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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.

About the author

Muhammad Hassan

Researcher, Academic Writer, Web developer

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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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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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10.1 Making a Case: Defining a Position Argument

Learning outcomes.

By the end of this section, you will be able to:

• Apply key rhetorical concepts in presenting a position argument.
• Articulate how position and argument conventions are shaped by purpose, culture, and reasoning.

In writing, a genre is a category of literary composition. The genre for this chapter is a position arguments . In a position argument, your purpose is to present a perspective , or viewpoint, about a debatable issue and persuade readers that your perspective is correct or at least worthy of serious consideration. A debatable issue is one that is subject to uncertainty or to a difference of opinion; in college classes, a debatable issue is one that is complex and involves critical thinking. These issues are not rooted in absolutes; instead, they invite writers to explore all sides to discover the position they support. In examining and explaining their positions, writers provide reasoning and evidence about why their stance is correct.

Many people may interpret the word argument to mean a heated disagreement or quarrel. However, this is only one definition. In writing, argument —what Aristotle called rhetoric —means “working with a set of reasons and evidence for the purpose of persuading readers that a particular position is not only valid but also worthy of their support.” This approach is the basis of academic position writing.

Your instructor likely will require your position argument to include these elements, which resemble those of Aristotle’s classical argument. However, as you continue the development of your writing identity throughout this course, consider ways in which you want to support these conventions or challenge them for rhetorical purposes.

• Introduce the issue and your position on the issue.
• Explain and describe the issue.
• Address the opposition.
• Provide evidence to support your position.
• Offer your conclusion.

Position arguments must provide reasoning and evidence to support the validity of the author’s viewpoint. By offering strong support, writers seek to persuade their audiences to understand, accept, agree with, or take action regarding their viewpoints. In a college class, an audience is usually an instructor and other classmates. Outside of an academic setting, however, an audience includes anyone who might read the argument—employers, employees, colleagues, neighbors, and people of different ages or backgrounds or with different interests.

Before you think about writing, keep in mind that presenting a position is already part of your everyday life. You present reasoning to frame evidence that supports your opinions, whether you are persuading a friend to go to a certain restaurant, or persuading your supervisor to change your work schedule. Your reasoning and evidence emphasize the importance of the issue—to you. Position arguments are also valuable outside of academia. Opinion pieces and letters to the editor are essentially brief position texts that express writers’ viewpoints on current events topics. Moreover, government organizations and political campaigns often use position arguments to present detailed views of one side of a debatable issue.

On a larger scale, arguing in favor of a position is deeply rooted in the American political and social systems, in which free speech and, by extension, open debate are the essence of the democratic process. They are also at the heart of the academic process, in which scholars investigate issues dealing with science, society, and culture , or shared values, customs, arts, and other traits of any social group. However, in the academic world, unlike the political and legal worlds, posing position arguments is usually less about winning or losing than about changing minds, altering perceptions, or defending beliefs and ideas.

It is most useful to look at a position argument as rational disagreement rather than as a quarrel or contest. Rational disagreements occur most often in areas of genuine uncertainty about what is right, best, or most reasonable. In disciplines such as literature and history, position arguments commonly take the form of interpretation or analysis, in which the meaning of an idea or text is disputed. In disciplines such as engineering and business, position arguments commonly examine a problem and propose a solution. For example, a position paper in engineering might focus on improvement recommendations for systems in the oil and gas industry; a position paper in business might focus on technological changes that would benefit a particular company or industry.

In college, position arguments aim to persuade readers to agree with a particular viewpoint. Assignments commonly require you to take a stance on an issue and defend your position against attacks from skeptics or naysayers. You are asked to choose an issue, present a viewpoint about it, and support it with reasoning and evidence. Remember these basic points:

