1. Introduce your topic with some basic information. Build your thesis sentence that strengthens your position. Points of example: The author should then clearly list the common arguments and possible objections to this position. To continue with our example, browse some reputable websites, such as educational websites (.edu) and government websites (.gov), to find professional studies and statistics. If you can`t think of anything after an hour of searching, or if you find that your position doesn`t stand up to results on reputable sites, choose another topic. This could save you a lot of frustration later. Your position paper focuses on a topic supported by research. Your topic and position should hold up when challenged, so it`s helpful to research a few topics and choose the one you can argue best, even if it doesn`t reflect your personal beliefs.
In many cases, the topic and your topic are not as important as your ability to make a strong case. Your topic can be simple or complex, but your reasoning should be sound and logical. In government, a position paper is somewhere between a White Paper and a Green Paper because they affirm certain opinions and propose solutions, but may not go so far as to describe concrete implementation plans. When writing a position paper, write with confidence and express your opinion with authority. After all, your goal is to show that your position is the right one. A position paper (sometimes a position paper for short elements) is an essay that represents an arguable opinion on a topic – usually that of the author or a particular entity. Position papers are published in academia, policy, law and other fields. The purpose of a position paper is to convince the audience that the opinion presented is valid and worth hearing. The position ideas to be considered should be carefully considered when choosing a topic, developing an argument, and organizing the document. Now that we know what a position paper is, let`s go over some tips for writing a great position paper. A position paper can be a great way to broaden your horizons and write a new type of research paper.
While position papers are in contrast to regular research papers, they nonetheless provide valuable insights for the scientific community. Use these ten tips to write an effective position paper! As with all types of research, you should start with a preliminary search. A good topic for a position paper answers yes to the following questions: 2. Raise any objections to your position. Examples of points: 5. Summarize your argument and formulate your position. Finish your article and focus on your argument and avoid counter-arguments. You want your audience to follow your perspective on the topic that resonates with them. Finally, summarize your key points and reiterate your position in your conclusion. All arguments in the work must be supported by facts, data and evidence, with your sources properly cited. In this way, a position paper is no different from a regular research paper.
If you wish, you can include a brief literature review in your discussion of the context of the topic. While such a literature review is not essential, it can make your article stronger. A solid position paper recognizes the validity of counter-arguments and then sets out the reasons why the author`s position is always correct. In our sample article, the author can address counter-arguments in the following section as follows: Position papers in science allow for discussion of emerging issues without the original experiments and research usually present in a scientific paper. As a general rule, such a document will support the opinions or positions advanced by evidence from a detailed objective discussion of the issue. Have you written a position paper? What are your tips for writing a solid argument? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below. Once you`ve found a topic that meets these criteria, you`ll need to do some research to create a solid case for your argument. This means finding supporting evidence (for both parties!), just as you would for ordinary research. By adding evidence to support the other party, you can more clearly refute conflicting arguments. In other words, you can point out weaknesses in the evidence cited by the other party or highlight strengths in the evidence that support your point of view in comparison. Another useful exercise is to draw a line in the middle of a simple piece of paper and list your points on one side and list the opposite points on the other. Which argument is really the best? If it seems that your opposition might outperform you with valid points, you should reconsider your problem or position on the issue.
You need to know the opposing point of view as well as your own position when you take a stand. Take the time to identify potential challenges you could face if you support your point of view. Your position paper should address the opposing point of view and cut it with counter-evidence. Consider asking friends, colleagues, or family to discuss the topic with you to get alternative perspectives that you might not have easily considered yourself. If you find arguments for the other side of your position, you can approach them fairly and then explain why they don`t hold water. Choosing a good topic for your position paper is just as important as a well-structured paper that makes a strong argument. A well-written article on an uninteresting or non-controversial topic is simply a waste of time and effort. So how can you best choose a topic for your argument? The structure of a position paper is flexible, but usually needs to follow a simple process that clearly conveys the problem and the position of the author(s). A position paper should begin by clearly describing the problem and its relevance to the scientific community or even society as a whole. He should then appeal to the main position of the author. Example: Position papers are particularly useful in contexts where a detailed understanding of another company`s views is important.
As such, they are often used by political campaigns,[3] government organizations[4] in the diplomatic world[5] and in value-shifting efforts (e.g., through public announcements) and organizational branding. [6] They are also an important part of the UN Model Process[7] and are used in the European Union. 4. Explain that despite the strength of the counter-arguments, your position is always the best. Here you can work to discredit some of the counter-arguments and support your own. Examples of points: Try to gather a variety of sources and get both expert opinion (e.g. doctor, lawyer or professor) as well as personal experiences (from a friend or family member) that can add emotional appeal to your topic. These statements should support your own position, but read differently from your own words. The purpose of this is to add depth to your argument or provide anecdotal support. A position paper can be organized in the following format: Once you have determined that your position is defensible and that the opposite position is (in your opinion) weaker than yours, you are ready to embark on your research. Go to a library and do some research, or ask the reference librarian to help you find other sources. You can, of course, also do some research online, but it`s important to know how to properly check the validity of the sources you`re using.
Make sure your articles are written from reliable sources and be wary of individual sources that deviate from the norm, as they are often subjective and not factual. In international law, the term for a position paper is aide-memoire.