ENGLISH FOR ACADEMIC AND

PROFESSIONAL PURPOSES

POSITION PAPER
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POSITION PAPER

ENGLISH FOR ACADEMIC AND PROFESSIONAL PURPOSES

 POSITION VS POSITION PAPER

POSITION. a person's point of view or

OPINION toward something.

POSITION PAPER. an essay that

presents an arguable opinion about
an issue – typically that of the
author.
A position paper is a type of academic writing in which
the author presents his or her position on a debatable
issue and defends or supports it with evidence.

This type of paper is used in academics, law, and

politics and is usually one to one-and –a –half pages in
length.

It contains factual arguments to support the one side

claim or position statement
 WHAT IS THE FUNCTION of a POSITION PAPER?
Position paper presents the stand
of the author or a person on an issue.
It also incorporates supportive
evidence that are based on facts.
The evidence is needed to establish
and strengthen the claims or
arguments of the writer on the issue.
 IMPORTANCE OF POSITION PAPER
TO THE STUDENTS
A position paper can serve to transfer knowledge and
understanding of a particular topic, provide information to aid
in decision-making, or present a professional perspective.
Therefore, it provides supported opinion towards a particular
issue or topic that students can analyze, adapt, study, or use as a
basis for their academic requirements.
 IMPORTANCE OF POSITION PAPER
TO THE SOCIETY
The purpose of a position paper is to generate support on an issue
that is evident and present in the society. Position paper when supported
by reliable and valid evidences can create a huge impact to the society.
It opens discussions towards a topic wherein the society can collaborate
in deciding whether something is socially acceptable. Afterwards, it
enable the society in moving forward and in progressing in the
political, social, and academic point of view.
 IMPORTANCE OF POSITION PAPER
TO THE PEOPLE
Issues concerned in position papers are topics that
are considered debatable. Position paper is a medium for
an individual to create a claim towards the issue he or she
wants to address. This open discussions and
considerations may benefit everyone depending on the
narrowed down and analyzed decision.
 Writing a Position Paper
1. Address all sides of the issue and present it in a manner that
can be easily understood by the audience.
2. Take only ONE side of the argument and convince the
audience that your opinions are valid and worthy of reading.
3. Accurately identify a factual statement (information that can
be proved true through objective evidence (physical proof or
the spoken or written testimony of witnesses over an opinion(
a belief, judgment or conclusion that can not be objectively
proved and is open to question)
 Claim- is a statement that reflects the writer’s position
about a topic. It is arguable that the reader may or may not agree
with it.

The Three Types of Claims

1. CLAIMS OF FACT- pieces of information which are grounded
on reliable authority such as science and history
Example: Capital punishment does not deter crimes
2. CLAIMS OF VALUE- pieces of information that are focused on
relative judgment such as goodness or badness, and these are
addressed based on standards.
Example: Death penalty is inhumane.
 3. Claims of Policy – specific statements on procedures or
laws that need to be modified based on certain issues or
conditions. Most of the time, claims of policy ask for plans of
action to solve current problems.
Example:
Death penalty should not be legalized in the country.

COUNTERCLAIM is the argument that negates or opposes your

thesis. Identifying counterclaims is one of the ways in presenting
both sides of the topic or issue.
Phrases in introducing counterclaims- “Some people think”,
“Some may say that”, “Others may believe”
 Some may believe that team sports could claim
intimidate children. Some children may be
physically smaller than others. Others may not be Supporting
as athletic as other team members. When they
arguments
cannot run as fast as other team members, or are
not as agile, they fear ridicule. However, learning to
work as part of a team is essential to success in Counterclaim
many other areas. Children must learn to cooperate
both at home and school. In school, children are
expected to work together without conflict. At
home, children are expected to be part of the family Rebuttal
team and help with chores that need to be done.
 Choose one from the given topics below. Write a short article about
your stand on your chosen topic.
Make sure to have the following
1. Specific topic
2. Argumentative Thesis
3. Claim (sound arguments)
4. Three supporting arguments
5. Evidence
6. Counterclaim
7. Rebuttal
Topics:
Smartphones as Major Tool in Learning
Lowering the age of Criminal Liability
Death Penalty: Agree or Disagree?
Let’s differentiate one
from theisother!
1. Topic broad and can be explored from
different perspectives.
2. The issue compels readers to take a
stand.
3. An issue is developed into an
argumentative thesis that states the
stand of the author on the issue.
4. Claims are statements that support the
author’s stand.
Let’s differentiate one
from
5. the other!
Evidence (pieces of ) are proofs to
strengthen the author’s claims.
• Evidence from surveys, library research,
and experiments.

