Writing a position paper or position essay requires either gathering information from other sources, or preparing the text yourself. If you are using another person’s work (i.e., somebody else did all the research), then it is your job to summarize that material in your words so that the reader comes to your conclusion not theirs. They should be able to read your paper and come to your same conclusion based on their understanding of the evidence presented in the text. The same holds true for writing position papers – you will need to do some outside reading, plus some inside reflection and evaluation about what you’ve read! Depending on how much time you have available, how broad or narrow an area of focus you want, and also how advanced in school you are, this can take a lot of time.
Both strategies require you to
- review information already available (research, position statements),
- determine your stance on the issue and
- provide clear examples or evidence that support it.
If you’re having trouble coming up with ideas for what to say, ask yourself ‘who?’ questions about the topic. Who has written extensively about this? Who are experts in this field? What organizations or agencies? Think about using evidence that comes from current events, because they will help you stay relevant.
Steps on how to write a position paper essay
The basic step should be to locate several sources so you can really get an understanding of both sides of the argument before settling on which one you want to support – not all sources agree! You’ll see common themes among these sources, but you’ll also find differences in opinion. What do you think about the evidence they present? Why are there differing opinions?
- Review available information, articles written by others who have researched this topic. Gather together all the material you can find on your topic and sit down to read it! Make notes or highlight key words throughout each source so that when you look back through them later it will be easier for you to pull out the main points. Write down any questions that come up while reading – what would support or refute these authors’ ideas? It is important that you understand their positions before continuing, because then it will be much easier for you to either dismiss them or propose a new one. Think of your audience – who is going to be reading this paper? Do they have any background knowledge on the topic? What do you need to explain in order for them to understand your argument?
- Determine your stance – what do you think about this issue? Be clear and concise. This isn’t a time for flowery language or long-winded explanations; you want to make your argument as quickly and easily as possible so that the reader can follow along without getting lost. You’ll also want to make it easy for them to see how your stance is different from other authors’ positions. Again, using evidence will be very important here!
- Support your position with clear examples or evidence – this is where you show the reader that you know what you’re talking about. You will need to do some outside reading (see point one), but even better if you can provide evidence that comes from current events. Look for specific examples of the issue in the news, in legislation or policy, etc. If it isn’t currently an issue in the news, why hasn’t it been? Who are the stakeholders involved and how has their input influenced policy decisions? Again, ask yourself ‘why?’ questions – why did this happen; why didn’t something else happen; why is this person’s opinion different than someone else’s opinion?
- Present your paper – This should be a clear explanation of your argument with no major holes or contradictions! Remember there are at least two sides to every issue, so try to present both of them (even if you don’t agree with both). You might choose to write one position paper or two different ones; it’s completely up to you.
Now you know how to write a position paper in 4 simple steps. Let now look at the structure, thesis statements, essay outline, and position paper examples to understand the process better.
Position paper thesis statement examples:
Thesis statement examples for position paper:
Here are some great thesis statement examples for a position paper. Some of these thesis statements might even give you inspiration for your own position paper thesis statement:
- The legalization of marijuana would be a positive step for the United States.
- Gun ownership should be greatly restricted in the United States.
- The death penalty should be abolished in the United States.
- The government should provide more funding for public education.
- Abortion should be illegal in all cases except when the mother’s life is in danger.
- The government should increase its spending on social welfare programs.
- Welfare recipients should be required to work or volunteer in order to receive benefits.
- The United States should close its military bases overseas and bring all troops home.
- The United States should significantly reduce its greenhouse gas emissions to prevent climate change.
- The United States should increase its spending on renewable energy sources.
- The government should impose a carbon tax to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
- The United States should invest in alternative transportation technologies, such as electric cars and high-speed rail.
- The government should repeal the Patriot Act and other legislation that infringes on civil liberties.
- The United States should increase its foreign aid budget to help developing countries improve their quality of life.
- College tuition rates in the United States are too high and must be reduced.
- The United States should not allow corporations to outsource jobs to other countries.
- The government should fund research into alternative energy sources to reduce our dependence on oil.
- The United States should legalize same-sex marriage.
- The government should provide a basic income for all citizens to ensure that everyone has a minimum level of economic security.
- The United States should end its War on Drugs and instead focus on treating drug addiction as a public health issue.
