
3. Argument from reciprocity
Individuals and situations that can be put
together under the same category should be
treated in the same way.
 TYPES OF ARGUMENTS
Example:
A person who is born in the Philippines and who has Filipino
parents is classified as a citizen of the Philippines. As a citizen,
a person enjoys certain privileges reserved only for a country’s
citizens such the right to vote and own property in the
Philippines.
Suppose a foreigner goes through the legal processes and
becomes classified as a Filipino citizen, the foreigner will now
have the same privileges given to any other Filipino citizen.
You have to consider whether the individuals
or situations under consideration can be truly
and fully under the same category and that
there is nothing to hinder them from being so.
TYPES OF ARGUMENTS
4. Argument from comparison
This argues that two situations will have the same
outcome because of the similarities between these
situations.

Entity X - A B C D Entity Y- A B C ?
 TYPES OF ARGUMENTS
4. Argument from comparison
This argues that two situations will have the same
outcome because of the similarities between these
situations.

Entity X - A B C D Entity Y- A B C ?
***Therefore, entity Y will have D as well.
 TYPES OF ARGUMENTS
Entity X - A B C D Entity Y- A B C ?
***Therefore, entity Y will have D as well.

Example: The RH Law will lead to the legalization of

abortion in the Philippines. This was the case in Vietnam
which enacted a similar law many years ago.
You have to consider the following:
1. Do the entities belong to the same category?
2. Do the entities sufficiently similar to justify
conclusion?
3. Is there any significant dissimilarity to undermine
the conclusion?
TYPES OF ARGUMENTS
5. Argument from generalization
We use one member of a population to make
conclusions about the entire population.
 TYPES OF ARGUMENTS
Example:
All people in Gusa are honest because I lost my wallet
earlier but it was recovered intact after 1 hour.

Manny Pacquiao is a proof that the Philippines is a

nation of good boxers.
You have to consider is the member representative of
the entire population? Does he/she embody all the
qualities of the entire population? Is he/she a typical
member of the population? if not, then the argument
fails.
TYPES OF ARGUMENTS
6. Argument from examples

You use a group of examples from that population to

serve as your basis.
 TYPES OF ARGUMENTS
Example:
1. Surveys
2. Cartoons expose children to excessive violence.
Shows like Tom & Jerry, Boo-hoo Bunny and the
Mighty Girls show an average of 17 violent acts (e.g.
punching, kicking, hitting with an instrument) per
episode.
You have to consider is there a sufficient
number of examples to justify the conclusion?
TYPES OF ARGUMENTS
7. Argument from cause
An argument from cause assumes that A is caused
by B which means that the presence of A (cause)
will mean the presence of B (effect).
Two types of causes:

1. Strong cause/sufficient cause

The occurence of the cause guarantees
the existence of the effect.
Example:

If virus X is a strong cause for disease X then

having the virus guarantees developing the
disease.
Two types of causes:

2. Weak cause/necessary cause

The occurence of the cause is necessary
for the effect to occur.
Example:

If virus X is a weak cause for disease X then the

virus X is like an important component of having
disease X. Perhaps other factors like weak
immune system and certain environmental
conditions are also needed for disease X to
appear.
You have to consider:
1. Is the relationship between A & B really causal? Or is it just
coincidental? B just happened after A but there is really no
relationship between them. Or it is correlational, as when
the amount of B increases when the amount of A
increases. There might be a 3rd factor that simply causes
both A & B to increase at the same time.
You have to consider:
2. Is the cause a sufficient or necessary cause? The strong
cause makes for a stronger case. We must carefully examine
our evidence and that of the opposing side to determine
whether the cause guarantees the effect or is simply one of the
factors that might lead to the effect.
TYPES OF ARGUMENTS

8. Argument from sign

Uses sign or indicator X to argue for the
existence of condition Y.
Example:

1. The President argued that the Philippine

Economy is thriving because of increased
GDP and foreign investments.
2. Jan has a fever, his body temperature is 40
degrees celcius.
You have to consider:
1. Is the relationship between the sign and
condition consistent? We may say, for instance
that economic development and increased
GDP figures always go together, thus the
argument is valid.
You have to consider:
2. Are there other indicators that show the opposite
of what is concluded? On the other hand, if other
economic indicators show that the economy is NOT
thriving, then our argument is weakened.
 Knowledge check ✔️ Copy and Answer
Identify the type of argument used in the statements.
1. The students of Xantan University are slackers. Just look at their
students in Nursing: They hardly ever study that’s why they flank
the board exam and their student council president, he is always
out partying, he already spent 6 years in college.
2. My classmate must have a crush on me. Why else would she be
looking at me all the time?
3. Students should listen to music while studying. This is because
listening to music leads to better retention of information.
4. Shirley must be good in math since she’s a Filipino-Chinese.
STEP 3: ORGANIZE YOUR PRESENTATION
Parts of a Position Paper
1. INTRODUCTION
a) Analyze the source/quote: pull it apart sentence by
sentence and explain the meaning of the source both in
general terms and more specifically

b) Identify the perspective the source/quote reflects:

STEP 3: ORGANIZE YOUR PRESENTATION
Parts of a Position Paper
1. INTRODUCTION
c) Explain your understanding of that ideology (discuss
key underlying beliefs or political principles or economic
principles)
STEP 3: ORGANIZE YOUR PRESENTATION
Parts of a Position Paper
1. INTRODUCTION
d) State your position. Do you agree with the ideological
perspective or not?