• Choose a debatable issue. A position argument that states, for instance, that three-year-old children can be left alone all evening is one with no room for debate, so the topic would not lead to an effective argument. Without a debate, there is no argument.
• Present a clear, definite viewpoint. Readers do not want to guess your position. Although you present both sides of a position, readers must be clear about which side you support.
• Support your viewpoint with reasoning and evidence. If, for instance, you are writing about backing a local proposal to remove a statute of a Civil War general who fought for the Confederacy, readers need to know why you favor its removal, why the statue was first erected, and how removal will help the community. You would then support each with cause-and-effect reasoning and evidence. For example, details that explain why you favor removal might include the general’s support of the Southern economic system sustained by enslavement. Details that explain why the statue was erected might include that the general was from the town and that his family was rich and influential enough to fund the creation and placement of the statue. Details that explain how the removal of the statue will affect the community might include the promotion of a feeling of solidarity with local citizens of all races and the end of negative publicity resulting from association with the general.
• Identify counterclaims (dissenting opinions). When you address differing or contradictory opinions, show empathy , the ability to understand and share the feelings of others, for those with dissenting views. If, for instance, people oppose a proposed new law because they think it will cost too much money, then explain why the money will be well spent or offset by savings in the future. Neither antagonize nor dismiss the opposition.

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How To Write the Perfect Position Paper

Opinions are like cars. Lots of people have them, but very few know how they actually work. At some point in high school, or college, you will be required to have an opinion on something. That’s the easy part. The hard part is providing that your opinion has merit. That’s the basic premise behind writing a position paper, or a persuasive essay. This is the time-tested academic tradition where you are required to stake out a meaningful position on an important subject and, subsequently, to provide relevant and verifiable evidence that your position is grounded in solid fact.

This is an important skill, not just in school or on social media, but in real life. So if you’re on the hunt for solid facts, check out our constantly growing library of The Most Controversial Topics For Your Position Paper .

We recognize, however, that knowing a lot of facts isn’t the same as being able to write about these facts in a convincing or authoritative way. Writing an excellent position paper is a multi-step process that requires you to integrate both fact and opinion into a coherent and compelling essay. Lucky for you, we’ve got a handy step-by-step guide on how to do this.

Read on to find how you can write the perfect position paper in 10 steps...

How To Write a Position Paper

1. choose a topic that interests you.

Start with something you actually care about. If given the freedom, choose a subject that has personal meaning for you. Having real passion for the subject matter can be energizing as you dive into the research and it can infuse your writing with authenticity.

Many students like to write about controversial topics. Our study starters cover the top 25 controversial topics today .

2. Develop a Thesis Statement

Once you’ve got a subject, it’s time to define exactly where you stand on the issue. What is the point you hope to prove in your position paper? And how do you plan to prove it? If you’re not sure exactly where you stand, this is the starting point in your research. Find out what some of the leading thinkers, journalists, and public figures are saying on the subject. Which viewpoint resonates most with you? You should come away from this process with a thesis statement that both indicates your viewpoint and lays out the supporting points that will ultimately shape your essay. For instance, if you’re writing about a policy issue, your thesis might say something like “The newly proposed policy to ______ would be beneficial to the general public because it would ______, _________, and ________.

3. Identify Credible Sources

As you begin your research, it is absolutely critical that you identify only credible sources including primary sources, scholarly journals, and articles from legitimate news outlets. Of course, every source has its own implicit biases. But as you identify and use these sources, it’s your job to identify and recognize those biases. You can use a source provided by a politically biased think tank as long as you explicitly identify that bias. The most important thing you can do, as you gather resources, is ensure that they come from valid outlets , that you recognize any affiliations that might shape their perspective, and that you eliminate any sources that peddle in disinformation.

For more tips on how to do this, check out our article on How Students Can Spot Fake News .

4. Build Your Reference List

Now that you’ve identified credible resources, create your reference list. Citation is a building block of both the research process and the broader concept of academic integrity. As a student, you are expected to draw on the findings of those who came before you. But you have to credit those scholars in order to do so. Make sure you adhere to the formatting style indicated by your academic institution, course, and instructor , whether you are required to write in MLA, APA, Chicago, or its exotic-sounding twin, Turabian. Purdue’s website provides one of the more reliable style guides for your formatting reference needs .

We have a database to help you find influential scholars in a variety of subjects. We also point out influencers related to nearly 30 of the most controversial topics

5. Do Your Research

This step is all about gathering information. Now that you’ve locked in your sources, it’s time to dive deeper. If you enjoy learning new things, this is the fun part. Get comfortable and start reading. Research is the process of discovery, so take your time. Allow yourself to become absorbed in the subject matter, to be immersed, to lose yourself in the information. But come up for air every once in a while so you can take notes. Gather the ideas, statistics, and direct quotes from your research that ultimately strengthen your argument. And don’t shy away from information that contradicts your argument either. This is meant to be a learning process, so allow your position on the subject to evolve as you are presented with new information. The thesis that you’ve written is a starting point, but it’s not set in stone. If your research leads you in a different direction, don’t be afraid to refine or even revise your thesis accordingly.

