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Position Paper – Example, Format and Writing Guide

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Position Paper

Definition:

Position paper is a written document that presents an argument or stance on a particular issue or topic. It outlines the author’s position on the issue and provides support for that position with evidence and reasoning. Position papers are commonly used in academic settings, such as in Model United Nations conferences or debates, but they can also be used in professional or political contexts.

Position papers typically begin with an introduction that presents the issue and the author’s position on it. The body of the paper then provides evidence and reasoning to support that position, often citing relevant sources and research. The conclusion of the paper summarizes the author’s argument and emphasizes its importance.

Types of Position Paper

There are several types of position papers, including:

Advocacy Position Paper : This type of position paper presents an argument in support of a particular issue, policy, or proposal. It seeks to persuade the reader to take a particular action or adopt a particular perspective.
Counter-Argument Position Paper: This type of position paper presents an argument against a particular issue, policy, or proposal. It seeks to convince the reader to reject a particular perspective or course of action.
Problem-Solution Position Paper : This type of position paper identifies a problem and presents a solution to it. It seeks to convince the reader that the proposed solution is the best course of action to address the identified problem.
Comparative Position Paper : This type of position paper compares and contrasts two or more options, policies, or proposals. It seeks to convince the reader that one option is better than the others.
Historical Position Paper : This type of position paper examines a historical event, policy, or perspective and presents an argument based on the analysis of the historical context.
Interpretive Position Paper : This type of position paper provides an interpretation or analysis of a particular issue, policy, or proposal. It seeks to persuade the reader to adopt a particular perspective or understanding of the topic.
Policy Position Paper: This type of position paper outlines a specific policy proposal and presents an argument in support of it. It may also address potential objections to the proposal and offer solutions to address those objections.
Value Position Paper: This type of position paper argues for or against a particular value or set of values. It seeks to convince the reader that a particular value or set of values is more important or better than others.
Predictive Position Paper : This type of position paper makes predictions about future events or trends and presents an argument for why those predictions are likely to come true. It may also offer suggestions for how to prepare for or respond to those events or trends.
Personal Position Paper : This type of position paper presents an individual’s personal perspective or opinion on a particular issue. It may draw on personal experiences or beliefs to support the argument.

Position Paper Format

Here is a format you can follow when writing a position paper:

Introduction: The introduction should provide a brief overview of the topic or issue being discussed. It should also provide some background information on the issue and state the purpose of the position paper.
Definition of the problem : This section should describe the problem or issue that the position paper addresses. It should explain the causes and effects of the problem and provide evidence to support the claims made.
Historical perspective : This section should provide a historical perspective on the issue or problem, outlining how it has evolved over time and what previous attempts have been made to address it.
The organization’s stance : This section should present the organization’s stance on the issue or problem. It should provide evidence to support the organization’s position and explain the rationale behind it. This section should also address any counterarguments or alternative perspectives.
Proposed solutions: This section should provide proposed solutions or recommendations to address the problem or issue. It should explain how the proposed solutions align with the organization’s stance and provide evidence to support their effectiveness.
Conclusion: The conclusion should summarize the organization’s position on the issue or problem and restate the proposed solutions or recommendations. It should also encourage further discussion and action on the issue.
References: Include a list of references used to support the claims made in the position paper.

How to Write Position Paper

Here are the steps to write a position paper:

Choose your topic: Select a topic that you are passionate about or have knowledge of. It could be related to social, economic, environmental, political, or any other issues.
Research: Conduct thorough research on the topic to gather relevant information and supporting evidence. This could include reading scholarly articles, reports, books, and news articles.
Define your position: Once you have gathered sufficient information, identify the main arguments and formulate your position. Consider both the pros and cons of the issue.
Write an introduction : Start your position paper with a brief introduction that provides some background information on the topic and highlights the key points that you will discuss in the paper.
Present your arguments: In the body of your paper, present your arguments in a logical and coherent manner. Each argument should be supported by evidence from your research.
Address opposing views : Acknowledge and address the opposing views on the issue. Provide counterarguments that refute these views and explain why your position is more valid.
Conclusion : In the conclusion, summarize your main points and reiterate your position on the topic. You can also suggest some solutions or actions that can be taken to address the issue.
Edit and proofread : Finally, edit and proofread your position paper to ensure that it is well-written, clear, and free of errors.

Position Paper Example

Position Paper Example structure is as follows:

Introduction:
A brief overview of the issue
A clear statement of the position the paper is taking
Background:
A detailed explanation of the issue
A discussion of the history of the issue
An analysis of any previous actions taken on the issue
A detailed explanation of the position taken by the paper
A discussion of the reasons for the position taken
Evidence supporting the position, such as statistics, research, and expert opinions
Counterarguments:
A discussion of opposing views and arguments
A rebuttal of those opposing views and arguments
A discussion of why the position taken is more valid than the opposing views
Conclusion:
A summary of the main points of the paper
A call to action or recommendation for action
A final statement reinforcing the position taken by the paper
References:
A list of sources used in the paper, cited in an appropriate citation style

Purpose of Position Paper

Here are some of the most common purposes of position papers:

Advocacy: Position papers are often used to promote a particular point of view or to advocate for a specific policy or action.
Debate : In a debate, participants are often required to write position papers outlining their argument. These papers help the debaters clarify their position and provide evidence to support their claims.
Negotiation : Position papers can be used as part of negotiations to establish each party’s position on a particular issue.
Education : Position papers can be used to educate the public, policymakers, and other stakeholders about complex issues by presenting a clear and concise argument supported by evidence.
Decision-making : Position papers can be used by decision-makers to make informed decisions about policies, programs, or initiatives based on a well-reasoned argument.
Research : Position papers can be used as a starting point for further research on a particular topic or issue.

When to Write Position Paper

Here are some common situations when you might need to write a position paper:

Advocacy or lobbying : If you are part of an organization that is advocating for a specific policy change or trying to influence decision-makers, a position paper can help you articulate your organization’s position and provide evidence to support your arguments.
Conferences or debates: In academic or professional settings, you may be asked to write a position paper to present your perspective on a particular topic or issue. This can be a useful exercise to help you clarify your thoughts and prepare for a debate or discussion.
Public relations: A position paper can also be used as a tool for public relations, to showcase your organization’s expertise and thought leadership on a particular issue.
Internal communications: Within an organization, a position paper can be used to communicate a particular stance or policy to employees or stakeholders.

Advantages of Position Paper

There are several advantages to writing a position paper, including:

Organizing thoughts : Writing a position paper requires careful consideration of the issue at hand, and the process of organizing thoughts and arguments can help you clarify your own position.
Demonstrating expertise: Position papers are often used in academic and professional settings to demonstrate expertise on a particular topic. Writing a well-researched and well-written position paper can help establish your credibility and expertise in a given field.
Advocacy: Position papers are often used as a tool for advocacy, whether it’s advocating for a particular policy or for a specific point of view. Position papers can help persuade others to adopt your position on an issue.
Facilitating discussion : Position papers can be used to facilitate discussion and debate on a particular issue. By presenting different perspectives on an issue, position papers can help foster dialogue and lead to a better understanding of the topic at hand.
Providing a framework for action: Position papers can also be used to provide a framework for action. By outlining specific steps that should be taken to address an issue, a position paper can help guide decision-making and policy development.

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How to write a Perfect Position Paper (A Student's Guide)

Writing a position paper is akin to writing an objective research paper that considers either side of an argument based on facts.

A position paper focuses on controversial issues by exploring an aspect of an argument, presenting valuable insights into interpreting the problems, and coming up with recommendations to solve them.

To write a strong position paper that scores excellent grades, you must choose a good topic, align with a position, develop arguments, draft the paper, and polish it well before submitting it for grading.

In this guide, our expert paper writers at GradeCrest share tips, insights, and details about how to write an excellent position paper.

What is a Position Paper?

Like an opinion essay , a position paper is an essay that presents an arguable opinion about a topic or an issue. The main goal of a position paper is to convince the readers (audience) that the author's argument is valid and worth consideration. The author picks a view on a specific topic and uses evidence and facts to support their stance, just like in a persuasive essay.

Like an objective research paper, an academic position paper draws from evidence, data, statistics, and facts, enabling the authors to take an evidence-based position by presenting an arguable opinion about the issue or problem in question. It is similar to an argument paper or a debate supporting one side of an issue.

When writing a position paper, you are expected to convince the audience that your opinion is valid and worth listening to, even if there are other potentially viable positions. It is an impartial paper that addresses both sides of an issue and persuades the audience that you have well-founded knowledge on the topic.

Although position papers might be assigned in high school and college, professionals in many industries also write them as part of their daily duties.

In college, the intention is to achieve what is set in the assignment prompt/instructions. However, for professional purposes, the point of focus is on matters relating to the industry and sometimes an entire country.

You are likely to write a position paper if you practice in healthcare, nursing, scientific research, public policy, education, economics, political sciences, international relations, and law, among others. In that case, the format differs because you have to include an abstract, background, position, conclusion and recommendations, appendices, and bibliography sections.

Purpose of a Position Paper

The overarching goal of a position paper is to generate support for an issue. It vividly describes the author's position on a problem and the rationale for the position based on facts that offer a solid foundation for the arguments and counterarguments. It entails inductive reasoning and the use of facts to critically examine a position to expose the strengths and weaknesses of the opinion of the author.

Position papers are usually short documents stating an organization's policy, position, or philosophy regarding a subject. It can also be an issue brief where you pose a problem or question and answer it by giving information or coming up with a proposed solution.

It is a paper created to transfer knowledge and enable the readers to understand a specific topic or issue. Position papers also provide critical information that can help in decision-making. They are also an excellent tool for professionals to present their perspectives on pertinent issues in the industry.

A position paper explains the conclusions or findings resulting from research collaborations, design and development efforts, or insights by an organized committee.

A policy position paper helps implement a procedure or policy in government and can also help build consensus and come up with solutions. Companies and corporations use position papers to share their ideologies, beliefs, stance, and recommendations.

Structure of a Great Position Paper

A comprehensive position paper has an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Since it is a one-page document, these three sections must be brief, clear, concise, and succinct. There is no room for wasting words when you only have a limited word count.

Although the structure of a position paper might be flexible, it should convey the problem and the author's position. The author's background, relevance, and position must be clear.

When writing the position paper, ensure that you address the critical components of the issue. Besides, you should present it in a palatable manner to the audience.

Introduction

The introduction paragraph of a position paper is a critical part of the assignment. It identifies the issue you are about to discuss in the paper and clearly states your position on the issue through your thesis statement.

It is vital to grab the readers' attention using a relevant hook statement. You can use a fact or statistic to draw the readers' attention. For example, if you are writing a position paper on microplastics, you can present facts about the number of organisms affected by microplastics in oceans.

Besides, the introduction should give a proper background of your topic, showing your readers why they need to focus on it. Wrap up the opening by including a thesis statement and, if possible, signpost the ideas the reader should expect in the rest of your paper.