- The legalization of marijuana would be beneficial to the economy and society as a whole.
- The criminalization of marijuana is a waste of resources and results in negative consequences for both the individual and society.
- Marijuana should be legalized for medicinal purposes due to its therapeutic benefits.
- The prohibition of marijuana has resulted in the creation of a black market, which increases crime rates and poses a threat to public safety.
- Marijuana is less harmful than alcohol and other recreational drugs, and therefore should be treated in a similar manner.
- Regulation and taxation of marijuana would provide a much-needed source of revenue for state governments.
- Legalizing marijuana would help to reduce the number of people who are incarcerated for drug-related offenses.
- The legalization of marijuana would be a step forward in terms of reforming the country’s drug policy.
- Marijuana is not a gateway drug, and its legalization would not lead to an increase in drug abuse rates.
- The benefits of legalizing marijuana outweigh the potential risks involved.
- In the past, criminals were considered guilty until proven innocent, but this trend has been reversed in modern American courts.
These are just a few examples of position paper thesis statements. As you can see, there are many different issues that you could focus on in a position paper. Choose one that you are interested in and feel passionate about, and then develop a thesis statement around that issue. Be sure to back up your argument with evidence from credible sources to make your point effectively. Position papers require careful thought and planning, so start early and give yourself plenty of time to write a strong paper.
What is a position essay?
A position essay is a writing assignment where you explain your personal thoughts and feelings on a subject. In order to write a good position essay, you need to back up your own opinion with specific details from research or your personal experience. A strong position essay not only provides clear support for the topic but also contains vivid descriptions and interesting examples.
What is an example of a position paper that does NOT have a solid argument?
“I believe abortion should be legal.”
This statement is too general and lacks specific supporting detail. It fails to answer questions such as “When or under what circumstances do you feel that abortion should be illegal?” The author of this statement may not fully understand the topic they are discussing, making it difficult for them to provide sufficient evidence for their opinion.
What is an example of a paper that has a solid argument?
“I believe abortion should be illegal after the first trimester.”
This statement spells out the specific circumstances in which the author feels abortion should be legal or illegal. The second sentence provides evidence for why they feel this way by explaining their opinion on when abortions often occur and stating how far along in the pregnancy most women are at this time. This essay does not try to convince us to agree with its position but instead educates us about many people’s opinions on this subject. Even if we don’t agree, it still gives a clear explanation for its stance and backs up that explanation with details from research and examples from real life.
What components must be included in a position essay?
A strong position essay should include the following components: an introduction, three paragraphs for support with examples and details, and a conclusion. Each paragraph should begin with a topic sentence that states its main point clearly.
The first paragraph of your paper (the one that comes after the introduction) should be the strongest because it is used to convince readers that your opinion is worth listening to. The rest of the paragraphs need to provide specific examples and details; they cannot simply repeat what you said in your introduction without offering more information.
How can I incorporate evidence into my argument?
To show how much research you did for this assignment, make sure you use facts statistics instead of opinions when possible. If you do find yourself using other people’s opinions, then try to back them up with facts or examples that other people agree with. This will show the reader that not only are your thoughts backed up by others but also by facts and evidence.
How can I add interest to my argument?
You should always include vivid details in your writing whenever possible. You should explain why you feel a certain way instead of simply stating your opinion without any explanation. If you write too much using formal language and academic phrases, it may be difficult for readers to stay interested and understand what you’re trying to say. For example, “In conclusion” is an academic phrase that often appears at the end of a paragraph; however, it makes the reader feel like they are about to finish reading an assignment, not that they are about to enter into a new and exciting argument. Try to avoid using phrases that make the writing sound too dry or formal.
How can I revise my position essay?
Once you have finished writing your position essay, it’s important to go back through it and revise any parts that may be confusing or unclear. Make sure all of your examples and details are backed up by research or personal experience. If you find that you’re repeating yourself a lot, try to come up with fresh examples or details to keep the reader’s attention. Last, but not least, make sure your conclusion wraps everything up in a tidy package and leaves readers with something to think about.
Here are a few tips for revision: – how to revise an essay:
- did you provide enough information for readers to understand your position?
- do all of your examples and details support your argument?
- is your language clear and easy to read?
- does your conclusion leave readers with something to think about?