6. Outline Your Position Paper

Now that your thesis has been reinforced by research, create a basic outline for what you’ll be writing . If you do this part correctly, the rest should simply be a process of filling in the blanks. Below is a basic framework for how you might structure a position paper:

• Introduction
• Setting up the subject
• Thesis Statement
• Basic Argument
• Identification of Supporting Evidence
• Supporting Evidence 1
• Explanation
• Supporting Evidence 2
• Supporting Evidence 3
• Counterpoint
• Identification of Opposing Viewpoint(s)
• Refutation of Opposing Viewpoint(s)
• Reiterate Thesis
• Tie Together Supporting Arguments

7. Build Your Argument

The outline above is merely a framework. Now it’s up to you to infuse that framework with your personality, your perspective and your voice. Your thesis and supporting quotes are the bones of your essay, but you’ll be adding the flesh to those bones with your set ups and explanations. This is your chance to explain why the evidence located in your research makes you feel the way you do. Remember, you are writing a fact-based essay on something that should trigger emotions in both you and the reader. Do not be afraid to lean into these feelings for your writing, as long as you keep those feelings strongly grounded in the facts of the case.

8. Address the Counterpoint

No argument is complete without recognition of its counterpart. Your willingness to acknowledge opposing viewpoints is a show of faith in your own argument. This gives you a chance to provide an honest appraisal of an opposing viewpoint and to confront this appraisal with fact-based refutation.

9. Tie It All Together

Now that you’ve spent your time fully immersed in the argument, it’s time to pull the pieces together. Revisit your introduction. Your opening paragraph should be crisp, engaging, and straight to the point. Don’t bury the lead. The purpose of your essay should be stated early and clearly. Likewise, build a concluding section that offers a compelling way of restating the thesis while incorporating some of the new things we’ve learned from reading your essay. Tie your various supporting arguments together to illustrate that we have all learned enough to agree with your initial position. And revisit each of your supporting paragraphs to ensure that each idea logically flows into the next. Write natural segue sentences between paragraphs and ensure that the connection between each supporting argument and your thesis is clear .

10. Proof, Edit, Revise, Repeat

Now you’ve assembled an essay, but it needs work. That’s not an insult. Anything ever written always needs work. Start with proofing. Look for typos, grammatical errors and incomplete sentences. Give your essay a technical cleaning. But you should also read for style, tone and substance. Does your argument hang together? Is it compelling? Do you adequately prove your point? You may find that this is an opportunity to trim gratuitous information or to add supporting information that might strengthen your argument. And as you revise your essay, try reading your work out loud. Hearing your own words out loud can reveal areas where your point might not come across as clearly. Spend as much time as you need on this step. Don’t be afraid to make substantive changes during this process. Invariably, your final draft will be significantly stronger than your rough draft.

And I’ll leave you with just one more thought-one that has always helped me as a writer. This tip comes from author Henry Miller’s famous 11 Commandments of Writing . Among the numerous valuable tips you can draw from his list, my personal favorite says “Don’t be nervous. Work calmly, joyously, recklessly on whatever is in hand.”

This is great advice at any stage in your writing career. Dive in and write fearlessly.

And now that you’ve got a step-by-step roadmap for attacking your position paper, get more valuable tips, tricks, and hacks from our comprehensive collection of Study Guides and Study Starters .

And if you are struggling with how to take effective notes in class, check out our guide on note taking .

5 Steps to Writing a Position Paper

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• M.Ed., Education Administration, University of Georgia
• B.A., History, Armstrong State University

In a position paper assignment, your charge is to choose a side on a particular topic, sometimes controversial, and build up a case for your opinion or position. You will use facts, opinion, statistics, and other forms of evidence to convince your reader that your position is the best one. To do this, you'll collect research and craft an outline in order to create a well-constructed argument. Need an easy guide for how to write a position paper? Read on for five important steps.

