This document provides guidelines for writing an effective position paper. A position paper organizes one's viewpoint on an issue and informs others of that position to help resolve problems. It should present a unique solution or approach to a problem, frame the discussion to one's advantage, and establish credibility through research. The paper should guide negotiation consistency and disadvantage opponents. It must follow formatting guidelines and limit length to two pages. Research should include evidence for multiple perspectives and anticipate counterarguments. The introduction should attract attention and state the position, while the development focuses on three main points with evidence and the conclusion restates the argument.
This document provides guidelines for writing an effective position paper. A position paper organizes one's viewpoint on an issue and informs others of that position to help resolve problems. It should present a unique solution or approach to a problem, frame the discussion to one's advantage, and establish credibility through research. The paper should guide negotiation consistency and disadvantage opponents. It must follow formatting guidelines and limit length to two pages. Research should include evidence for multiple perspectives and anticipate counterarguments. The introduction should attract attention and state the position, while the development focuses on three main points with evidence and the conclusion restates the argument.
This document provides guidelines for writing an effective position paper. A position paper organizes one's viewpoint on an issue and informs others of that position to help resolve problems. It should present a unique solution or approach to a problem, frame the discussion to one's advantage, and establish credibility through research. The paper should guide negotiation consistency and disadvantage opponents. It must follow formatting guidelines and limit length to two pages. Research should include evidence for multiple perspectives and anticipate counterarguments. The introduction should attract attention and state the position, while the development focuses on three main points with evidence and the conclusion restates the argument.
Write a position paper to Organize and outline your viewpoint on an issue Formally inform others of your position as a foundation to build resolution to difficult problems Present a unique, though biased, solution or a unique approach to solving a problem Frame the discussion in order to define the "playing field." This can put you in an advantageous position with those who may not be so well prepared as regards the issues behind their positions Establish your credibility Here you are demonstrating that you have a command of the issues and the research behind them, and can present them clearly Let your passion be demonstrated in the force of your argument rather than in the use of emotional terms Guide you in being consistent in maintaining your position in negotiation The better prepared you are the more disadvantaged are your opponents and more likely they will defer to you Guidelines: Format should be consistent with guidelines determined by the sponsoring organization or committee Include topic, date, purpose, etc., and should readily identify you as the author If the paper represents a group, organization, committee, do not write in the first person (not I, my, mine, etc. but rather we, our, etc.) Limit yourself to two pages following the format established by previous successful position papers Research: Develop supporting evidence for both sides including factual knowledge, statistical evidence, authoritative testimony Identify the issues and prejudices keeping in mind your audience List these as appropriate and anticipate counterclaims Assume familiarity with basic concepts but define unfamiliar terms/concepts or state meanings that define your point of departure Refer to those who agree with your position to assist you in developing your argument Familiarize yourself with those who disagree with you to prepare your defense. Summarize their argument and evidence, then refute Introduction: Consider your audience: start with a topic sentence or two that attracts attention and summarizes the issue Inform the reader of your point of view Development: Focus on three main points to develop Each topic is developed with a general statement of the position an elaboration that references documents and source data past experiences and authoritative testimony conclusion restating the position Establish flow from paragraph to paragraph Keep your voice active Quote sources to establish authority Stay focused on your point of view throughout the essay Focus on logical arguments Don't lapse into summary in the development--wait for the conclusion Conclusion Summarize, then conclude, your argument Refer to the first paragraph/opening statements as well as the main points does the conclusion restate the main ideas? reflect the succession and importance of the arguments logically conclude their development?