If you answered “no” to any of these questions, then it’s time for another revision. Remember, the more thorough and well-written your position essay is, the more likely it is that you will convince others to agree with you.
A List of Interesting position essay topics and ideas
Wondering what are some great position essay topics to write about? A good position essay topic is one that allows you to explore an opinion on a controversial issue. That way, you can provide readers with your perspective on the matter and back it up with evidence.
Once you’ve chosen a topic, it’s time to start formulating your argument.
The first step is to come up with a thesis statement. This is your main point, and it should be something that you can support with evidence. For example, if you’re arguing in favor of increasing the minimum wage, your thesis statement might be: “Increasing the minimum wage would be beneficial for both employees and businesses.”
Once you have your thesis statement, it’s time to start gathering evidence. This could come in the form of statistics, expert opinions, or personal anecdotes. Whatever evidence you choose to use, make sure that it is credible and relevant.
Once you have your evidence, it’s time to start writing your essay. Be sure to introduce your topic and state your thesis statement in the opening paragraph. Then, use the rest of the essay to support your argument. If you’re using statistics or expert opinions, be sure to cite them appropriately. And finally, always remember to conclude your essay with a strong argumentative statement.
Look no further for position paper ideas! Here are a list of 70+ position essay topics to consider for your assignment writing:
- The legalization of marijuana
- The death penalty
- Gun control
- Abortion
- The environment
- Euthanasia
- Religion in public life
- Same-sex marriage
- Immigration reforms
- College tuition rates
- Minimum wage rates
- Welfare reform
- Health care reform
- Tax reform
- Climate change
- Terrorism and national security
- Education policy
- Poverty in America
- Social media and its impact on society
- Technology and the future of work
- Celebrity culture and its effects on society
- The role of women in society
- Globalization and the rise of emerging economies
- Income inequality in America
- Police brutality against people of color
- Mental health policy reform
- Drug abuse policies
- College athletics on campuses
- Online gaming addiction
- Parenting skills and the declining quality of families over past decades
- The impact on news coverage by print media versus online media
- Paid versus unpaid internships
- Sports journalism
- Transgender rights
- Increasing rates of obesity among young adults
- Voter apathy
- Social mobility
- Sex education
- Virtual reality as a mainstream technology
- Climate change politics
- Public attitudes toward immigrants
- Prescription drug abuse
- The impact on society from the increasing number of people living alone
- Single motherhood
- The impact of divorce on children
- Obesity in America and how to address it
- The Great Recession of 2008 and its aftermath
- Gun control laws in the United States
- College admissions process
- The role of women in the home and workplace.
- Income inequality in developing countries.
- The rise of artificial intelligence and its impact on society.
- Mental health care in America.
- LGBTQ rights.
- Immigration policy in the United States.
- College tuition rates and student loan debt.
- The future of work in a changing economy.
- Abortion rights in the United States.
- Parenting skills in the digital age.
- The Black Lives Matter movement.
- The impact of social media on young people.
- Gun violence in America.
- Sexual assault on college campuses.
- The Affordable Care Act.
- The role of the internet in our lives.
- The increasing use of drones in society.
- Poverty in America and how to address it.
- Religion and politics in the United States.
- Media bias in the reporting of news.
- Bullying in schools and how to address it.
- The Me Too movement.
- School shootings and gun control laws.
As you can see, there are many different position essay topics to choose from! Now it’s up to you to decide which topic is right for you and begin writing your position essay!
Position paper outline example:
If you want to write a good position paper outline to get started with writing your own position paper, you can use the following example as a model.
Introduction
A. Introduce the topic of your position paper and state your thesis statement.
B. Provide some background information on the issue to give your readers context.
C. Explain why this issue is important and why you feel passionately about it.
D. Outline your main points of argument in support of your thesis statement.
Body
A. Present your first point of argument in support of your thesis statement.
B. Support your point of argument with evidence and examples.
C. Respond to any opposing arguments and refute them using evidence and logic.
D. Present your second point of argument in support of your thesis statement, and follow the same procedure as you did for your first point.
Conclusion
A. Restate your thesis statement to remind the reader of what you are arguing in favor of.
B. Provide a brief summary of all of your main points so that the reader can reference them if they need clarification.
C. State how your argument ties into the larger issue being addressed by this position paper, and why it is important to know these things.