Select a Topic for Your Position Paper

Your position paper centers around a topic that is supported by research. Your topic and position have to hold up when challenged, so it's helpful to research a few topics and pick the one you can best argue, even if it may not reflect your personal beliefs. In many cases, the subject matter and your topic are not as important as your ability to make a strong case. Your topic can be simple or complex, but your argument must be sound and logical.

Conduct Preliminary Research

Preliminary research is necessary to determine whether sufficient evidence is available to back up your stance. You don’t want to get too attached to a topic that falls apart under a challenge.

Search a few reputable sites, like education (.edu) sites and government (.gov) sites, to find professional studies and statistics. If you come up with nothing after an hour of searching, or if you find that your position doesn’t stand up to the findings on reputable sites, choose another topic. This could save you from a lot of frustration later.

Challenge Your Own Topic

You must know the opposite view as well as you know your own stance when you take a position. Take the time to determine all the possible challenges that you might face as you support your view. Your position paper must address the opposing view and chip away at it with counter-evidence. Consider having friends, colleagues, or family debate the topic with you to get alternative points of view that you might not have readily considered yourself. When you find arguments for the other side of your position, you can address them in a fair manner, and then state why they are not sound.

Another helpful exercise is to draw a line down the middle of a plain sheet of paper and list your points on one side and list opposing points on the other side. Which argument is really better? If it looks like your opposition might outnumber you with valid points, you should reconsider your topic or your stance on the topic.

Continue to Collect Supporting Evidence

Once you’ve determined that your position is supportable and the opposite position is (in your opinion) weaker than your own, you are ready to branch out with your research. Go to a library and conduct a search, or ask the reference librarian to help you find more sources. You can, of course, conduct online research as well, but it's important to know how to properly vet the validity of the sources you use . Ensure that your articles are written by reputable sources, and be wary of singular sources that differ from the norm, as these are often subjective rather than factual in nature.

Try to collect a variety of sources, and include both an expert’s opinion (doctor, lawyer, or professor, for example) and personal experience (from a friend or family member) that can add an emotional appeal to your topic. These statements should support your own position but should read differently than your own words. The point of these is to add depth to your argument or provide anecdotal support.

Create a Position Paper Outline

A position paper can be arranged in the following format:

1. Introduce your topic with some basic background information. Build up to your thesis sentence , which asserts your position. Sample points:

• For decades, the FDA has required that warning labels should be placed on certain products that pose a threat to public health.
• Fast food restaurants are bad for our health.
• Fast food packages should contain warning labels.

2. Introduce possible objections to your position. Sample points:

• Such labels would affect the profits of major corporations.
• Many people would see this as overreaching government control.
• Whose job is it to determine which restaurants are bad? Who draws the line?
• The program would be costly.

3. Support and acknowledge the opposing points. Just be sure you aren't discrediting your own views. Sample points:

• It would be difficult and expensive for any entity to determine which restaurants should adhere to the policy.
• Nobody wants to see the government overstepping its boundaries.
• Funding would fall on the shoulders of taxpayers.

4. Explain that your position is still the best one, despite the strength of counter-arguments. This is where you can work to discredit some of the counter-arguments and support your own. Sample points:

• The cost would be countered by the improvement of public health.
• Restaurants might improve the standards of food if warning labels were put into place.
• One role of the government is to keep citizens safe.
• The government already does this with drugs and cigarettes.

5. Summarize your argument and restate your position. End your paper focusing on your argument and avoid the counter-arguments. You want your audience to walk away with your view on the topic being one that resonates with them.

When you write a position paper, write with confidence and state your opinion with authority. After all, your goal is to demonstrate that your position is the correct one.

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How to Write a Positionality Statement: A Step-by-Step Guide

Developing a positionality statement is a critical aspect of research, particularly in social sciences and humanities. In this article, we will provide you with a comprehensive step-by-step guide to help you write an effective positionality statement. We will explore what positionality statements are, why they are important, and how to craft them using HTML formatting.

Understanding Positionality Statements

Before we dive into the process of writing a positionality statement, let's first establish what it is and explore its significance.

A positionality statement is a written document that outlines an individual's social, cultural, political, and personal locations. It provides a clear understanding of the researcher's background, also specifying their biases, assumptions, and values.

Positionality statements are essential because they provide readers with insight into how researchers' backgrounds and experiences shape the research they conduct. It also helps researchers acknowledge implicit biases and assists readers in understanding the contexts of the research.