The body section of your paper contains the central arguments and counterarguments, claims and counterclaims, examples, and supporting facts to support your position while looking at other potential positions. This means you must present a discussion of both sides of the issue that addresses your position and refute those that contradict your position.

It should have at least three paragraphs that are well-balanced, organized, and flow into one another. Every section should contain a topic sentence, supporting details, and a concluding sentence. Ensure that the topic sentence, like a mini-thesis, only focuses on one issue or idea that relates to the thesis statement. Use good, valid, relevant quotes, evidence, facts, and real-life examples to support your arguments or views.

When introducing opposing ideas to show your maturity in reasoning, ensure that you optimize the arguments and refute them to make room for acceptance of your position by the readers.

To craft an amazing body for a position paper, look at the model position papers published by different institutions of higher learning for inspiration. These examples can help you format and frame your arguments, organize your essay, and present your points logically.

At least have 2-3 main arguments that assert your position and relate to your thesis with relevant supporting details. At the same time, give room for counterarguments and have information that refutes the counterargument.

Ensure that each paragraph is indented well and that there is a clear transition from one to the other. Besides, your choice of words should be meticulous. Use powerful academic words and phrases to show that you understand your craft.

The conclusion paragraph of your position paper should offer closure for your readers. Having presented facts, it is now time to summarize the main points. You should restate your thesis by rephrasing it in different words but with the same meaning. Wind the paper by suggesting solutions or making recommendations.

How to write perfect Paragraphs
How to nail counterarguments
How to make a paper longer

Outline Template for a Position Paper

Introduce the topic
Provide the background of the topic
Assert the thesis (this should be your view, position, or perspective of the issue)
Summarize the counterclaims
Provide supporting details for the counterclaims
Refute the counterclaims
Give evidence for the argument
Give your opinion
Provide supporting points
Restate the thesis
Provide a plan of action

Steps for Writing an Excellent Position Paper

A position paper is like an argument paper or a debate where you pick a side on an issue and gather facts, evidence, and information to present a convincing argument that your position is the correct stance.

1. Read the instructions

Reading the assignment instructions before beginning to plan and write your academic position paper is a no-brainer.

The instructions have guidelines that you must follow to the T. besides, you will also know the format to use, citation style to incorporate, and the number of words or pages to include in the paper. Some professors also give a list of topics or hints of what topics to select for the specific assignment.

Apart from the prompt, you might also get the assessment criteria as a rubric. Go through it to determine what your instructor wants to see.

Comprehending the instructions will help you write a position paper that is compelling, clear, concise, and complete. It is good to read them as you take notes to piece everything together and earn full marks or score the best grade.

2. Select a Topic

After reading the instructions, the next step is to select a suitable position paper topic. You can select from the list your professor has suggested or choose one that meets the criteria outlined in the paper prompt. Selecting a good topic for the position paper is as essential as having a good structure with solid arguments and well-presented counterarguments.

If you are selecting a topic on your own, ensure that it has a multisided issue. Ensure that the topic is controversial and has at least two clear sides, with one side being the most agreeable to most people. To meet these criteria, you will need to do some rough search (preliminary research) to find a suitable position paper topic that:

Is controversial;
It has two precise positions and is thus debatable;
It has enough information, evidence, and facts to enable you to argue for one of the positions and,
It has a manageable scope (not too narrow, not too broad).

Such a topic will help you build a solid case for your argument and convince your readers that your position is defendable and valid. Remember, as you would in an argumentative essay , you will include supporting evidence for both sides, then refute the conflicting arguments.

For instance, you don't have to write about children requiring close parental guidance, as nobody would disagree.

A good topic could be Children aged nine years (preteens) and teenagers who need to get mandatory HPV vaccines to prevent them from HPV infections that could expose them to cancers in later years of life.

You can also take a stance on the actions that should be taken against parents who abandon their children. It could also be a position paper on climate change, focusing on global warming, overpopulation, industrialization, or wildfires.

As you select the topic, consider a manageable topic in terms of finding related scholarly resources because you will need facts and evidence anyway. Don't focus on topics related to your values. Instead, to succeed in a position paper assignment, get a topic you can explore for an excellent grade.

With the topic secured, some professors will request that you send it for approval. If that is the case, ensure they have given you the go-ahead to use the topic for your position paper.

3. Brainstorm

Brainstorming occurs almost constantly, but it does so more when you read new information. You can draw mind maps, concept maps, or flow charts to represent the ideas that come to mind as you try to comprehend the direction of the topic. You can also take short notes to record any ideas that you generate.

As you brainstorm, you can also use the freewriting technique to have as many ideas as possible. At this point, no thought can be underestimated.

Even the idea that seems farfetched can be developed into solid arguments, provided you can find substantial evidence and facts to support it. If frameworks, concepts, vocabulary, or keywords are challenging, try to simplify and comprehend them better.

By thinking outside the box, you are determined and prepared to write a position paper that will wow your professor. Please do not skip this step; it is integral to your writing process.

4. Research Widely

From the brainstorming, you can already connect the dots about the topic. The next step is to optimize your understanding through in-depth research.

For your research, check on the primary and secondary sources to understand the facts, evidence, and stance on the topic. Consider the background information, reasons behind every argument or side, and recent developments on the topic.

You can then narrow down the process to pros and cons list of the two major positions to choose good arguments when writing the paper. As you read, think about your perspectives on the issue. Sometimes, you might have strong views about a topic, which can help you choose a position. You can list your opinions and see if they are valid reasons to include in the position paper.

When considering your views, also try to evaluate the potential views of the audience on the topic. The audience matters the most because their perception of the topic determines how they will receive your paper. If it is a class assignment, consider the views of your instructor.

And if it is a policy paper, localize the issue and consider a wider worldview if you are writing for an international audience. If you cannot tweak your stance to suit the audience, address the reasons behind your position or counterargument to cater to their curiosity and concerns.

It would be best if you focused more on research that supports your lens, position, or perspective. Take notes and organize the sources because you will use them as evidence and supporting facts when drafting your position paper. Identify and manage the evidence you will use to support your arguments. If you prefer writing, you can use index cards to record your citations or ty

5. Come up with a Thesis

With the research done and the sources organized, you would want to build your argument, which is your voice in the position paper. Come up with a claim, which is your position on the topic you will defend in the paper. Base the claim on facts and evidence. Identify 2-3 of your strongest supporting reasons for your claim for a shorter paper and even more for a longer paper. The supporting reasons should be from the evidence you gathered.

It would be prudent to identify the counterargument you can easily dismiss. A counterargument should strengthen your claim, showing the reader that you have considered the other side before taking a stance. An example of a counterargument is "dams should not be built because they chock the life of rivers leading to damage to the environment, habitats, and local economies." You should, at the same time, find credible, reliable, and valid evidence that supports the counterargument.

It would be wise to let your argument and counterarguments feature in your thesis. For example, suppose you are talking about the dangers of dams. In that case, your thesis could read: " Even though dams help control waterways, irrigate the land, and conserve water for domestic, industrial, and agricultural use, they risk sedimentation and thus a potential source of disaster and a destruction of water ecology ."

6. Write an Outline

With the thesis formulated, your main arguments, and the counterargument set, you need to plan your position paper. Creating a position paper outline helps to envision what to expect in the end. The outline should include the main arguments in each body paragraph and what to include in the introduction and conclusion.

Proper planning and outlining help you estimate the number of words for each section. Therefore, you can make decisions on how to approach your paper. Besides, it also helps you fight writer's block because all there is left after it is to write the paper.

7. Write the First Draft

If you have the outline, you can begin writing in whatever format pleases you. Some people prefer writing logically from the introduction to the conclusion, and others prefer to do it randomly, starting with the body paragraphs, then the introduction, and finalizing with the conclusion. Whichever way works for you, choose it.

The introduction of a position paper begins with a hook or attention grabber, which can be a statistic, fact, or statement that makes a person see the value of your paper. You should include a few sentences introducing the topic and narrow it down to your stance. The last part of the introduction should be your thesis, which should consist of a claim and be original, arguable, clear, and concise.

As for the body, including at least two paragraphs for a short position paper: one for the counterargument and another for the main arguments that support your stance. If you are writing a standard position paper, you will need 3 or 4 body paragraphs, with at least one being for the counterargument.

When writing the body paragraphs, the topic sentences should be your mini-theses. They should back the thesis and control or predict what the reader expects in the paragraph. They should be followed by supporting evidence such as facts, quotes, statistics, or documented stories.

You should also include a commentary to expound on the evidence to show how it supports or refutes your position and link the evidence to the thesis. As part of the paragraphs, include a closing sentence that reasserts your position in the paragraph and transitions to the next paragraph.

Finally, write the conclusion of your paper. Restate the thesis or claim (position) to make it stronger and explain why it is the correct stance. You should then summarize your argument and briefly dismiss the counterargument. As it is a position paper, you can end with a call to action. Writing entails filling out the outline. And when writing, focus on writing first.

9. Write the Final Draft

Because you focused too much on writing, chances are that you made errors, mistakes, and omissions. You must write the final draft that meets the rubric requirements and answers the assignment prompt.

Begin by checking the in-text citations and the general format of your paper. If you were writing the paper in APA , MLA, Harvard, Chicago, or Turabian, ensure that the spacing, indentation , margins, fonts, and other aspects align with the style requirements. Ensure that you set the paper in double-spacing . To the least, the best position paper should match the writing levels of a master's level essay , which means everything should be perfect.

You should polish your paper well, including checking for the similarity score . It is higher; try to reduce it through simple strategies like paraphrasing , rewriting, or rephrasing to lessen the similarity levels or plagiarism in a paper .

You can use spell-check tools in your word processor to check if everything is fine. After checking for spelling and plagiarism, run the paper through an editing tool to correct the mistakes, errors, and omissions. Check whether the punctuations, choice, and use of words, language, voice, and tenses are correct. Remember, there is no use of first-person pronouns such as I in a position paper. It should be as objective as it can be.

You can then take a break and resume reading the essay objectively to spot and correct mistakes before submitting. Revise the paper sufficiently to ensure that anything unclear is clarified and that you do not exceed the word count limit. Proofread the paper and make final edits so that the paper is 100% perfect. Insert the works cited, reference, or bibliography section and recheck the format. Submit the paper via the preferred channels such as Turnitin, Canvas, Blackboard, SafeAssign, or Dropbox.

Watch this video to get further the points we have widely discussed.

Position Paper Topics and Ideas

If you are looking for a place to get some ideas to build your position paper, below are some suggestions you can select and write about.