D. Conclude with a final appeal to the readers’ emotions or logic that will leave an impression on them about this issue even after they have finished reading your position paper.
Arguing a position essay example:
Arguing a position in your paper simply deals with the claims raised by an individual or group in favor of or against a controversial issue. Keeping this in mind, it’s essential for you to write a strong argumentative essay with logical reasoning and accurate examples.
Arguing a position essay example 1:
The statement, “Obesity is not seen as prominently in countries where people don’t eat Western diets that are high in saturated fats like America does,” is true.
I think this because I’ve read about how obesity rates vary depending on ethnicity; Asians seem to have lower obesity rates than Caucasians do. Also, I have noticed myself that many “ethnic groceries,” which often sell produce, are not as busy as grocery stores that carry mostly products with high fat content.
Arguing a position essay example 2:
The statement, “Muslim Americans do not have to put up with harassment and prejudice,” is false.
I think this because I know of many Muslim people who live in the United States that have been subject to bullying for their religion, race, or ethnicity (AboutIslam.com). As well as this, I’ve seen an online video where a woman walked around New York City wearing a burqa on 9/11 to show how she was treated differently once her religion became public knowledge. So clearly there are some bigoted individuals in our country towards Muslims Americans.
Arguing a position essay example 3:
The statement, “All lives matter,” is true.
I think this because I believe that everyone should be treated with respect and dignity, no matter their skin color, ethnicity, or religion. And when someone says “black lives matter,” it implies that other lives do not. As Martin Luther King Jr. once said, “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere” (KingInstitute.org). So we need to remember that all lives do matter.
Arguing a position essay example 4:
The statement, “Only people who work hard earn money,” is false.
I think this because I believe that once you are hardworking enough, money tends to find its way towards you. For example, people who work two jobs usually end up earning more than people with one job (Business Insider). Plus it’s not like they make this rule of only working hard equals money; the effort is what really matters. So if you believe in yourself and work your hardest, then your chances of success increase by a lot.
Arguing a position essay example 5:
The statement, “There are no limits to space exploration,” is false.
I think this because our technology is always advancing so far that it gets harder for us to travel into space every day (SpaceFlight101). As well as this, there are only a finite number of planets in our solar system that we could potentially live on, and we’re already using up a lot of them (The Conversation). So I think it would be unwise to continue exploring space because we might not find anything else once we exhaust our resources.
Position paper examples
In this section, we will review some position paper essay examples. Every student wants to get a good grade for his essay. To avoid plagiarism issues you need to follow a writing strategy and make a detailed research.
If you need to pay us to write your essay or edit your paper, visit this page to hire professionals. Here are examples of position papers for college students:
Position Paper Example #1: The Decline of the American Athletic System.
In recent times, it is noted that there has been a decline in athletics in America – especially after bad events have taken place – such as deaths – and injuries from sports. In the past years, one may recall seeing gruesome images of death or injury of someone who is participating in what appears to be a sport. However, not all sports are dangerous but some certainly are more so than others. One cannot forget about those who have lost their lives while playing soccer at major levels like college and international levels (Shea). It has become clear that safety protocols and equipment needed to prevent loss of life and severe injuries need to be looked into
People sometime assume that injuries and deaths are due to individual players’ weakness or they assume that the loss of life is just mere chance. However, these are not reasons which can be used for complacency. The safety of the sporting individuals should be put into consideration at all times. It is irresponsible for organizations who organize sports activities to fail in ensuring that they provide appropriate equipment for their kits.
The American Athletic System has experienced dramatic changes in recent years regarding safety standards. People have begun to question the effectiveness of sports organization systems mainly because there have been cases where people have lost their lives while engaging in what would appear to be normal physical activity. Various reports indicate there were some major changes made by the government with regards to policies concerning athletic organization following the incidents. The government began to require that all schools which offer sports must put in place a number of safety measures so as to prevent any more injuries or fatalities. The new policies obligated schools to have certified athletic trainers, safe playing surfaces, and concussion protocols. Unfortunately, many schools have not complied with the law and continue to put their students at risk.