For instance, if a researcher is conducting research on the experiences of African American women, their positionality statement may include information about their own experiences as a woman of color. This information can help readers understand the researcher's perspective and how it may influence the research findings.

Furthermore, positionality statements can also help researchers reflect on their own biases and assumptions. By acknowledging their own positionality, researchers can strive to conduct research that is more objective and inclusive.

It is also important to note that positionality is not just limited to the individual researcher. The positionality of the research participants should also be taken into account. For example, if a researcher is conducting research on the experiences of LGBTQ+ individuals, they should consider their own positionality as well as the positionality of the participants. This can help ensure that the research is conducted in a respectful and ethical manner.

In conclusion, positionality statements are crucial in research because they provide readers with insight into the researcher's background, biases, and assumptions. They also help researchers reflect on their own positionality and strive for more objective and inclusive research. By acknowledging positionality, researchers can conduct research that is respectful and ethical to all involved.

Preparing to Write Your Positionality Statement

Now that we have established the importance of positionality statements, let's dive into how to prepare to write one.

A positionality statement is a statement that explains your personal and cultural background and how it may impact your research. It is important to write a positionality statement to acknowledge any biases or assumptions you may have and to ensure that your research is conducted in an ethical and transparent manner.

Reflecting on Your Personal Background

The first step in preparing to write your positionality statement is reflecting on your background. Start by thinking about your race, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, religion, social class, and any other identities that might impact your research.

Reflect on your experiences and how they have shaped your perception. Think about how your personal and cultural background may inform your research questions and methods. For example, if you are a person of color researching racism, your personal experiences with racism may influence your research questions and methods.

It is important to note that your personal background is not the only factor that may impact your research. Your professional background and educational experiences may also play a role in shaping your research questions and methods.

Identifying Your Biases and Assumptions

The next step in preparing to write your positionality statement is identifying your biases and assumptions.

Consider any assumptions you may have about your research topic and anything that may influence your take on the subject. If you are aware of your biases, you can be sure to address them in your research. For example, if you are researching a controversial topic, such as abortion, it is important to acknowledge any personal biases you may have on the subject.

It is also important to consider any power dynamics that may exist between you and your research participants. For example, if you are a white researcher studying a marginalized community, you may hold more power in the research relationship, which may impact your research findings.

Considering Your Research Context

Lastly, think about your research context and how it may affect your positionality statement. Consider the environment in which you will conduct your research, such as the type of participants, location, and how long your research will last.

It is important to consider any potential ethical concerns that may arise during your research, such as confidentiality and informed consent. Additionally, it is important to consider how your research may impact the participants and the community in which you are conducting your research.

By reflecting on your personal background, identifying your biases and assumptions, and considering your research context, you can prepare to write a thoughtful and transparent positionality statement that will enhance the quality of your research.

Crafting Your Positionality Statement

With your preparation completed, you can now start to craft your positionality statement. We will break this down into four basic steps.

Step 1: Introduce Yourself and Your Background

The first step is to provide a brief introduction of yourself and your background to the reader. Include information about your personal and cultural identities, background, and experiences. Also, give insight into your academic and professional background, which could include your degree qualifications and research interests.

Step 2: Discuss Your Research Interests and Goals

Next, you should describe your research interests and goals. In this section, be specific about the research questions you are seeking to answer and the methodologies you plan to use.

You can also discuss how your research interests connect to your personal and cultural background. Be honest and transparent about the reasons why you are interested in this research.

Step 3: Address Your Biases and Assumptions

It's important to acknowledge any biases and assumptions you may have in your research. Whether they are positive or negative, address them in this section.

Use clear and concise language to outline your assumptions and be honest. Doing so will help others see how your experiences and perspectives shape your research.

Step 4: Explain How Your Positionality Influences Your Research

Finally, explain how your positionality influences your research. In this section, discuss how your background, values, experiences, and biases shape your research. If possible, give examples of how your positionality has affected the research process or outcomes.

Tips for Writing an Effective Positionality Statement

Now that you have learned how to craft your positionality statement, let's go over some tips that will help you craft a powerful and effective one.

Be Honest and Transparent

Honesty and transparency are key when writing a positionality statement. Be upfront about your background, values, experiences, and biases. Don't try to hide or sugarcoat anything.