Should scientists be allowed to experiment on human embryos?
Should feral cats be killed?
Dams are problem creators, not problem solvers
Is illegal migration justified?
Is war justified?
Should certain products have warning labels?
Are fast food restaurants bad for health?
Are TV commercials targeting children justified?
Should people pay to watch TV?
Should the internet be free?
Should boundaries be abolished?
Should currencies be abolished?
Should the world have the exact pricing and one currency?
Are the rich controlling the poor?
Is religion to blame for poverty in Africa?
Religion or cultism?
Should presidents be held liable for losses during wars?
Should schools teach multiculturalism?
Should the west pay reparations for slavery?
Human activities cause climate change
Health effects of climate change
Ignoring climate change will eventually affect economic growth
Climate change increases infectious diseases
Wildfires are a threat to biodiversity
Impacts of drought on wild animals
Poaching as an organized crime
Human trafficking and drug trafficking are related
Importance of clean water
How pollution impacts physical and environmental health
Role of humans in stopping global pollution
Are citizens responsible for their safety?
Is community policing dead?
Effectiveness of using computers in classroom settings
Should students wear school uniforms?
Are charter schools better than public schools?
Can the digital divide for black students in the USA be bridged?
Are college admission committees fair or racially biased?
Low admission rates into nursing for minority students
The disparity in resources in schools located in low-income settings
Is pollution overrated?
Should same-sex marriage be abolished?
Are GMOs better than organics?
Should women and men earn the same salary?
The link between disarmament and international security
The connection between global peace and development
Can African leaders end corruption on their own?
Is the death penalty justified?
Are video games to blame for violent behavior?
Does universal healthcare provide security in times of uncertainty?
Should sex education be taught in schools?
Teachers should get better pay and perks
Nurses should be paid well
Do school vouchers make public schools worse or good?
Are school meals to blame for rising cases of childhood obesity?
Should animal testing be banned?
Parents are failing teens, not social media exposure
Cell phones should not be allowed in schools
Corporal punishment is good for society
Is cloning humans ethical?
Are test tube babies legal or ethical?
Should COVID-19 vaccines be mandatory?
Is cheerleading a sport?
Should extreme sports be banned?
Should the use of makeup be banned?
Are social media influencers better?
Should test scores matter for college athletes?
Should college athletes be paid?
Should we ban the electoral college?
Cyberbullying vs. Face-to-Face bullying, which is worse?
Are Arts subjects as important as science subjects?
Is the legalization of marijuana good for the economy?
Should governments spend more on renewable energy?
Are electric cars saving or destroying the environment?
The Patriotic Act should be repealed
College tuition should be capped
The war on drugs should shift to addiction
Ex-convicts should be allowed to vote
Prisoners should be allowed to continue their education while serving
Social welfare programs should be a priority
Gun ownership should be restricted
Public education should be free for all
Overseas military bases are a waste of resources
Spending too much on the military is a waste of resources
Carbon tax does not reduce greenhouse gas emissions
Developed nations should support developing nations
Developed nations should pay more for pollution
Abortion should be illegal after the first trimester
Police brutality targets minorities in the USA
All lives matter
Technology has transformed society
Beauty contests and self-esteem issues
Eating disorders among teenagers
Reality shows should be regulated
Video gaming helps improve creativity and problem-solving
Simulation helps in better training
Young children should not engage in athletics
Is Covid-19 a real problem or an overhyped pandemic?
Police officers should be paid well
Body cameras help save the innocent
DNA evidence is 100% reliable
Fun argumentative essay topics and ideas

Before you Go â€¦

A position paper is a dreaded assignment by students and professionals alike. However, it is an assignment like any other, and it should argue why your chosen stance or point of view is valid or worth defense compared to different viewpoints. To write an excellent position paper, ensure that you stay focused on your claim and provide proper evidence to support the claim. Besides, your ending should have a call to action that suggests a solution.

How to write an Issue Paper
Ways to avoid plagiarism
Using Active and Passive Voice in academic papers
How to replace I in academic papers

We understand the weight such papers have on your grades, which is why we offer custom paper writing services . When you say, "write my position paper," all you have to do is to fill out the order form, pay for your paper, and have it done by an expert. We deliver 100% original, organized, well-researched, and polished papers for high school, college, and graduate students. We also offer professional writing services that span around writing position papers for organizations, professionals, and governments. Don't hesitate to contact us and get a chance to work directly with our paper writers for the better!

Pssst! Please check the FAQ section for questions that we get often.

For us to do a comprehensive guide on writing a position paper, we have heeded the call of many. Often, we get consulted by those who need model papers or original samples for their topics, and here are some questions we get. We have tried to answer them so that you can get a rough idea of facts about position statements that could be bothering you.

How long is an academic position paper?

A typical position paper should be a one-page document. However, every instructor, department, or institution will have its unique preference on the appropriate length to attain. Since it has an introduction, a series of body paragraphs and a conclusion, writing at least 3-4 double-spaced pages (not counting title or reference/bibliography pages) suffices as the best length as it allows you to comprehensively address either side of the issue using facts, evidence, and information. It should at least have 1000 words so that your position and arguments are clear, elaborate, and supported by relevant in-text citations from scholarly sources .

What makes a good Position Paper?

A good position paper comprehensively breaks down the position into arguments and supporting facts. It should also make proposals and recommendations for solutions. Besides, it should contain the following:

A brief introduction to the topic and position (thesis statement)
The reason the topic is worth considering
Facts, statistics, and information from scholarly sources supporting your stance or position
The best approach to solve or address the issue

Does a position paper have an abstract?

Unless it is a professional position paper, an academic position paper follows the typical format of a comprehensive essay . Therefore, an abstract is not necessary in this case. If you are writing a professional position statement, include an abstract and appendices as necessary.

What is a Model UN position Paper?

A Model UN (MUN) position paper, a policy paper, is a strategic document where the author (s) present an overview of the delegate's country position. It bears three parts:

The position of the country on the topic
The relationship of the country to the topic
Proposals of policies the country wishes to see in a resolution.

You can learn more about MUN position papers by looking at resources online and looking for sample position papers for inspiration.

What is the difference between a position paper and a research paper?

A position paper focuses on a topic to persuade the readers that your position on the topic or issue is the best-given evidence, real-life examples, statistics, data, or information. On the other hand, a research paper is like a literature review on a topic where you weigh in on the opinions of scholars on a given topic, summarize these positions, and address an issue, potentially without taking sides unless it is an objective research paper. Scientific research papers are also written in the IMRAD format, usually following a study or experimentation.

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Position Paper Diagram

Elements of the position paper, writing & tutoring help at bowie.

An author who writes a position paper is making an argument which has to be built upon evidence. The structure used to do this is very similar to that used when writing a critical essay.

Image taken from James Cook University Study Skills Online. "Essay Structure." 17 August, 2012. Retrieved from http://www.jcu.edu.au/tldinfo/writingskills/essay/structure.html.

The purpose of a position paper is to generate support on an issue. It describes the author’s position on an issue and the rational for that position and, in the same way that a research paper incorporates supportive evidence, is based on facts that provide a solid foundation for the author’s argument. It is a critical examination of a position using facts and inductive reasoning, which addresses both strengths and weaknesses of the author’s opinion.

The classic position paper contains three main elements:

An Introduction , which identifies the issue that will be discussed and states the author’s position on that issue.

The Body of the paper, which contains the central argument and can be further broken up into three unique sections:

Background information

Evidence supporting the author’s position

A discussion of both sides of the issue, which addresses and refutes arguments that contradict the author’s position

A Conclusion , restating the key points and, where applicable, suggesting resolutions to the issue.

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A Brief Guide to Writing a Position Paper

13 July, 2020

13 minutes read

Author: Mathieu Johnson

Speaking your thoughts out loud happens to be easier than doing the same in writing. Why is that so? Every time you prepare a speech, you need to write it down first. And your writing needs to be precise because readers are about to know what you’ve put down on a paper. When it comes to a position paper, your mission is to express your opinion on a controversial topic. You will have to take a side on a specific topic and make up a case based on your opinion. To succeed in this writing task, you may need some guidelines.

What Is Position Paper?

A position paper is a kind of essay in which you express your opinion or position regarding a particular subject matter. It can be used for different purposes, from a discussion of international challenges to an analysis of business strategies. As a result, a position paper format is widely used in business and politics. Also, it can take a form of a report revealing your plans for the subject matter at hand. A position paper should contain a smooth flow of thoughts and ideas that provide a rock-solid evidence for your line of reasoning.

What Are The 3 Parts of a Position Paper?

A position paper consists of three main parts: introduction, body, and conclusion. Here is an explanation of what you can write in each part:

Introduction

The introductory part aims to attract the reader’s attention to the covered subject matter. Ideally, you should begin with several opening sentences about the specific issue to hook the reader.

The body part involves background information, evidence to back up your opinion, and analysis of both sides of the subject matter. By conducting thorough research, you will collect enough data to support your claims. The main point is to address both aspects of the argument. That way, you will show the reader that you are objective in your statements.

In the conclusion part, you need to restate the key points of your essay without adding anything new. Depending on your topic, it makes sense to suggest a solution to the problem.

How to Write a Position Paper?

To start writing a position paper , you should have a clearly stated topic that is debatable with logical details. While writing a paper, you should examine your vision of the problem through the prism of available arguments. Consider practicability, cost-effectiveness, and local environment when evaluating possible solutions and necessary actions. In other words, you should express, explain, and back up your opinion. And don’t forget to be specific in stating and supporting your arguments.

Select a Position Paper Topic

If you want to create a good position paper, you should focus on a subject matter that has enough findings to support it as well as some controversy to produce an argument. If you are dealing with a position paper assignment, you will want to skip your personal values and focus on something that can get you the highest grade. Here are some of the position paper topics to consider:

Should reality TV shows be regulated?
What are the positive and negative sides of video gaming?
Are there any parallels between video gaming and addiction?
Can beauty contests have a positive impact on women?
Should children have a schedule for school and after-school activities or be given more free time for playing?
What affects the rapid increase in child obesity?
How to reduce the number of abortions without legislation?
How can pro-life and pro-choice groups cooperate?
Should the production of Barbie dolls be banned?
What is the meaning of true beauty?
Should young children be forced to compete at athletics?
What are the reasons for blood cancer?
How does COVID-19 pandemic affect the business sector?
Is COVID-19 a real problem or a huge fake?
How does COVID-19 affect our lives?
Should media coverage be taken under control?
Is private school tuition really worth it?
How can the country’s school system be amended?
What role should technology play in the business sector?
Should college athletes receive a salary?
Should college athletes be allowed to skip classes?
Technologies are changing the way people think.
How are online technologies affecting the way we live?
What laws should regulate the use of cell phones in cars?
Should parents limit teenagers’ use of social media?
Should scientists be allowed to experiment on human embryos?
What causes people to immigrate illegally?
Is there any way to reduce the immigration rate?
Can illegal immigration be justified?
How do people justify war?
How significant is race to American identity?
What is the world culture?
What is the value of knowing your cultural background?
Should schools teach multiculturalism?
Is global warming a problem?
Is racism the problem of the modern community?
How can clean water be provided to everyone?
Is the problem of air pollution exaggerated?
What needs to be done to reduce the level of air pollution?
Who should take responsibility for air pollution?
Will the worldwide population increase?
What needs to be done to stop poaching of endangered species?
Is hunting good for the environment?
Are citizens responsible for their local environment?
What can manufacturers do to reduce the air and water pollution across the world?
What is the real importance of clean water?
Is there any connection between health and pollution?
What can people do to stop global pollution?
How can people be encouraged to recycle more?
How does global warming increase?