NOTE: If taking a qualified position, state it clearly and

precisely.
STEP 3: ORGANIZE YOUR PRESENTATION
Parts of a Position Paper
2. BODY
a) Explain your first reason to support your position
b) Factual, relevant and accurate evidence to prove your first
argument
c) Explain your second argument/reason
STEP 3: ORGANIZE YOUR PRESENTATION
Parts of a Position Paper
2. BODY
d) Factual, relevant and accurate evidence to prove your
second argument
e) Explain your third argument/reason
f) Factual, relevant and accurate evidence to prove your last
argument
STEP 3: ORGANIZE YOUR PRESENTATION
NOTE: In General, the strongest/best argument should
be the last. Others would advise the first argument by
the strongest/best; never the middle argument.
STEP 3: ORGANIZE YOUR PRESENTATION
Parts of a Position Paper
3. CONCLUSION
Conclude by summarizing, restating in a forceful manner your
arguments and reiterating your position.

A very helpful organizational tool is writing outline. Outline

the content of your position paper before you actually sit
down and draft it.
SAMPLE
OUTLINE OF
A POSITION
PAPER
SAMPLE OUTLINE OF A POSITION PAPER
INTRODUCTION

A. Introduce the topic

B. Provide background on the topic to explain why it is
important
C. Assert the thesis (your view of the issue). More on
thesis statements can be found below.
SAMPLE OUTLINE OF A POSITION PAPER
INTRODUCTION
Your introduction has a dual purpose: to indicate both the topic
and your approach to it (your thesis statement), and to arouse
your reader’s interest in what you have to say. One effective way
of introducing a topic is to place it in context – to supply a kind
of backdrop that will put it in perspective. You should discuss
the area into which your topic fits, and then gradually lead into
your specific field of discussion (re: your thesis statement).
SAMPLE OUTLINE OF A POSITION PAPER
COUNTER ARGUMENT
A. Summarize the counterclaims
B.Provide supporting information for counterclaims
C. Refute the counterclaims
D. Give evidence for argument
SAMPLE OUTLINE OF A POSITION PAPER
COUNTER ARGUMENT
You can generate counterarguments by asking yourself what
someone who disagrees with you might say about each of the
points you've made or about your position as a whole. Once you
have thought up some counterarguments, consider how you
will respond to them-- will you concede that your opponent has
a point but explain why your audience should nonetheless
accept your argument?
SAMPLE OUTLINE OF A POSITION PAPER
COUNTER ARGUMENT
Will you reject the counterargument and explain why it is
mistaken? Either way, you will want to leave your reader with a
sense that your argument is stronger than opposing arguments.
SAMPLE OUTLINE OF A POSITION PAPER
COUNTER ARGUMENT
When you are summarizing opposing arguments, be charitable.
Present each argument fairly and objectively, rather than trying to
make it look foolish. You want to show that you have seriously
considered the many sides of the issue, and that you are not
simply attacking or mocking your opponents.
SAMPLE OUTLINE OF A POSITION PAPER
COUNTER ARGUMENT
It is usually better to consider one or two serious
counterarguments in some depth, rather than to give a long but
superficial list of many different counterarguments and replies.

Be sure that your reply is consistent with your original argument.

If considering a counterargument changes your position, you will
need to go back and revise your original argument accordingly.
SAMPLE OUTLINE OF A POSITION PAPER
YOUR ARGUMENT
A. Assert point #1 of your claims
1. Give your educated and informed opinion
2. Provide support/proof using more than one source (preferably
three)
B. Assert point #2 of your claims
1. Give your educated and informed opinion
2. Provide support/proof using more than one source (preferably
three)
SAMPLE OUTLINE OF A POSITION PAPER
YOUR ARGUMENT
C. Assert point #3 of your claims
1. Give your educated and informed opinion
2. Provide support/proof using more than one source (preferably
three)

You may have more than 3 overall points to your argument, but
you should not have fewer.
SAMPLE OUTLINE OF A POSITION PAPER
CONCLUSION
A. Restate your argument
B. Provide a plan of action but do not introduce new information.

The simplest and most basic conclusion is one that restates the
thesis in different words and then discusses its implications.