Use Clear and Concise Language

Remember, your goal is to communicate clearly with your audience. Use clear and concise language, avoid jargon, and explain any difficult concepts.

Provide Examples to Illustrate Your Points

Examples can be extremely helpful in illustrating your points. Adding examples would make your positionality statement easier to understand for your audience.

Final Thoughts

By following the steps mentioned in this article, you can write a comprehensive and effective positionality statement. Remember that your objective is to be reflective and transparent about your research, communicating your perspective to others.

Writing your statement can be daunting, but with a little guidance, it should be easier to accomplish. You now have a clear understanding of what positionality statements are, why they are important, and a detailed guide on how to write one. Good luck!

ChatGPT Prompt for Writing a Positionality Statement

Chatgpt prompt.

Compose a thorough and detailed statement that outlines your positionality, including your background, experiences, beliefs, and values, in order to provide insight into the lens through which you view and approach various issues and topics.

[ADD ADDITIONAL CONTEXT. CAN USE BULLET POINTS.]

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25 Thesis Statement Examples

Chris Drew (PhD)

Dr. Chris Drew is the founder of the Helpful Professor. He holds a PhD in education and has published over 20 articles in scholarly journals. He is the former editor of the Journal of Learning Development in Higher Education. [Image Descriptor: Photo of Chris]

Learn about our Editorial Process

A thesis statement is needed in an essay or dissertation . There are multiple types of thesis statements – but generally we can divide them into expository and argumentative. An expository statement is a statement of fact (common in expository essays and process essays) while an argumentative statement is a statement of opinion (common in argumentative essays and dissertations). Below are examples of each.

Strong Thesis Statement Examples

1. School Uniforms

“Mandatory school uniforms should be implemented in educational institutions as they promote a sense of equality, reduce distractions, and foster a focused and professional learning environment.”

Best For: Argumentative Essay or Debate

Read More: School Uniforms Pros and Cons

2. Nature vs Nurture

“This essay will explore how both genetic inheritance and environmental factors equally contribute to shaping human behavior and personality.”

Best For: Compare and Contrast Essay

Read More: Nature vs Nurture Debate

3. American Dream

“The American Dream, a symbol of opportunity and success, is increasingly elusive in today’s socio-economic landscape, revealing deeper inequalities in society.”

Best For: Persuasive Essay

Read More: What is the American Dream?

4. Social Media

“Social media has revolutionized communication and societal interactions, but it also presents significant challenges related to privacy, mental health, and misinformation.”

Best For: Expository Essay

Read More: The Pros and Cons of Social Media

5. Globalization

“Globalization has created a world more interconnected than ever before, yet it also amplifies economic disparities and cultural homogenization.”

Read More: Globalization Pros and Cons

6. Urbanization

“Urbanization drives economic growth and social development, but it also poses unique challenges in sustainability and quality of life.”

Read More: Learn about Urbanization

7. Immigration

“Immigration enriches receiving countries culturally and economically, outweighing any perceived social or economic burdens.”

Read More: Immigration Pros and Cons

8. Cultural Identity

“In a globalized world, maintaining distinct cultural identities is crucial for preserving cultural diversity and fostering global understanding, despite the challenges of assimilation and homogenization.”

Best For: Argumentative Essay

Read More: Learn about Cultural Identity

9. Technology

“Medical technologies in care institutions in Toronto has increased subjcetive outcomes for patients with chronic pain.”

Best For: Research Paper

10. Capitalism vs Socialism

“The debate between capitalism and socialism centers on balancing economic freedom and inequality, each presenting distinct approaches to resource distribution and social welfare.”

11. Cultural Heritage

“The preservation of cultural heritage is essential, not only for cultural identity but also for educating future generations, outweighing the arguments for modernization and commercialization.”

12. Pseudoscience

“Pseudoscience, characterized by a lack of empirical support, continues to influence public perception and decision-making, often at the expense of scientific credibility.”

Read More: Examples of Pseudoscience

13. Free Will

“The concept of free will is largely an illusion, with human behavior and decisions predominantly determined by biological and environmental factors.”

Read More: Do we have Free Will?

14. Gender Roles

“Traditional gender roles are outdated and harmful, restricting individual freedoms and perpetuating gender inequalities in modern society.”