Preliminary Research

How do you write a position paper? Where to start from? Preliminary research requires you to find sufficient evidence for the covered subject matter. At the same time, you don’t need to rely on a subject matter that falls apart under a challenge of hefty research. You will also need to specify the sources you are planning to use. Follow them in bibliography and make some notes about every particular book, journal, or document you take information from. Thus, you will save a lot of time in the writing process.

By searching a couple of education and social sites, you will be able to find professional research data. Our professional essay writer recommends to narrow your focus, you will develop a list of questions that you have to answer in your paper. If you find no valuable information after spending several hours on research, you should understand that your position cannot be supported by sufficient findings on trustworthy sites.

Challenge Your Topic and Collect Supporting Evidence

You will need to dispute the truth or validity of your topic by finding supporting evidence. If you have some doubts, you may need some time to identify all the possible challenges that you have to deal with. Your position paper will address the opposing view and address it with counterevidence. It will make sense to have some discussions with friends, colleagues, or family about the topic. That way, you will be able to learn some additional thoughts and ideas that can be used for further research. As soon as you find some counterarguments, you will need to analyze them. Once it is done, you will see whether they are sound or not.

Another useful approach to challenging the topic requires you to mention your arguments on one side and opposing arguments on the other one. In which part of the paper do you have more points collected? Which points are stronger? If counterarguments seem to outnumber your arguments, you will have to reconsider your subject matter or your opinion on it .

Position Paper Outline

Before taking action, you’ll need to develop a position paper outline to organize your thoughts and ideas. With an outline, you will find it easier to write a position paper. So how will you do that? It depends on your personal preferences. Some writers find it easier to apply pictures and diagrams, others just follow a template offered by the teacher. If you feel like writing an outline yourself from scratch, don’t hesitate to do so. You can create it on your computer or write it down in your notebook. After all, there is no right or wrong approach to developing an outline. The main point is that an outline contains all the key points that you have to add to your position paper. You may want to look at a position paper sample before starting the writing process. Here is the format to be followed:

Decide on your topic with some background details. Develop a thesis sentence that addresses your position. Some examples are as follows:

Smoking is a bad habit causing breathing problems.
Fast food packages should be marked with health warnings .
Air pollution requires certain actions from the national governments.

Decide on potential contradictions to your position. Here are some examples: :

A medical examination needs to be conducted on an annual basis to monitor the possible negative health conditions .
Health warnings can affect the companies’ revenues.
The national program can be quite costly.

Cover the opposing points. Make sure that you aren’t contradicting your own thoughts and ideas. Sample points are as follows:

It can be hard to determine the monitoring process.
Citizens don’t want their government to abuse its power.
Program funding will fall on the shoulders of average taxpayers.

Explain your position through the prism of counterarguments. This is how you can contradict some of the counterarguments and back up your own one. Sample points are as follows:

The government has already tried to reduce smoking statistics in the country.
Restaurants will enhance the quality of food in case of using health warnings .
The government’s primary role is to protect citizens.

Sum up your arguments and express your opinion in different words. You should finish your paper by focusing on your arguments and responding to the counterarguments. You need your reader to understand and accept your opinion on the covered subject matter.

When you create a position paper, you should act with confidence. In the end, your mission is to reveal your position from the best side.

Tips on Writing a Position Paper from Our Experts

Even if you have a position paper example, you still may need some practical recommendations to make things easier for you. Here are some tips you need to follow during the writing process:

Decide on a topic. While choosing the topic for discussion, you should find the one you have a clear idea of. You can broaden your outlook by reading some literature on the desired subject matter. Ideally, you should embark on different viewpoints to consider them for further analysis.
Express your position idea. Focus on one specific aspect of the topic in order to express it in a one-sentence opinion. Make sure you have found a really arguable idea. If the topic cannot be debated, then it can hardly be used for writing a good position paper.
Be precise in your statement. Try to express your opinion briefly and clearly. A position paper is not meant to be vague.
Lead the narrative in the present tense. You are discussing the topic here and now, so the use of the past tense is quite inappropriate.
Minimize the use of superlatives . Avoid using superlatives such as biggest, major, extremely, and so on because they make the context sound exaggerated.
Use frequently used terms. To make the content look appealing and well-written , you should use the most common thematic terms such as world community, member states, recommendations, development, realization, regulations, international, and so on.
Use commonly used verbs . You should include some commonly used verbs such as comprehend, enable, recognize, acknowledge, believe, suggest, consider, addresse, highlight, and so on.
Proceed with final proofreading . You cannot consider your position paper as completed unless a successful spelling and grammar check is done. To achieve the maximum result, you should read your paper aloud a couple of times. That way, you will find it easier to indicate and fix mistakes.

While there is no universal formula for writing a perfect position paper, you can still follow some simple tips that’ll make you closer to the desired result. Just think analytically and act logically throughout the writing process.

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the difference between position paper and essay

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Position Paper - Myers

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VII. Researched Writing

7.3 Researched Position Paper

Terri Pantuso

Now that you have found a topic to research, it is time to begin the research process. Though you may have an idea of what you think your argument will be at this point, it’s important to start your research with an open mind. It’s often helpful to formulate your topic as a research question. Research questions are open-ended questions that you explore as you figure out the direction your topic will go and inform or shape your thesis statement. For example, if your topic is on first-generation students and financial aid, you might have a research question such as “What is the long-term impact of student loans on first-generation college students?” Using such a question as you begin your research leaves you a lot of flexibility to adjust your position, and therefore your thesis, as you uncover new information.

Using that research question as the foundation for your research, you can begin your proposal. This is oftentimes the first step in the process of writing a researched position paper. Basically, a researched position paper is one where you take a stance on a chosen topic and defend your position with qualitative and quantitative research found in scholarly or academic sources. While you might also include popular sources, you’ll want to make certain you incorporate evidence from a body of scholars whose work can be used to support the position you are taking. The difference between a descriptive or narrative research paper and a position paper is the argument – you are doing more than simply reporting facts. In a researched position paper, you are placing yourself in dialogue with a scholarly community and taking a stance on a topic about which you feel strongly. The first formal step is the proposal.

A proposal is quite simply a method for thinking out loud on paper. While all instructors have their own specifications, typically a proposal is less formal than the rough draft and can range in length from ½-1 full page in length. In the proposal, you state the topic about which you are researching and why you are interested in it. Since this is the preliminary stage, it’s okay to say that you do not know if you can defend your chosen position. The proposal is the place to begin exploration. It’s a good place to talk about your research question and, based on the information that you’ve found so far, where your thesis begins to grow. Some instructors may ask that you also state what you know about the topic, what potential sources you might use, and what you think you need to learn before fully developing your selected topic. In some courses, the proposal serves as a written dialogue between students and instructors and provides some foundational plans for the research process.

The next step is the annotated bibliography. Later in this section, we detail for you how to write an annotated bibliography which is basically the step where you locate sources to defend your position and then summarize those sources for their strengths and weaknesses as applied to your topic.

After the annotated bibliography, the formal writing process begins with a first rough draft. Typically, you will be given a page length or word count specification within the assignment parameters so that you’ll have an idea of how much is expected of you at this stage. In the first rough draft, your focus should be on developing your thesis and supporting it throughout the body of your paper. While many students get stuck on the introduction, this isn’t really the place to start your research. For this stage of the paper, you want to make sure the content surrounding your topic is strong with topic sentences connecting back to the thesis in every paragraph.

Sometimes, your instructor may ask for a second rough draft before final submission. If so, this is the place for you to take feedback from a peer reviewer or writing center tutor and fine tune your essay. Use the feedback you receive to check that your position is consistently supported throughout the essay and that you are using evidence correctly to support your position. Reading the draft out loud can also help you find missing elements or spaces for enrichment before the final draft submission, or the backwards/reverse outlining method discussed in section 2.4 might be helpful.

The final draft will be your best polished effort at defending your chosen topic and position after going through the rhetorical strategies defined by your instructor. Depending upon style format, you may or may not need an abstract in the final draft. An abstract is a brief summary of the topic you are discussing in the paper, but it does not give your conclusion. At the end of your final draft you’ll need to include your Works Cited/References page. This will be easily compiled from your annotated bibliography but remember – the annotations do NOT go into the final Works Cited/References page. Only the citations are included in the final draft. Keep in mind that nothing is ever perfect, but you want to strive to present a solid essay that utilizes scholarly, peer reviewed sources to defend and support the position you are taking on your chosen topic. For the rest of this section, we will provide information on how to find the best sources for your paper as well as how to develop the annotated bibliography.

A statement, usually one sentence, that summarizes an argument that will later be explained, expanded upon, and developed in a longer essay or research paper. In undergraduate writing, a thesis statement is often found in the introductory paragraph of an essay. The plural of thesis is theses .

Research that is based on the interpretation of open-ended, non-numeric data, such as writings, interviews, focus groups, and surveys.

Research that is based on numerical data and analyzing it using statistical or mathematical analyses.

When something is described as scholarly, that means that has been written by and for the academic community. The term scholarly is commonly used as shorthand to indicate that information that has been peer reviewed or examined by other experts of the same academic field or discipline. Sometimes, the terms academic, scholarly, and peer reviewed are confused as synonyms; peer reviewed is a narrower term referring to an item that has been reviewed by experts in the field prior to publication, while academic is a broader term that also includes works that are written by and for academics, but that have not been peer reviewed.

The sentence that relays the main idea or the point of the paragraph in which it is contained; usually the first sentence of a body paragraph which gives the reader an idea of what ideas will be discussed in that paragraph.

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VII. Researched Writing

7.2 Researched Position Paper

Terri Pantuso

Research that is based on the interpretation of open-ended, non-numeric data, such as writings, interviews, focus groups, and surveys.

Research that is based on numerical data and analyzing it using statistical or mathematical analyses.

Difference Between an Essay & a Paper

Jennifer brozak.

Whether you’re in middle school, high school or toiling away at college, paper writing is a fundamental facet of schooling. While essays and other forms of creative writing are common in English classes, you’ll also need to understand how to write informative pieces, such as research or term papers. By understanding the difference between the various types of writing styles, you’ll be able to draft compelling prose that is appropriate for any given assignment.

Explore this article

What Is an Essay?
What Is a Research Paper?
What Is the Difference Between a Research Paper and Term Paper?
Avoid Getting a Free Essay Writer

1 What Is an Essay?

One of the most common forms of writing is the essay. Starting in your later elementary school years and into middle school, you’ll likely be exposed to the five-paragraph essay, which is a fundamental starting point for creating longer-length writing assignments as you move upward through the higher grades. While they’re typically shorter pieces of writing (often under 1,000 words), they allow teachers to evaluate students on different writing, reading and analysis skills, including the art of persuasion and exposition.

