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    Essentials of A Position Paper

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    ricky nebaten
    The document provides guidelines for writing an effective position paper, including its format, structure, and objectives. A position paper should be typed and follow standard formatting guidelines. It consists of five main sections - an executive summary, background, alternatives, summary, and works cited. The executive summary briefly outlines the issue, positions, and the writer's position. The background provides context. Alternatives discuss other positions and why the writer chose theirs. The summary restates the importance and the writer's position. The objectives are to formally present one's viewpoint on an issue and establish credibility through demonstrated research and a logical argument.

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    Essentials of A Position Paper

    Uploaded by

    ricky nebaten
    53 views1 page
    The document provides guidelines for writing an effective position paper, including its format, structure, and objectives. A position paper should be typed and follow standard formatting guidelines. It consists of five main sections - an executive summary, background, alternatives, summary, and works cited. The executive summary briefly outlines the issue, positions, and the writer's position. The background provides context. Alternatives discuss other positions and why the writer chose theirs. The summary restates the importance and the writer's position. The objectives are to formally present one's viewpoint on an issue and establish credibility through demonstrated research and a logical argument.

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    Essentials of a Position Paper

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    The document provides guidelines for writing an effective position paper, including its format, structure, and objectives. A position paper should be typed and follow standard formatting guidelines. It consists of five main sections - an executive summary, background, alternatives, summary, and works cited. The executive summary briefly outlines the issue, positions, and the writer's position. The background provides context. Alternatives discuss other positions and why the writer chose theirs. The summary restates the importance and the writer's position. The objectives are to formally present one's viewpoint on an issue and establish credibility through demonstrated research and a logical argument.

    Copyright:

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    Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online from Scribd
    Download as docx, pdf, or txt
    53 views1 page

    Essentials of A Position Paper

    Uploaded by

    ricky nebaten
    The document provides guidelines for writing an effective position paper, including its format, structure, and objectives. A position paper should be typed and follow standard formatting guidelines. It consists of five main sections - an executive summary, background, alternatives, summary, and works cited. The executive summary briefly outlines the issue, positions, and the writer's position. The background provides context. Alternatives discuss other positions and why the writer chose theirs. The summary restates the importance and the writer's position. The objectives are to formally present one's viewpoint on an issue and establish credibility through demonstrated research and a logical argument.

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    Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online from Scribd
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    ESSENTIALS OF A POSITION PAPER The papers MUST be TYPED and follow the format; 12 point font, double spaced,

    1inch margins unless otherwise noted. All position papers must include a bibliography! If you have more than one topic you must write a separate Part 2, Part 3, and Part 4 for each topic! It should be written in a business memorandum format. A business memorandum makes its main points up front, in the summary, followed by details in the balance of the report. It also is written in a tone that is succinct and confident. Position memorandums, in particular, should be written with a persuasive and confident tone (although you must always back up your position(s) with research and facts). It should be typed, with one and one-half lines pacing (e.g., in between single and double spacing). The detailed business memo format is as follows, including guidelines for length:1)executive summary (one - one & one-half pages)a. brief description of the issue and its importance b. brief description of alternative positions on the issue c.brief description of writers position on the issue and reason(s)2 ) b a c k g r o u n d ( t w o t h r e e p a g e s ) a.background information/details surrounding the issue3 ) a l t e r n a t i v e s ( t w o t h r e e p a g e s ) a. detailed discussion of alternative positions b.detailed discussion of reason(s) for writers position 4 ) s u m m a r y ( o n e p a g e ) a . r e s t a t e t h e i m p o r t a n c e o f t h e i s s u e b . r e s t a t e p o s i t i o n c.mention additional research/discovery needed from others that would behelpful to furthering knowledge on the issue5 ) w o r k s c i t e d What are the objectives of writing a position paper? Formally inform others of your position or viewpoint in an issue s 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 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 Consistency is a key here The better prepared you are the more disadvantaged are your opponents and more likely they will defer to you 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?*note: your position paper could be in an outline form or a full blown paragraph form.David MarkowitzAl FilreisEnglish 285December 4, 199

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