One would think that by now, almost every school in America has some sort of safety program for their athletes, but this is sadly not the case. In fact, it has been found that only about 25 percent of public schools have a full-time athletic trainer on staff . This lack of proper health and safety precautions can be directly linked to the decline in athletics throughout America. One cannot help but wonder how many more athletes will have to risk their lives before the government steps in to pass new laws, implement stricter policies, and enforce penalties for noncompliance.
The decline of American athletics has occurred because people who put themselves in positions of being responsible for caring for these individuals have failed to take proper safety precautions. One cannot forget about the loss of life which occurred at soccer matches due to failure on part of those who organized such events (Shea). The injury or death one faces while playing a sport may not be as devastating as losing their life; however, it is still traumatic and should not be taken lightly. Consequently, organizations which organize such events need to put safety measures as top priority so as to prevent further injuries or fatalities.
It is unfortunate that people who are responsible for caring for athletes have chosen to be irresponsible, and it is also unfortunate that the government has failed to implement stricter policies which would ensure safety of those playing sports. At this point in time, one can only hope that more lives will not be lost because people fail to look into safety procedures concerning sports activities.
Indeed, there may still be some hope for American athletics even though it currently seems as if they are experiencing a decline due to lack of proper safety precautions. We should all nevertheless take pride in knowing that at least some changes have occurred within the past years with regards to regulations surrounding athletic organization. Even if certain organizations do not comply with the new put forward by the government there is still a good chance that athletes are safer now than they have been in the past.
It is our responsibility as individuals to be proactive in ensuring our safety, and it is also the responsibility of those who put us in danger to take appropriate measures to rectify the situation. Let us hope that more lives will not be lost due to negligence and complacency on part of those who are responsible for caring for athletes.
Position Paper Example #2: The Decline of American Athletics
Athletics play a significant role in American culture. From high school to the professional level, people across the country participate in and enjoy watching sporting events. However, there has been a significant decline in American athletics in recent years, and this trend appears to be continuing. There are a number of factors contributing to this decline, including lack of safety precautions and poor organization.
One of the main reasons for the decline of American athletics is the lack of safety precautions taken by schools and organizations. For example, only about 25 percent of public schools have a full-time athletic trainer on staff, which puts athletes at risk for injuries. Furthermore, many schools do not have safe playing surfaces, which can lead to sprains and strains or even more serious injuries. In addition, there is a lack of education and training among staff and athletes, which has led to improper treatment of injuries and poor understanding of safety procedures.
Another major factor contributing to the decline of American athletics is lack of organization surrounding leagues, tournaments, and games. For example, many schools do not have appropriate playing surfaces. Thus, individuals often face injury while participating in such events. It appears as if very few steps are taken to ensure the safety of those who participate in sporting events; instead people assume that these measures will be adequate without actually putting them into practice. As a result too many athletes suffer from debilitating injuries each year because they were not cared for before and after sporting events.
It is evident that the decline of American athletics is a complex issue with many contributing factors. However, if we want to see a reversal in this trend we need to take a more proactive approach to safety and organization. Schools and organizations must make safety a top priority, and individuals must be mindful of the risks involved in playing sports. Only then can we hope to see a resurgence in American athletics.
Position Paper Example #3: The Issue of Gun Control
In the wake of yet another mass shooting in the United States, the issue of gun control once again takes center stage. Advocates on both sides of the debate passionately argue their points, but what is the truth about gun control? Are more restrictions on firearms the answer to preventing mass shootings, or does this simply infringe on the rights of law-abiding citizens?
It is important to first understand the current state of gun control in America. The Second Amendment of the United States Constitution guarantees “the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.” This has been interpreted by many to mean that Americans have a constitutional right to own firearms. As a result, the vast majority of gun control laws are implemented at the state or local level. Some states have stricter gun laws than others, but it is important to note that federal law does not include any kind of restriction on firearms.
State Laws on Guns Ownership
Currently, 47 states allow some form of concealed carry (the exceptions being California, New Jersey, Illinois and South Carolina). There are 34 “shall issue” states (which means no discretion is allowed in issuing permits), while 13 “may issue” states require applicants to demonstrate a reason for needing to carry a firearm. Only two other states do not allow citizens to carry guns whatsoever (Illinois and Wisconsin). It should be noted however that Illinois allows residents to purchase firearms and ammunition.