Essays can take on many forms: They can be narrative, or tell a story; expository, or require investigation and evidential support; descriptive, in which a student is required to describe, creatively, a person, place or object; and finally, persuasive, in which a student is asked to argue a specific position on a particular topic.

As a whole, paper essay writing typically allows for more creativity than more formal writing styles, such as research papers.

2 What Is a Research Paper?

The phrase “research paper” can conjure anxiety in even the most adequate student writers. However, this need not be the case. In fact, it’s helpful to think of a research paper as an inflated essay. The structure will basically be the same, but you’ll need a thesis statement (which is not required in some forms of essay writing), significant research and evidence to support your ideas. You’ll also be required to include several credible sources in your paper, which will be listed on a reference page. And consider this: If you choose a subject you’re interested in researching, writing an informative paper can actually be quite a rewarding experience.

3 What Is the Difference Between a Research Paper and Term Paper?

Teachers, especially college professors, sometimes refer to longer research papers as “term papers,” which are similar in their structure and format. They’re expanded essays that will require evidence and credible sources to support your ideas. The difference lies in the subject matter. Research papers may allow you to cover a topic outside of the general subject matter (such as writing a persuasive research paper about global warming in an English class), while term papers will focus solely on the subject matter discussed in the course. High-quality research and term paper examples can be found on numerous sites, such as the Purdue University Online Writing Lab.

4 Avoid Getting a Free Essay Writer

A note of caution about submitting any writing assignment: While the Internet abounds with sources to help you in your quest to write the perfect paper, avoid using “essay generators” or hiring a free essay writer or buying papers from a database. Even if you’re procrastinating and panicking about finishing your assignment, it’s always better to turn in your own work. Not only do many teachers utilize online plagiarism checkers, but they also learn to recognize a student’s specific writing style over the course of an academic year. While it’s perfectly fine to use a term paper example as a guideline, it’s always better to submit your own paper or essay with minor errors than to attempt to pass off someone else’s writing as your own.

1 SUNY Empire State College: Research Writing: Elements and Steps
2 Enago Academy: How to Avoid Plagiarism in Research Papers (Part1 )

About the Author

Jennifer Brozak earned her state teaching certificate in Secondary English and Communications from St. Vincent College in Latrobe, Pa., and her bachelor's degree in journalism from the University of Pittsburgh. A former high school English teacher, Jennifer enjoys writing articles about parenting and education and has contributed to Reader's Digest, Mamapedia, Shmoop and more.

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What this handout is about

This handout will define what an argument is and explain why you need one in most of your academic essays.

Arguments are everywhere

You may be surprised to hear that the word “argument” does not have to be written anywhere in your assignment for it to be an important part of your task. In fact, making an argument—expressing a point of view on a subject and supporting it with evidence—is often the aim of academic writing. Your instructors may assume that you know this and thus may not explain the importance of arguments in class.

Most material you learn in college is or has been debated by someone, somewhere, at some time. Even when the material you read or hear is presented as a simple fact, it may actually be one person’s interpretation of a set of information. Instructors may call on you to examine that interpretation and defend it, refute it, or offer some new view of your own. In writing assignments, you will almost always need to do more than just summarize information that you have gathered or regurgitate facts that have been discussed in class. You will need to develop a point of view on or interpretation of that material and provide evidence for your position.

Consider an example. For nearly 2000 years, educated people in many Western cultures believed that bloodletting—deliberately causing a sick person to lose blood—was the most effective treatment for a variety of illnesses. The claim that bloodletting is beneficial to human health was not widely questioned until the 1800s, and some physicians continued to recommend bloodletting as late as the 1920s. Medical practices have now changed because some people began to doubt the effectiveness of bloodletting; these people argued against it and provided convincing evidence. Human knowledge grows out of such differences of opinion, and scholars like your instructors spend their lives engaged in debate over what claims may be counted as accurate in their fields. In their courses, they want you to engage in similar kinds of critical thinking and debate.

Argumentation is not just what your instructors do. We all use argumentation on a daily basis, and you probably already have some skill at crafting an argument. The more you improve your skills in this area, the better you will be at thinking critically, reasoning, making choices, and weighing evidence.

Making a claim

What is an argument? In academic writing, an argument is usually a main idea, often called a “claim” or “thesis statement,” backed up with evidence that supports the idea. In the majority of college papers, you will need to make some sort of claim and use evidence to support it, and your ability to do this well will separate your papers from those of students who see assignments as mere accumulations of fact and detail. In other words, gone are the happy days of being given a “topic” about which you can write anything. It is time to stake out a position and prove why it is a good position for a thinking person to hold. See our handout on thesis statements .

Claims can be as simple as “Protons are positively charged and electrons are negatively charged,” with evidence such as, “In this experiment, protons and electrons acted in such and such a way.” Claims can also be as complex as “Genre is the most important element to the contract of expectations between filmmaker and audience,” using reasoning and evidence such as, “defying genre expectations can create a complete apocalypse of story form and content, leaving us stranded in a sort of genre-less abyss.” In either case, the rest of your paper will detail the reasoning and evidence that have led you to believe that your position is best.

When beginning to write a paper, ask yourself, “What is my point?” For example, the point of this handout is to help you become a better writer, and we are arguing that an important step in the process of writing effective arguments is understanding the concept of argumentation. If your papers do not have a main point, they cannot be arguing for anything. Asking yourself what your point is can help you avoid a mere “information dump.” Consider this: your instructors probably know a lot more than you do about your subject matter. Why, then, would you want to provide them with material they already know? Instructors are usually looking for two things:

Proof that you understand the material
A demonstration of your ability to use or apply the material in ways that go beyond what you have read or heard.

This second part can be done in many ways: you can critique the material, apply it to something else, or even just explain it in a different way. In order to succeed at this second step, though, you must have a particular point to argue.

Arguments in academic writing are usually complex and take time to develop. Your argument will need to be more than a simple or obvious statement such as “Frank Lloyd Wright was a great architect.” Such a statement might capture your initial impressions of Wright as you have studied him in class; however, you need to look deeper and express specifically what caused that “greatness.” Your instructor will probably expect something more complicated, such as “Frank Lloyd Wright’s architecture combines elements of European modernism, Asian aesthetic form, and locally found materials to create a unique new style,” or “There are many strong similarities between Wright’s building designs and those of his mother, which suggests that he may have borrowed some of her ideas.” To develop your argument, you would then define your terms and prove your claim with evidence from Wright’s drawings and buildings and those of the other architects you mentioned.

Do not stop with having a point. You have to back up your point with evidence. The strength of your evidence, and your use of it, can make or break your argument. See our handout on evidence . You already have the natural inclination for this type of thinking, if not in an academic setting. Think about how you talked your parents into letting you borrow the family car. Did you present them with lots of instances of your past trustworthiness? Did you make them feel guilty because your friends’ parents all let them drive? Did you whine until they just wanted you to shut up? Did you look up statistics on teen driving and use them to show how you didn’t fit the dangerous-driver profile? These are all types of argumentation, and they exist in academia in similar forms.

Every field has slightly different requirements for acceptable evidence, so familiarize yourself with some arguments from within that field instead of just applying whatever evidence you like best. Pay attention to your textbooks and your instructor’s lectures. What types of argument and evidence are they using? The type of evidence that sways an English instructor may not work to convince a sociology instructor. Find out what counts as proof that something is true in that field. Is it statistics, a logical development of points, something from the object being discussed (art work, text, culture, or atom), the way something works, or some combination of more than one of these things?

Be consistent with your evidence. Unlike negotiating for the use of your parents’ car, a college paper is not the place for an all-out blitz of every type of argument. You can often use more than one type of evidence within a paper, but make sure that within each section you are providing the reader with evidence appropriate to each claim. So, if you start a paragraph or section with a statement like “Putting the student seating area closer to the basketball court will raise player performance,” do not follow with your evidence on how much more money the university could raise by letting more students go to games for free. Information about how fan support raises player morale, which then results in better play, would be a better follow-up. Your next section could offer clear reasons why undergraduates have as much or more right to attend an undergraduate event as wealthy alumni—but this information would not go in the same section as the fan support stuff. You cannot convince a confused person, so keep things tidy and ordered.

Counterargument

One way to strengthen your argument and show that you have a deep understanding of the issue you are discussing is to anticipate and address counterarguments or objections. By considering what someone who disagrees with your position might have to say about your argument, you show that you have thought things through, and you dispose of some of the reasons your audience might have for not accepting your argument. Recall our discussion of student seating in the Dean Dome. To make the most effective argument possible, you should consider not only what students would say about seating but also what alumni who have paid a lot to get good seats might say.

You can generate counterarguments by asking yourself how someone who disagrees with you might respond to each of the points you’ve made or your position as a whole. If you can’t immediately imagine another position, here are some strategies to try:

Do some research. It may seem to you that no one could possibly disagree with the position you are arguing, but someone probably has. For example, some people argue that a hotdog is a sandwich. If you are making an argument concerning, for example, the characteristics of an exceptional sandwich, you might want to see what some of these people have to say.
Talk with a friend or with your teacher. Another person may be able to imagine counterarguments that haven’t occurred to you.
Consider your conclusion or claim and the premises of your argument and imagine someone who denies each of them. For example, if you argued, “Cats make the best pets. This is because they are clean and independent,” you might imagine someone saying, “Cats do not make the best pets. They are dirty and needy.”

Once you have thought up some counterarguments, consider how you will respond to them—will you concede that your opponent has a point but explain why your audience should nonetheless accept your argument? Will you reject the counterargument and explain why it is mistaken? Either way, you will want to leave your reader with a sense that your argument is stronger than opposing arguments.

When you are summarizing opposing arguments, be charitable. Present each argument fairly and objectively, rather than trying to make it look foolish. You want to show that you have considered the many sides of the issue. If you simply attack or caricature your opponent (also referred to as presenting a “straw man”), you suggest that your argument is only capable of defeating an extremely weak adversary, which may undermine your argument rather than enhance it.

It is usually better to consider one or two serious counterarguments in some depth, rather than to give a long but superficial list of many different counterarguments and replies.

Be sure that your reply is consistent with your original argument. If considering a counterargument changes your position, you will need to go back and revise your original argument accordingly.

Audience is a very important consideration in argument. Take a look at our handout on audience . A lifetime of dealing with your family members has helped you figure out which arguments work best to persuade each of them. Maybe whining works with one parent, but the other will only accept cold, hard statistics. Your kid brother may listen only to the sound of money in his palm. It’s usually wise to think of your audience in an academic setting as someone who is perfectly smart but who doesn’t necessarily agree with you. You are not just expressing your opinion in an argument (“It’s true because I said so”), and in most cases your audience will know something about the subject at hand—so you will need sturdy proof. At the same time, do not think of your audience as capable of reading your mind. You have to come out and state both your claim and your evidence clearly. Do not assume that because the instructor knows the material, he or she understands what part of it you are using, what you think about it, and why you have taken the position you’ve chosen.

