POSITION PAPER
I.
TASK: Write a position paper agreeing or disagreeing with the following proposition:
“Advanced” or developed cultures
should have the right to impose their laws on cultures that are less “advanced”
or developed.
II. THE POSITION PAPER
A
position paper is a research paper that seeks to persuade a reader to accept a
particular point of view. Position
papers are usually written in a brief but convincing manner.
III. STRUCTURE AND FORMAT OF THE POSITION
PAPER
First Paragraph
• Introduction: State the issue or
problem to be addressed in the position paper.
•
Mention opposing viewpoint.
•
State your thesis clearly, (in one sentence if possible).
Second Paragraph
• Background information (if appropriate)
• First point supporting your position
- Supporting points should be made up of
elements such as, facts statistics, studies, arguments
by noted authorities, examples, analogies....
- Supporting information should be presented in
a logical and persuasive fashion
Third, Fourth, Fifth Paragraph
- Each paragraph raises an important argument
to support your thesis
Final Paragraph
- Conclusion restating your main thesis.
-
Review, summary or synthesis of your arguments that support your thesis.
References:
. Baugh, L. Sue, How to Write Term Papers and Reports.
. Smith, Bruce, “The History Paper, Part II:
The Position Paper,” OAH History Magazine. Fall 1995: 29-30.