Read More: What are Traditional Gender Roles?

15. Work-Life Ballance

“The trend to online and distance work in the 2020s led to improved subjective feelings of work-life balance but simultaneously increased self-reported loneliness.”

Read More: Work-Life Balance Examples

16. Universal Healthcare

“Universal healthcare is a fundamental human right and the most effective system for ensuring health equity and societal well-being, outweighing concerns about government involvement and costs.”

Read More: The Pros and Cons of Universal Healthcare

17. Minimum Wage

“The implementation of a fair minimum wage is vital for reducing economic inequality, yet it is often contentious due to its potential impact on businesses and employment rates.”

Read More: The Pros and Cons of Raising the Minimum Wage

18. Homework

“The homework provided throughout this semester has enabled me to achieve greater self-reflection, identify gaps in my knowledge, and reinforce those gaps through spaced repetition.”

Best For: Reflective Essay

Read More: Reasons Homework Should be Banned

19. Charter Schools

“Charter schools offer alternatives to traditional public education, promising innovation and choice but also raising questions about accountability and educational equity.”

Read More: The Pros and Cons of Charter Schools

20. Effects of the Internet

“The Internet has drastically reshaped human communication, access to information, and societal dynamics, generally with a net positive effect on society.”

Read More: The Pros and Cons of the Internet

21. Affirmative Action

“Affirmative action is essential for rectifying historical injustices and achieving true meritocracy in education and employment, contrary to claims of reverse discrimination.”

Best For: Essay

Read More: Affirmative Action Pros and Cons

22. Soft Skills

“Soft skills, such as communication and empathy, are increasingly recognized as essential for success in the modern workforce, and therefore should be a strong focus at school and university level.”

Read More: Soft Skills Examples

23. Moral Panic

“Moral panic, often fueled by media and cultural anxieties, can lead to exaggerated societal responses that sometimes overlook rational analysis and evidence.”

Read More: Moral Panic Examples

24. Freedom of the Press

“Freedom of the press is critical for democracy and informed citizenship, yet it faces challenges from censorship, media bias, and the proliferation of misinformation.”

Read More: Freedom of the Press Examples

25. Mass Media

“Mass media shapes public opinion and cultural norms, but its concentration of ownership and commercial interests raise concerns about bias and the quality of information.”

Best For: Critical Analysis

Read More: Mass Media Examples

Checklist: How to use your Thesis Statement

✅ Position: If your statement is for an argumentative or persuasive essay, or a dissertation, ensure it takes a clear stance on the topic. ✅ Specificity: It addresses a specific aspect of the topic, providing focus for the essay. ✅ Conciseness: Typically, a thesis statement is one to two sentences long. It should be concise, clear, and easily identifiable. ✅ Direction: The thesis statement guides the direction of the essay, providing a roadmap for the argument, narrative, or explanation. ✅ Evidence-based: While the thesis statement itself doesn’t include evidence, it sets up an argument that can be supported with evidence in the body of the essay. ✅ Placement: Generally, the thesis statement is placed at the end of the introduction of an essay.

Try These AI Prompts – Thesis Statement Generator!

One way to brainstorm thesis statements is to get AI to brainstorm some for you! Try this AI prompt:

💡 AI PROMPT FOR EXPOSITORY THESIS STATEMENT I am writing an essay on [TOPIC] and these are the instructions my teacher gave me: [INSTUCTIONS]. I want you to create an expository thesis statement that doesn’t argue a position, but demonstrates depth of knowledge about the topic.

💡 AI PROMPT FOR ARGUMENTATIVE THESIS STATEMENT I am writing an essay on [TOPIC] and these are the instructions my teacher gave me: [INSTRUCTIONS]. I want you to create an argumentative thesis statement that clearly takes a position on this issue.

💡 AI PROMPT FOR COMPARE AND CONTRAST THESIS STATEMENT I am writing a compare and contrast essay that compares [Concept 1] and [Concept2]. Give me 5 potential single-sentence thesis statements that remain objective.

• Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/chris-drew-phd-2/ 10 Reasons you’re Perpetually Single
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• How To Take a Position in an Essay

What’s your favorite dinner? Got it. You’ve just taken a position. Sure it’s not much of one, but at least you’ve made a decision, and that’s where taking a position starts. In terms of writing an essay or position paper, a good position is one that gives you ample material to argue it. Your strong position is found in your   thesis statement , which you will develop as you think about and choose your position. 