• Evidence from informant interviews (those

who have direct experience related to the
problem/issue).

• Evidence from expert interviews.

Let’s have another
example!
Issue: implementing K to 10 +2 education system in
the Philippines
Stand: against
Claims: lack of facilities, inadequacy of teacher
training, increased expenses of parents
Thesis Statement: __________________________
 Possible Answer:
The immediate Implementation of K to 12
education system in the Philippines at this point in
time should be stopped because this country is not
ready for the big challenge. It will still pose bigger
problems on facilities, insufficient teacher trainings
and not to mention, the increase of expense these
additional two years will bring to the parents.
 Parts of a
Position Paper
• Introduction
• Summary of Counterclaims
• Arguments (Claims)
• Conclusion
 PARTS OF A POSITION PAPER

• background information concerning the

issue (the who, what, where, when, and
why)
• a yes or no question
• argumentative thesis.

Introduction
 PARTS OF A POSITION PAPER

The yes or no question is the issue

posed as an interrogative statement.

Is the establishment of condominiums along

Taft Avenue considered detrimental or
beneficial?

This allows readers to see both sides of the

issue. It also allows you to weigh the
evidence to support your claims for your
essay.
 PARTS OF A POSITION PAPER

The argumentative thesis is the

sentence that takes a stand on the
issue and includes the claims to
support your stand.

The establishment of condominium units

along busy areas of the city, like Taft
Avenue, is beneficial to many in terms of
convenience and comfort.
 PARTS OF A POSITION PAPER

Summary of Counter Claims

The summary of counterclaims will
constitute the second paragraph of your
position paper and is devoted to an
enumeration of arguments opposing a stand.

The summary of counterclaims is a unique

feature of argumentation as it highlights the
author’s opposite claims.

This will allow you to refute these claims in the

body of your argument. In writing this, you
need to be brief.
Implementing a no private transport policy for two
days a week along major highways in Metro Manila
Stand: In favor

Claims Counterclaims/Claims of the

Opponent
Reduction of traffic
volume
Reduction of pollution
Increased use of public
transport services
 PARTS OF A POSITION PAPER
Arguments (Claims) and evidence
• For succeeding sections of the
body of your paper, elaborate
on the claims in your thesis.

• These sections should include

evidence that will convince
readers on the strength of your
stand.
 PARTS OF A POSITION PAPER

Conclusion
• The conclusion contains a
restatement of your thesis and
summarizes your main claims.

• Similar to the introduction, the

conclusion holds a powerful position
as it contains the thesis statement
and gives readers a strong sense of
the author’s position.
 While there are some disadvantages, the benefits
of condominium living outweigh the alternatives. Modern
society involves city living, for which condominiums
provide an opportunity. Not only does condominium living
provide the convenience and comfort that most people
want in their lifestyle, but it seems perfect for those who
prefer things cheaper and hassle-free.
Think of issues that can be the subject of a position
paper.

TOPIC ISSUES
RECYCLABLE BAGS
TABLETS AND SMARTPHONES
HEALTHCARE IN THE
PHILIPPINES
SOCIAL MEDIA INFLUENCERS
LOCAL TOURISM
 Identify each statement as True or False .
1. A position paper uses a formal language.
2. When writing a position paper, the writer’s stand
must be implicitly identified in the whole text.
3. A writer does not need to present factual
evidence when his stand is clearly stated.
4. One must define and explain the issue presented
in a position paper.
5. Use credible sources when supporting arguments
 6. Inductive reasoning starts with providing general
information before giving specific examples and conclusion.
7. Deductive reasoning starts with providing specific
examples and conclusion before giving general information.
8. The best topics for position paper are those that are
considered as factual and proven.
9. A writer is not only limited to using only one of the two
types of reasoning .He or she may choose to use both to
convey ideas better.
10. Concrete evidence constitutes accuracy to one’s
arguments.
 11. An effective position paper defends two sides of
the issue.
12. Claims are arguable statements that state the writer’s
position on a topic.
13. Opinions are information that can be proved true
through objective evidence like physical proof.
14. Assertions are declarative sentences that claim
something is not true about things.
15. A counterclaim is the argument that affirms your thesis.
QUIZ
POSITION PAPER
ENGLISH FOR ACADEMIC AND PROFESSIONAL PURPOSES
1.
References:
Valdez, P. N. M. (2016). English for the globalized
classroom series: English for Academic
and Professional Purposes. Quezon City: The
Phoenix Publishing House.

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