• The purpose of a position paper is to generate support on an issue. It describes a
position on an issue and the rationale for that position. The position paper is based on
facts that provide a solid foundation for your argument. In the position paper you should:
• Use evidence to support your position, such as statistical evidence or dates and events.
• Validate your position with authoritative references or primary source quotations.
• Examine the strengths and weaknesses of your position.
• Evaluate possible solutions and suggest courses of action
• Resources and references used should be current (2010-current year)
• The following structure listed in bullets below is typical of a position paper. Be sure to
include these as headings in your paper.
• An introduction
• Identification of the issue
• Statement of the position
• The body
• Background information
• Supporting evidence or facts
• A discussion of both sides of the issue
• A conclusion
• Suggested courses of action
• Possible solutions
The introduction should clearly identify the issue and state the author’s position. It should be
written in a way that catches the reader’s attention. The body of the position paper may contain
several paragraphs. Each paragraph should present an idea or main concept that clarifies a
portion of the position statement and is supported by evidence or facts. Evidence can be
primary source quotations, statistical data, interviews with experts, and indisputable dates or
events. Evidence should lead, through inductive reasoning, to the main concept or idea
presented in the paragraph. The body may begin with some background information and should
incorporate a discussion of both sides of the issue. The conclusion should summarize the main
concepts and ideas and reinforce, without repeating, the introduction or body of the paper. It
could include suggested courses of action and possible solutions