Critical reading

Critical reading is a big part of understanding argument. Although some of the material you read will be very persuasive, do not fall under the spell of the printed word as authority. Very few of your instructors think of the texts they assign as the last word on the subject. Remember that the author of every text has an agenda, something that he or she wants you to believe. This is OK—everything is written from someone’s perspective—but it’s a good thing to be aware of. For more information on objectivity and bias and on reading sources carefully, read our handouts on evaluating print sources and reading to write .

Take notes either in the margins of your source (if you are using a photocopy or your own book) or on a separate sheet as you read. Put away that highlighter! Simply highlighting a text is good for memorizing the main ideas in that text—it does not encourage critical reading. Part of your goal as a reader should be to put the author’s ideas in your own words. Then you can stop thinking of these ideas as facts and start thinking of them as arguments.

When you read, ask yourself questions like “What is the author trying to prove?” and “What is the author assuming I will agree with?” Do you agree with the author? Does the author adequately defend her argument? What kind of proof does she use? Is there something she leaves out that you would put in? Does putting it in hurt her argument? As you get used to reading critically, you will start to see the sometimes hidden agendas of other writers, and you can use this skill to improve your own ability to craft effective arguments.

Works consulted

We consulted these works while writing this handout. This is not a comprehensive list of resources on the handout’s topic, and we encourage you to do your own research to find additional publications. Please do not use this list as a model for the format of your own reference list, as it may not match the citation style you are using. For guidance on formatting citations, please see the UNC Libraries citation tutorial . We revise these tips periodically and welcome feedback.

Anson, Chris M., and Robert A. Schwegler. 2010. The Longman Handbook for Writers and Readers , 6th ed. New York: Longman.

Booth, Wayne C., Gregory G. Colomb, Joseph M. Williams, Joseph Bizup, and William T. FitzGerald. 2016. The Craft of Research , 4th ed. Chicago: University of Chicago Press.

Ede, Lisa. 2004. Work in Progress: A Guide to Academic Writing and Revising , 6th ed. Boston: Bedford/St Martin’s.

Gage, John T. 2005. The Shape of Reason: Argumentative Writing in College , 4th ed. New York: Longman.

Lunsford, Andrea A., and John J. Ruszkiewicz. 2016. Everything’s an Argument , 7th ed. Boston: Bedford/St Martin’s.

Rosen, Leonard J., and Laurence Behrens. 2003. The Allyn & Bacon Handbook , 5th ed. New York: Longman.

You may reproduce it for non-commercial use if you use the entire handout and attribute the source: The Writing Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

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Q. What is the difference between an opinion paper and a research paper?

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In an opinion paper , you will focus on a topic about which you have personal thoughts, beliefs, or feelings. Your goal is to persuade your reader that your position on this topic is the best one. You won’t accomplish that goal with a rant or diatribe. Instead, you will need to support your claim with facts, statistics, real-life examples or published research studies. So, despite its name, an opinion paper will require some research .

The most common research paper assignment (particularly in undergraduate courses) is a lot like a literature review. You will conduct a thorough search for scholarly sources about your chosen topic, then carefully read and summarize them. But beyond simply describing the books and articles that you read, your goal is to participate in the scholarly “conversation” surrounding your topic. You can do that by:

Organizing your paper by themes or trends that you discovered in the literature
Identifying and explaining controversies surrounding your topic
Pointing out strengths and weaknesses in the studies that you read
Identifying aspects of the topic that need further research

Sometimes (more commonly in graduate courses), you will design your own study and write about it. While this kind of research paper includes a literature review section, it will also require you to describe your study’s methodology, data analysis and results. The graduate section of Writing@APUS offers advice for students working on original research papers.

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Guidelines, position papers and critical reviews: differences and similarities.

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Željko Reiner, Guidelines, position papers and critical reviews: differences and similarities, European Journal of Preventive Cardiology , Volume 20, Issue 1, 1 February 2013, Pages 3–5, https://doi.org/10.1177/2047487312460190

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In the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology more and more position papers and expert consensus papers are published as well as critical reviews. The same is true for the other journals of the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) family, particularly for the European Heart Journal , where all ESC Guidelines are published. A great number of guidelines, position papers and critical reviews have been issued in other different scientific medical journals around the world as well, particularly during the last decades. When searching PubMed under ‘guidelines’ one can find 221,633 papers with the intensity of publication varying from only four in the year 1960 up to 17,625 in the year 2011. One can find also 91,016 ‘critical reviews’, 11,976 ‘position papers’ and 4287 ‘expert consensus papers’. However, many experts are not quite sure what the differences are between these different types of manuscript. This editorial is aimed at providing a brief insight into their differences and similarities. Although focusing only on publications developed/written by the ESC and its entities such as the European Association for Cardiovascular Prevention and Rehabilitation (EACPR), most of this editorial can be applied to the publications of all other scientific societies in medicine as well.

Guidelines are official publications of the ESC which are produced by the task forces supervised, reviewed and approved by the ESC Committee for Practice Guidelines (CPG). ESC entities (Associations, Working Groups, Councils, etc.) do not produce their own guidelines but can produce position papers and expert consensus documents in the name of their entity or group of authors. Guidelines are produced to present all the relevant and best available up-to-date evidence on a particular broad clinical issue with the aim to help clinicians in their everyday clinical practice when they have to weigh the benefits and risks of a diagnostic and/or therapeutic procedure. According to this they provide well-balanced information reflecting established evidence-based knowledge on a specific subject and systematically developed recommendations for diagnosis and treatment for practitioners. However, it has to be stressed that applying them in everyday practice always requires careful judgement of individual cases. Considering all this, guidelines are also aimed to be used to develop standards to assess the best clinical practice.

The methodological standards for issuing good quality and trustworthy guidelines were well defined more than a decade ago 1 , 2 and ESC Guidelines follow the high quality criteria for the development of guidelines which can be found at www.escardio.org/knowledge/guidelines/rules . Since the guidelines should not only represent the views of one or two specific groups of experts in selected topics, the task forces have to be composed of a diverse expertise to represent the multidisciplinary views and give an objective evaluation of the particular broad subject at hand. The guidelines’ recommendations must be graded according to four different classes (I, IIa, IIb and III) and linked to their levels of evidence (A, B and C), but some guidelines might have in addition also another type of grading such as GRADE (strong or weak recommendation), which could be more suitable for a particular topic and which has the advantage of distinguishing quality of evidence and strength of recommendation. 3 , 4 For instance, this latter type of grading was used in the recently published 2012 joint Guidelines on cardiovascular disease prevention in clinical practice, 5 illustrating that strong evidence does not automatically lead to a strong recommendation.

Although the implementation of the guidelines’ recommendations should be an integral part of the guidelines’ development process, the adherence to guidelines is often far from optimal due to many barriers which have not substantially changed during the last decade. 6 – 9 Some of the ESC Guidelines are produced solely by the ESC 10 and some are produced in partnership with another societies, such as the Guidelines for the management of dyslipidaemias, which were produced jointly with the European Atherosclerosis Society. 11 Some ESC Guidelines are the result of collaboration with numerous societies, for example the joint guidelines on cardiovascular disease prevention in clinical practice, which were developed with eight other societies. 5

The dissemination of ESC Guidelines is also always accompanied by a number of educational products aimed at helping their implementation. These educational products are their abridged version called pocket guidelines, slide-sets, essential messages, flowcharts, posters, applications for iPhones/iPads/Androids, toolkits, etc. This is different from position papers and expert consensus papers, which have not been accompanied by such derivative products so far.

Position papers and expert consensus documents are produced by ESC entities (Associations, Working Groups, Councils), usually by a group of authors appointed by these entities. They reflect the views of these entities, which have also to endorse them. However, they are not necessarily the official opinion of the ESC. There is an agreement that within the ESC no more than two position paper projects should be produced at the same time for a single ESC Working Group but for ESC Associations such a restriction does not exist. Position papers/expert consensus documents can be produced by a single entity or by several in collaboration and even with one or more external societies. These projects first need to be confirmed as not conflicting with the ESC Guidelines Task Forces and an official agreement must exist between ESC and these potential partners.

The purpose of position papers/expert consensus documents is to inform clinicians of the opinion of these experts concerning evolving areas of clinical practice and/or technologies that are either recently available but not fully established or are new to the clinical practice community. They can also cover gaps in knowledge and medical practice that should be resolved for an interim period of time, at least until more informative scientific data is made available, which would enable them to be included in official ESC Guidelines. Topics chosen for coverage by position papers/expert consensus documents are often much more specific and detailed that those of the ESC Guidelines. The topic is often subject to considerable ongoing investigations. Thus, the reader should view the position paper/expert consensus document as the best attempt to inform and direct clinical practice in areas where rigorous evidence may not yet be available or data obtained to date is not widely applied to clinical practice. Position papers/expert consensus documents should usually include pros and cons since they have to provide extensive but critical new information. The accessibility of a large volume of information supporting the use of an evidence-based approach is necessary in preparing such a document. If some aspects of the problem are not supported by strong or conclusive related evidence, the process leading to the recommendations must be clearly described.

Sometimes position papers/expert consensus documents are produced to address certain topics which are too technical or too specific to be addressed in the official ESC Guidelines. An example of this could be the use of cardiac computed tomography (CT) and myocardial perfusion scintigraphy for risk stratification in asymptomatic individuals without known cardiovascular disease, which was addressed in a position paper produced by the ESC Working Group on nuclear cardiology and cardiac CT. 12 Another reason to produce a position paper/expert consensus document could be to address a narrow issue, providing much more detailed information for the experts dealing with exactly this topic than guidelines could provide due to their size restriction and broader approach. A good example of this might be the role of physical activity and exercise in the management of individuals with cardiovascular risk factors, which has been addressed in the joint Guidelines on cardiovascular disease prevention in clinical practice but not in as much depth as in the recently published position paper by EACPR. 13 Such a paper can address an issue that has not been addressed previously in a comprehensive way or where no expert consensus existed, as was the case with a recently published EACPR position paper on population-level changes to promote cardiovascular health. 14

Formal recommendations spelled out as such, particularly those graded according to different classes and linked to their levels of evidence, are usually not provided in position papers/expert consensus documents as these documents do not have to formally grade the quality of evidence. In some cases they might do this but they have to avoid the wording which is used in the official ESC Guidelines so as to not confuse the end user. However, position papers/expert consensus documents must be in agreement and consistent with the current ESC Guidelines covering the particular clinical topics or, if a major new evidence has emerged after publication of the ESC Guidelines, this has to be clearly stated and referenced.

