A position paper is a type of academic writing that expresses and supports the author’s view on a particular topic. The purpose of a position paper is to persuade the audience to accept the author’s position or to take action on the issue. A position paper should be based on credible facts, statistics, and evidence, not on personal opinions or emotions.
To write a position paper, you need to follow some general steps:
- Choose a topic. You should select a topic that is relevant, interesting, and debatable. You should also have a clear and specific position on the topic that you can defend with logical arguments and reliable sources.
- Conduct research. You should gather information from various sources, such as books, articles, reports, websites, etc., that support your position and refute the opposing views. You should evaluate the credibility, accuracy, and relevance of your sources, and cite them properly using the appropriate citation style.
- Create an outline. You should organize your ideas and information into a clear and coherent structure. You should include an introduction, a body, and a conclusion. The introduction should provide some background information on the topic, state your position, and preview your main points. The body should present your arguments and evidence in a logical order, and address the counterarguments and refutations. The conclusion should summarize your main points, restate your position, and provide some recommendations or implications for the future.
- Write the first draft. You should write the first draft of your position paper using your outline as a guide. You should use clear and concise language, avoid jargon and slang, and use transitions and connectors to link your sentences and paragraphs. You should also use rhetorical devices, such as ethos, pathos, and logos, to appeal to the audience’s emotions, values, and logic.
- Revise and edit the second draft. You should revise and edit the second draft of your position paper to improve its content, style, and mechanics. You should check for clarity, coherence, consistency, accuracy, and completeness in your writing. You should also proofread for grammar, spelling, punctuation, and formatting errors. You can use online tools such as Grammarly or Microsoft Word to help you with this process.
- Publish or share the final version of your position paper. You should publish or share the final version of your position paper according to the requirements and expectations of your audience. You can use online platforms such as Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing or [Smashwords] to self-publish your paper, or seek professional help from an editor or publisher. Alternatively, you can share your paper with others by sending it as an email attachment, posting it on social media, or presenting it at a conference or meeting.
I hope this helps you understand what a position paper is and how to write one. You can find more information and examples on how to write a position paper from these sources: [How to Write a Position Paper, With Examples | Grammarly], [How To Write a Position Paper in 7 Steps (With a Template) | Indeed.com], [How to Write a Model UN Position Paper – (Examples Inside) – WiseMee]. Good luck!