In addition to concealed carry, most states allow for open carry of firearms (except in “sensitive” places such as schools and government buildings). Other laws preventing gun ownership include the federal law prohibiting felons from owning guns, a law requiring firearm owners to be at least 18 years old, and strict regulations regarding mental illness. Some states also have limits on magazine capacity and types of ammunition that may be owned.
State Laws on Concealed Carry
The majority of state laws require an applicant for a concealed carry permit to demonstrate that they are not a danger to themselves or others; while some simply require that the person has not been adjudicated mentally defective or has not been committed to any mental institution. There is no standard set of laws regarding training requirements, but most states do require an applicant to pass a safety course. Most states also have restrictions on where concealed firearms may be carried (alcohol/drugs, schools, etc.).
A majority of states honor licenses from other states as long as they meet the criteria for the license in their own state. Twenty-nine states participate in a mutual reciprocity agreement, which means that guns owners who hold valid concealed carry permits can enjoy carrying their firearm across state lines without additional licensing requirements. Other states allow gun owners from out of state to apply directly for a concealed carry permit if they are visiting for a specific period of time and have been issued a permit from another jurisdiction.
State Laws on Open Carry
Once again, there is no federal law governing open carry, so it is left to the states to decide. Thirty-eight states allow for some form of open carry, while twelve still have some form of restriction (usually in “sensitive” places).
It is important to note that most state gun laws are changing rapidly, so the information above may not be up-to-date. For more detailed information on state gun laws, please visit the website of the National Rifle Association (www.nraila.org).
Arguments for Gun Control
Proponents of stricter gun control argue that firearms pose a significant danger to society and should be tightly regulated. They claim that by making it more difficult for dangerous people to obtain firearms, it will make it safer for everyone. Some also argue that the Second Amendment does not guarantee an individual right to own firearms, but rather allows for the formation of a militia.
Arguments for Gun Rights
Those who oppose stricter gun control laws argue that firearms are an important part of the American tradition and help to protect citizens from criminals. They claim that gun control laws only serve to disarm law-abiding citizens while doing nothing to deter criminals. They also argue that the Second Amendment guarantees an individual right to own firearms.
It is important to note that there is no one answer to the debate over gun control; both sides have valid arguments. The purpose of this article is not to take a position on this issue, but rather to provide information about state gun laws.
Sample 1: Position paper essay examples
Here is an academic position paper example college level.
In the novel, “To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee, Atticus Finch is faced with a difficult decision. His daughter Scout is being taunted by her peers for being seen with her father at the courthouse. He must decide whether to send her away to school so she can be safe or have her stay at home where she is vulnerable to attack. In the end, he decides to send her away to school.
This is a difficult decision because it means that Scout will be away from her family and friends. However, it is the right decision because it will keep her safe. Atticus knows that he cannot protect Scout from harm if she stays at home, but he can protect her if she is away from town.
Atticus makes the right decision for his daughter, and she is better off for it. She learns how to deal with bullies and how to stand up for herself. Scout also learns about other cultures and how to get along with people who are different from her. This is an important lesson, especially in today’s world.
It is sometimes difficult to make the right decision for our children, but Atticus Finch shows us that it is possible. He knows what is best for his daughter, even if it means sending her away from home. We should all be inspired by Atticus Finch’s example and do what is best for our own children.
What is a positionality essay?
A positionality essay is a type of essay in which you articulate your personal position on a given topic. It can be helpful to think of positionality essays as a way to stake out your claim on an issue and to provide evidence and reasoning to support your position.
When writing a this type of an essay, it is important to remember that you are not simply stating your opinion; rather, you are providing a reasoned argument for why your position is the best one. This means that you need to back up your assertions with evidence, and that you should carefully consider any potential counterarguments before making your case.
A positionality essay can be useful in a variety of contexts. For example, if you are preparing for a job interview, you may want to write a positionality essay on your professional strengths and weaknesses. This can help you to articulate your thoughts clearly and concisely, and to provide potential employers with a sense of where you stand on important issues.
Alternatively, if you are attending college and are interested in pursuing a specific major, you may want to write a positionality paper on that topic. This can help you to better understand the arguments for and against the major, as well as to clarify your own thinking on the matter.