Critical reviews or systematic reviews are usually written by a group of authors who are not appointed by a society or an official body, although such a possibility also exists. They should comprehensively scrutinize the existing medical literature dealing with certain topics aiming at identifying and synthesizing all relevant information. 15 An evidence-based approach is essential for drawing conclusions for this type of paper as it is for position papers/expert consensus documents. The data in all published literature must be evaluated for its strengths, weaknesses and validity. A critical review can be comprehensive to various degrees and the time range of material analysed but it usually tries to answer a single clinical question. This is different from the guidelines (but also from the majority of position papers/expert consensus documents), which answer a series of questions in order to help practitioners to make decisions about a range of diagnostic and/or therapeutic interventions. Different databases can be used for literature searching such as PubMed, Medline, Embase, etc. Although similarly to guidelines and position papers/expert consensus documents the prerequisite for data to be included into such a critical review is their high quality and credibility, for this type of paper no restrictions exist that must necessarily be followed when guidelines are produced. Therefore, for example it is not necessary to consider only peer reviewed literature or to avoid abstracts. On the other hand, even in this type of paper, reports that are anecdotal should not be quoted, neither should repetition be made of data from literature which may not stand up to the scrutiny of sound scientific evaluation. In this type of paper the recommendations are not graded according to different classes and linked to their levels of evidence.

Guyatt G H , Sinclair J , Cook D J et al. . Users' guides to the medical literature: XVI. How to use a treatment recommendation . JAMA 1999 ; 281 : 1836 – 1843 .

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Burgers J S , Grol R P , Zaat J O et al. . Characteristics of effective clinical guidelines for general practice . Br J Gen Pract 2003 ; 53 : 15 – 19 .

Guyatt G H , Oxman A D , Vist G E et al. . GRADE: An emerging consensus on rating quality of evidence and strength of recommendations . BMJ 2008 ; 336 : 924 – 926 .

Schunemann H J , Oxman A D , Brozek J et al. . Grading quality of evidence and strength of recommendations for diagnostic tests and strategies . BMJ 2008 ; 336 : 1106 – 1110 .

Perk J, de Backer G, Gohlke H, et al. European Guidelines on cardiovascular disease prevention in clinical practice (version 2012): The Fifth Joint Task Force of the European Society of Cardiology and Other Societies on Cardiovascular Disease Prevention in Clinical Practice (constituted by representatives of nine societies and by invited experts). Eur Heart J 2012; 33: 1635–1701 .

Cabana M D , Rand C S , Powe N R et al. . Why don't physicians follow clinical practice guidelines? JAMA 1999 ; 282 : 1458 – 1465 .

Leape L L , Weissman J S , Schneider E C et al. . Adherence to practice guidelines: The role of specialty society guidelines . Am Heart J 2003 ; 145 : 19 – 26 .

Reiner Ž , Sonicki Z , Tedeschi-Reiner E . Physicians' perception, knowledge and awareness of cardiovascular risk factors and adherence to prevention guidelines: The PERCRO-DOC survey . Atherosclerosis 2010 ; 213 : 598 – 603 .

Reiner Ž , Sonicki Z , Tedeschi-Reiner E . The perception and knowledge of cardiovascular risk factors among medical students . Croat Med J 2012 ; 53 : 278 – 284 .

McMurray JJ, Adamopoulos S, Anker SD, et al. ESC Guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of acute and chronic heart failure 2012: The Task Force for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Acute and Chronic Heart Failure 2012 of the European Society of Cardiology. Eur Heart J 2012; 33: 1787–1847 .

Reiner Ž , Catapano A L , De Backer G et al. . ESC/EAS Guidelines for the management of dyslipidaemias: The Task Force for the management of dyslipidaemias of the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) and the European Atherosclerosis Society (EAS) . Eur Heart J. 2011 ; 32 : 1769 – 1818 .

Perrone-Filardi P , Achenbach S , Möhlenkamp S et al. . Cardiac computed tomography and myocardial perfusion scintigraphy for risk stratification in asymptomatic individuals without known cardiovascular disease: A position statement of the Working Group on Nuclear Cardiology and Cardiac CT of the European Society of Cardiology . Eur Heart J 2011 ; 32 : 1986 – 1993, 1993a, 1993b .

Vanhees L, Geladas N, Hansen D, et al.; on behalf of the writing group. Importance of characteristics and modalities of physical activity and exercise in the management of cardiovascular health in individuals with cardiovascular risk factors: Recommendations from the EACPR (Part II). Eur J Prev Cardiol . Epub ahead of print 25 May 2012 .

Jørgensen T, Capewell S, Prescott E, et al. Population-level changes to promote cardiovascular health. Eur J Prev Cardiol . Epub ahead of print 9 May 2012 .

Siwek J , Gourlay M L , Slawson D C et al. . How to write an evidence-based clinical review article . Am Fam Physician 2002 ; 65 : 251 – 258 .

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CBSE Results 2024: Steps to apply for verification, revaluation or improvement exam?

Cbse results 2024: students can apply for verification of marks, obtaining photocopies of answer books, and revaluation. know the schedule, process, and fee..

CBSE Board 12th and 10th Result 2024: The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) on Monday announced the schedule for verification of marks, photocopy of evaluated answer books, and revaluation of CBSE Class 10, and 12 results 2024 for students who are not satisfied with their scores.

As per the schedule, Class 12 students will be able to apply for marks verification from May 17 to May 21, while the Class 10 marks verification window will open from May 20 to May 24. Candidates will have to pay Rs 500 per subject to avail the facility.

CBSE informed that the board evaluated a total of 2,58,78,230 answer books for both Class 12 and 10 students, out of which 1,48,27,963 were of Class 10 and 1,10,50,267 were of Class 12. The board said that the evaluation of the student’s answer sheets was done under a ‘well-settled policy’ and listed down the steps taken for ‘error-free’ evaluation.

However, if still students are not satisfied with their CBSE results 2024, they can avail the facilities for which the board has provided the timelines, modalities, steps, and fees.

CBSE 10th Post Result Schedule

The Trivandrum region recorded the highest pass percentage in both classes 10 and 12 at 99.91 and 99.75, respectively. The Prayagraj region reported the lowest pass percentage of 78.25 in Class 12 while Guwahati region recorded the lowest for Class 10 at 77.94.

CBSE 12th Post Result Schedule

The board informed that all the processes including application and fee payment will be conducted online and a decrease in scores even by one mark will be affected. In case of a change in scores, students will have to surrender the Class 10, and 12 marksheets 2024, and new ones will be issued.

For obtaining the photocopy of evaluated answer books, only those students who applied for verification will be eligible. In case the candidate wants to challenge the marks awarded to a particular answer, they will have to apply for revaluation.

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Artificial Intelligence: Yet Another Hurdle for Teachers & Students Developing Classical Thinkers

In November of 2022, OpenAI launched ChatGPT, a chatbot capable of answering simple questions from users to writing papers, essays, blogs, and other forms of longform communication–sometimes so well that people cannot tell that the difference between a paper written by a student and one written by a machine. Since then, educators have been divided in their response to ChatGPT: do we embrace this new form of technology and teach students how to use it effectively, or do we encourage students to refrain from using it, even as more and more professionals in a wide number of fields are using chatbots to do their work for them–marketing, insurance, finance, healthcare, and more. But in the field of education, will this form of technology actually deliver on its promises to students. Or, will it be as earlier innovations, like devices in classrooms, that underdelivered on its promises and may have actually impeded student progress? In this panel, classical education leaders Joe Davison (Thales College), Chelsea Wagenaar (Ph.D., Thales Academy Rolesville), Winston Brady (Thales Press), and Matthew Ogle (Thales Academy Rolesville) on the background of ChatGPT, hy students should not use these products, and what these AI-empowered technologies mean for students and educators going forward. In short, this panel of teachers and leaders explained why students should refrain from using artificial intelligence chatbots students in their writing because such programs shortcircuit the valuable process of writing, researching, and ultimately thinking for oneself. This panel was held on April 25, 2024 at the Thales Academy Rolesville campus.

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The Starkly Different Visions of the Union and Confederacy in America’s Defining War

This essay about the American Civil War examines the profound ideological and economic differences between the Union and the Confederacy. It highlights how the Union, characterized by a rapidly industrializing North, supported a diversified economy that moved away from slavery, aligning more with abolitionist sentiments. In contrast, the Confederacy, reliant on an agrarian economy underpinned by slave labor, saw the Northern stance as a threat to its existence. The essay discusses the cultural and political divides, such as the Union’s push for a strong central government versus the Confederacy’s advocacy for states’ rights, including the right to maintain slavery. It also touches on the strategic military and international aspects that influenced the war’s outcome. Ultimately, the Union’s victory reshaped the nation’s values and governance, setting the stage for a new America built on principles of equality and justice. The essay illustrates how these contrasting visions for America’s future were at the heart of the Civil War.

How it works

Due in large part to the stark differences in ideology and future plans between the Union and the Confederacy, which each espoused, the American Civil War, which raged from 1861 to 1865, is remembered as a pivotal period in American history. This was a time of profound ideological conflict that altered America, not just geographic divide.

The northern states made up the majority of the Union, and it was rapidly modernizing. With the emergence of industries and the growth of cities, the North adopted an economic model that was less reliant on human slavery.

The growing industrial economy, enhanced by developments in rail and telegraph, necessitated a labor force that could not be maintained by enslavement only. This change bolstered the burgeoning abolitionist feeling in the North, where it was believed that slavery was immoral and a barrier to development.

Down South, the story was markedly different. The Confederacy’s backbone was its agrarian economy, which thrived on the cultivation of cotton and tobacco. These labor-intensive crops generated huge profits but relied heavily on the institution of slavery. To the Southern states, the Northern push against slavery threatened their livelihood and the very fabric of their society.

This economic divide was mirrored in cultural and political differences. The Union favored a strong central government that could support economic growth and maintain order, while the Confederacy held tightly to the idea of states’ rights, including the right to maintain slavery as a state decision. This ideological battle over state versus federal control became a cornerstone of the conflict.

The war itself, marked by its ferocity and bloody battles, highlighted these contrasting visions. While the North fought under the banner of unity and abolition, the South battled for its right to self-determination and its own interpretation of freedom. Leaders like Abraham Lincoln and Jefferson Davis became embodiments of their respective sides’ ideologies. Lincoln’s leadership was pivotal, steering the Union through tumultuous times with a blend of moral firmness and political savvy. In contrast, Davis’s leadership often reflected the Confederacy’s internal divisions and struggles.

International politics also played a crucial role, with the Union successfully preventing any global power from recognizing the Confederacy, which could have shifted the war’s outcome. The Union’s naval blockades and strategic control of major rivers strangled the Southern economy, slowly tipping the balance towards a Northern victory.

When the dust settled in April 1865 with the Union’s victory, it marked not just the reuniting of the nation but also a profound shift in American values and governance. The subsequent Reconstruction era was a turbulent attempt to reintegrate the South into the Union and redefine American society on the principles of equality and justice.

Reflecting on the Civil War reveals the depth of the ideological divide between the Union and Confederacy, representing divergent paths towards what America could become. The Union’s vision of a progressive nation free from the shackles of slavery was in stark contrast to the Confederacy’s fight to preserve a traditional, agrarian way of life. This conflict laid the groundwork for modern America, highlighting the enduring struggle over what liberty and justice mean in a pluralistic society.

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Opinion Essay/IELTS Writing Task 2/ IELTS Academic/ Essay Structure/ Essay Templates
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Position Paper
Position Paper. Definition: Position paper is a written document that presents an argument or stance on a particular issue or topic. It outlines the author's position on the issue and provides support for that position with evidence and reasoning. Position papers are commonly used in academic settings, such as in Model United Nations conferences or debates, but they can also be used in ...
How to Write a Position Paper
The main difference between a position paper and an argumentative essay is its scope and purpose. The former presents a clear and specific opinion on a particular issue. In contrast, the latter aims to convince the reader to agree with a broader viewpoint by using personal perspectives, experience and anecdotes in addition to facts and data.
PDF Writing an Argumentative , or Position Paper
What is an Argumentative or Position Paper? In this type of assignment, you take a stand on a particular topic that is debatable. You present a clear and strong statement usually at the start of your paper that asserts your position on the topic. (See the Writing Center's handout on thesis statements for more help with this stage!).
The Four Main Types of Essay
Argumentative essays test your ability to research and present your own position on a topic. This is the most common type of essay at college level—most papers you write will involve some kind of argumentation. The essay is divided into an introduction, body, and conclusion: The introduction provides your topic and thesis statement
Position Paper Guide: Steps, Outline, Structure, and Tips
Like an opinion essay, a position paper is an essay that presents an arguable opinion about a topic or an issue. The main goal of a position paper is to convince the readers (audience) that the author's argument is valid and worth consideration. ... What is the difference between a position paper and a research paper?
Position Paper
An author who writes a position paper is making an argument which has to be built upon evidence. The structure used to do this is very similar to that used when writing a critical essay. Image taken from James Cook University Study Skills Online. "Essay Structure." 17 August, 2012.
Position paper
A position paper (sometimes position piece for brief items) is an essay that presents an arguable opinion about an issue - typically that of the author or some specified entity. Position papers are published in academia, in politics, in law and other domains. The goal of a position paper is to convince the audience that the opinion presented is valid and worth listening to.
How to Write a Position Paper
Express your position idea. Focus on one specific aspect of the topic in order to express it in a one-sentence opinion. Make sure you have found a really arguable idea. If the topic cannot be debated, then it can hardly be used for writing a good position paper. Be precise in your statement.
Position Paper
Position Paper - Myers. A Position Paper is a common type of academic argument writing assignment. Typically, a Position Paper is written after reading about and discussing a particular issue. Quite often, the readings cover more than one issue, and as a writer you must choose a particular area of focus. The central goal of writing a position ...
7.3 Researched Position Paper
The difference between a descriptive or narrative research paper and a position paper is the argument - you are doing more than simply reporting facts. In a researched position paper, you are placing yourself in dialogue with a scholarly community and taking a stance on a topic about which you feel strongly. The first formal step is the proposal.
7.2 Researched Position Paper
The difference between a descriptive or narrative research paper and a position paper is the argument - you are doing more than simply reporting facts. In a researched position paper, you are placing yourself in dialogue with a scholarly community and taking a stance on a topic about which you feel strongly. The first formal step is the proposal.
PDF Strategies for Essay Writing
When you receive a paper assignment, your first step should be to read the assignment prompt carefully to make sure you understand what you are being asked to do. Sometimes your assignment will be open-ended ("write a paper about anything in the course that interests you"). But more often, the instructor will be asking you to do
How to Write an Argumentative Essay
Make a claim. Provide the grounds (evidence) for the claim. Explain the warrant (how the grounds support the claim) Discuss possible rebuttals to the claim, identifying the limits of the argument and showing that you have considered alternative perspectives. The Toulmin model is a common approach in academic essays.
Difference Between an Essay & a Paper
Understanding the difference between the various types of writing styles, including research papers and essays, will help you craft compelling prose that is appropriate. ... persuasive, in which a student is asked to argue a specific position on a particular topic. As a whole, paper essay writing typically allows for more creativity than more ...
What's the difference between regular (aka full), position and short
A short paper is for work that is worth publishing, but doesn't rise to the level of quality or significance of a full paper. Short papers are generally significantly less respected than full papers, but may be worth it anyway: a short paper in a high-profile conference is often better than a full paper in a less significant conference.
Difference Between an Essay and Research Paper
Purpose and Objective. The first and main difference between an essay and a research paper is the purpose of writing. An essay as an academic task has the goal of developing students' creative thinking. It also teaches us a structured presentation of thoughts regarding a certain topic.
Argument
In order to succeed at this second step, though, you must have a particular point to argue. Arguments in academic writing are usually complex and take time to develop. Your argument will need to be more than a simple or obvious statement such as "Frank Lloyd Wright was a great architect.". Such a statement might capture your initial ...
What is the difference between an opinion paper and a research paper
Apr 14, 2017 109796. In an opinion paper, you will focus on a topic about which you have personal thoughts, beliefs, or feelings. Your goal is to persuade your reader that your position on this topic is the best one. You won't accomplish that goal with a rant or diatribe. Instead, you will need to support your claim with facts, statistics ...
Guidelines, position papers and critical reviews: differences and
One can find also 91,016 'critical reviews', 11,976 'position papers' and 4287 'expert consensus papers'. However, many experts are not quite sure what the differences are between these different types of manuscript. This editorial is aimed at providing a brief insight into their differences and similarities.
Guidelines, position papers and critical reviews: differences and
When searching PubMed under 'guidelines' one can find 221,633 papers with the intensity of publication varying from only four in the year 1960 up to 17,625 in the year 2011. One can find also 91,016 'critical reviews', 11,976 'position papers' and 4287 'expert consensus papers'. However, many experts are not quite sure what the ...
What's the difference between an expository essay and an ...
An argumentative essay tends to be a longer essay involving independent research, and aims to make an original argument about a topic. Its thesis statement makes a contentious claim that must be supported in an objective, evidence-based way. An expository essay also aims to be objective, but it doesn't have to make an original argument.
Argument Strategies: Position vs. Proposal
Body Paragraphs: Develop reasons (main topics of your paragraphs) Support reasons with evidence (your outside research) Consider opposing views, but refute these objections to your position. Proposal Arguments: Convince your readers that action needs to be taken in response to an issue. Propose a solution and explain why your solution is feasible.
the Difference Between Latino and Hispanic: A Cultural Perspective
This essay about the differences between "Latino" and "Hispanic" clarifies the distinct meanings behind these commonly interchanged terms. "Hispanic" is defined by a connection to Spanish-speaking countries and emphasizes linguistic ties to the Spanish language, excluding non-Spanish-speaking countries in Latin America like Brazil ...
iPad Air vs. iPad Pro: What are the differences between the new 2024
Both new models of the Air are 6.1mm thick, while the 11-inch Pro is 5.3mm and the 13-inch Pro is even smaller at 5.1mm. The difference in weight is less than a tenth of a pound, though, so that ...
Guarding Force: Safety-Critical Compliant Control for Robot-Environment
In this study, we propose a safety-critical compliant control strategy designed to strictly enforce interaction force constraints during the physical interaction of robots with unknown environments. The interaction force constraint is interpreted as a new force-constrained control barrier function (FC-CBF) by exploiting the generalized contact model and the prior information of the environment ...
the Differences between the House and the Senate
This essay is about the differences between the House of Representatives and the Senate, highlighting how each chamber of Congress plays a unique role in the legislative process. The House is structured to represent the population directly, with 435 members serving two-year terms and a centralized leadership focused on addressing immediate ...
CBSE Results 2024: Steps to apply for verification, revaluation or
CBSE Board 12th and 10th Result 2024: The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) on Monday announced the schedule for verification of marks, photocopy of evaluated answer books, and revaluation of CBSE Class 10, and 12 results 2024 for students who are not satisfied with their scores. As per the schedule, Class 12 students will be able to apply for marks verification from May 17 to May 21 ...
Artificial Intelligence: Yet Another Hurdle for Teachers & Students
In November of 2022, OpenAI launched ChatGPT, a chatbot capable of answering simple questions from users to writing papers, essays, blogs, and other forms of longform communication-sometimes so well that people cannot tell that the difference between a paper written by a student and one written by a machine.
The Starkly Different Visions of the Union and ...
This essay about the American Civil War examines the profound ideological and economic differences between the Union and the Confederacy. It highlights how the Union, characterized by a rapidly industrializing North, supported a diversified economy that moved away from slavery, aligning more with abolitionist sentiments.
[PDF] Lower incisor position in skeletal Class III malocclusion
It is important to conduct cephalometric or cone-beam computed tomography examinations during preoperative orthodontics to identify and prevent possible periodontal risks. To determine the difference between orthodontic camouflage and orthodontic-orthognathic surgery using the traditional cephalometric measurement IMPA and the newly proposed IA/PAMD, the angle between the long axis of the ...

Position Paper – Example, Format and Writing Guide

Position Paper

Types of Position Paper

Position Paper Format

How to Write Position Paper

Position Paper Example

Purpose of Position Paper

When to Write Position Paper

Advantages of Position Paper

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Muhammad Hassan

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How to write a Perfect Position Paper (A Student's Guide)

What is a Position Paper?

Purpose of a Position Paper

Structure of a Great Position Paper

Introduction

Outline Template for a Position Paper

Steps for Writing an Excellent Position Paper

1. Read the instructions

2. Select a Topic

3. Brainstorm

4. Research Widely

5. Come up with a Thesis

6. Write an Outline

7. Write the First Draft

9. Write the Final Draft

Position Paper Topics and Ideas

Before you Go â€¦

How long is an academic position paper?

What makes a good Position Paper?

Does a position paper have an abstract?

What is a Model UN position Paper?

What is the difference between a position paper and a research paper?

Academic Writing

Position Paper Diagram

Smith Vidal Literacy & Language Center

A Brief Guide to Writing a Position Paper

What Is Position Paper?

What Are The 3 Parts of a Position Paper?

Introduction

How to Write a Position Paper?

Select a Position Paper Topic

Preliminary Research

Challenge Your Topic and Collect Supporting Evidence

Position Paper Outline

Tips on Writing a Position Paper from Our Experts

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Ethical Research Paper Topics

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Position Paper - Myers

7.3 Researched Position Paper

7.2 Researched Position Paper

Difference Between an Essay & a Paper

Explore this article

1 What Is an Essay?

2 What Is a Research Paper?

3 What Is the Difference Between a Research Paper and Term Paper?

4 Avoid Getting a Free Essay Writer

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