No matter what context you are writing in, this academic essay can be a powerful tool for articulating your views. By taking the time to carefully craft your argument, you can make a strong case for your position is the best one.
A positionality essay is an original, coherent argument in which the writer defends and elaborates on their personal beliefs with clear support from relevant evidence. Positionality essays allow writers to explain what they feel strongly about and why.
The best way to structure your essay depends on your topic. For example, if you are arguing for or against a specific policy, you may want to divide your essay into sections based around each of the points that you want to make. Alternatively, if you are writing about a political issue or historical event, it might be best to organize your paper chronologically.
Regardless of the structure that you choose, it will be important for you to provide clear and concise evidence to support your position. This can include statistics, specific examples, anecdotes, and quotations from figures who hold similar views as yourself. For example, if you are writing an essay about feminism, you might quote a prominent feminist like Gloria Steinem or bell hooks.
It will also be important for you to engage with any potential counterarguments in advance of writing your essay. Doing so will help ensure that your argument is strong and well-supported throughout the paper, which in turn will strengthen your claim on the topic at hand.
If there are certain terms that you need to define before launching into the main body of your work (for example, if you are talking about intersectionality), it may be helpful to include a brief section at the beginning of your essay that does just that.
A positionality essay is a type of writing in which you defend and elaborate on your personal beliefs with clear evidence. Such essays allow writers to explain what they feel strongly about and why.
Sample topics to write about
Topics for a positionality paper can vary widely, but some common examples include:
- The best way to structure your argumentative position on a specific policy issue.
- The benefits and drawbacks of a particular college major or field of study
- How you define yourself politically and the stances you take on various political issues.
- An overview of your personal history, with a focus on how it has shaped your current worldview.
- The role that you believe empathy plays in our understanding of others
In general, a positionality essay should be coherent and well-organized. It should also include clear evidence from relevant sources to support your argument. In addition, it is helpful to engage with any potential counterarguments before writing the main body of your paper.
Great academic essays begin by clearly defining what a topic means and the stances you plan on taking in relation to it.
Afterward, they take a step back and provide readers with a detailed explanation of how this topic has influenced their worldview in particular.
Lastly, a good positionality essay leads readers through the process of how they came to hold these specific views while adding further context throughout their work.
How to write a positionality paper/essay
A positionality paper is an academic paper that focuses on the author’s perspective, values, and biases. This paper is also known as a standpoint paper or a personal statement.
A positionality paper can be written in order to explain how one became interested in a particular topic, or it can serve to justify why one should pursue a certain line of inquiry. Positionality papers are used extensively by social scientists who may need to explain the potential pitfalls involved with their research efforts. In fact, some journals will not publish articles from researchers whose identity is unclear or has been withheld from the editors for whatever reason.
Positionality essays typically include an abstract, an introduction, three body paragraphs , and a conclusion . A thesis statement should appear the end of your introduction; this statement will serve as a guiding principle for each of your essay body paragraphs.
Structure and Formatting
Introduction: The introduction to the positionality essay should include details about how you became interested in its subject matter, including any relevant background information that may be necessary for readers to understand why you are well-suited to write on this topic. The thesis statement also belongs at the end of the introduction so don’t forget it!
First body paragraph: The first body paragraph in a positionality paper should state your argument or claim. Remember that, when writing this paragraph, you are not merely restating your thesis . You need to set up an argument or idea that is well supported by evidence from the literature, and it needs to be fresh because this paper will have been read by many other researchers who are likely to have seen this argument before.
Second body paragraph: The second body paragraph should explore the implications of your argument. This is where you get to show off your analytical skills and demonstrate how you are thinking critically about the research topic at hand. What are the consequences of your argument? How might other researchers build upon your findings? What are the potential limitations of your analysis?
Other body paragraphs: The third and final body paragraph should provide a conclusion to your essay. This paragraph should not introduce any new arguments or ideas; rather, it should summarize what you have said in the previous paragraphs and suggest ways in which future work on this topic might be approached.
Remember that a positionality paper is not simply a personal statement; it is an opportunity for you to share your thoughts about a research topic with other scholars who are interested in hearing them. Be clear, concise, and well-argued in your writing, and you will be sure to make a strong impression on your readers.
The above is an example of how to write a positionality paper. Your own paper may vary somewhat, but this general essay structure should help you get started. See more here.
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