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When taking a position...

Is a prompt more like an open or closed question?

What is a position?

Where does your position belong, first and foremost?

When should you  not reassess your position?

Your position is defensible and has no possibility for argument. Is it a strong position for an essay?

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Taking a Position in an Essay

A position is your stance on an open question or prompt . To understand an open question, let's first take a look at a closed question, which has no room for discussion about a topic.

Why do things fall down, not up?

To answer this closed question, you would recite facts about gravity.

On the other hand, an open question does have room for discussion about a topic.

Should fast food chains be allowed to advertise to children?

To answer this open question, you would use facts in order to support your position .

Now take a position for yourself. Should fast food chains be allowed to advertise to children?

Some people might find this easy to answer. Others might find it hard to answer. So, what if you are in the latter group and don't have a hot take on fast food's business ethics? What if you don't have a strong opinion on whatever topic you are told to write about?

That’s fine—hey, it happens—but, taking a position begins with making a decision. When writing a position paper on a topic you are lukewarm toward, use these tips to help you:

Think about how the prompt relates to you. When you were a kid, did you like being advertised to? Did it annoy you, or do you feel nostalgic about it? Did it hurt you or disillusion you? Did it broaden your mind or prepare you for the real world? Did you ever notice how advertising affected your friends or siblings?

Think about how the prompt relates to others, and empathize. If you were a parent, would you care? Do you sympathize with this parent? If you were an advocate of free speech, would you care? Do you sympathize with this advocate?

If all else fails, take the position you feel strongest about. You might find your stance strengthened with time!

So, you've taken a position on the topic. Now the question is, can you make arguments to support your point? Are there counterarguments? It's time to turn your position into a thesis statement .

Make your Essay Position Stronger

It’s one thing to take a position. It’s another thing to take a position that makes for a great paper. A strong position statement is put in your thesis statement.

Thesis Statement: A sentence that states your position on a complex and arguable topic.

How are we supposed to know if we have a thesis statement, though, or something weaker? Let’s start with a non-position and grow it into a thesis statement.

Defining a non-position

A non-position is a brief personal decision regarding an inconsequential topic. This decision lasts mere moments.

I'm having pizza for dinner.

Defining a weak personal position

A weak personal position is a personal decision regarding an inconsequential topic. This decision could last days, months, or years. It remains weak because there is no argument to be had with someone else.

Pizza is my favorite dinner.

Defining a personal position

A personal position gets other people involved, but the argument you could have with someone else would be a battle of opinions, not facts. A strong position has a specific claim. This could still be an opinion, and would need to be supported with evidence , but it presents a particular claim.

Pizza is the best dinner.

Example of a weak position

A weak position is like a personal position, but it is limited. You are beginning to form an argument about a specific topic.

Papa Domino’s Pizza Shack has the tastiest pizza among pizza chains.

Here, the scope of the argument is limited to only pizza chains. You could also cite some “ evidence ” to support this argument, such as sales figures and polls. But would you be able to prove that these things cause an improvement in the quality of the pizza, or are they just correlated?

Causation vs. Correlation: When taking your position on a topic, always bear in mind how you are going to support that position. Helpful in this endeavor is knowing the difference between causation and correlation.

Causation proves cause and effect, while correlation suggests cause and effect. You want to prove causation because proving cause and effect supports a position. Suggesting a cause and effect relationship proves nothing. Take a position and prove causation with a lot of strong, non-circumstantial evidence!Here's a useful trick. Take a cause and effect relationship, then imagine that the cause stops. Can you prove with evidence that the effect would also stop? If you can't prove this, you might have a case of correlation on your hands.

Example of a position

A position is an arguable idea. It is your stance on an open question or prompt.

Papa Domino’s Pizza Shack has the healthiest pizza among pizza chains.

Unlike taste, there is a science to healthfulness. Calories, fat, ingredients, and more can be referenced to support this position. You can cite evidence. The position remains arguable because an opponent might place different emphases on the relevant pieces of evidence.

So have we arrived at a thesis statement yet? Can we start our position paper? Not quite yet, but we are almost there. The final step is making your position complex.

Position on the Issue Example

It's now time to turn our position into a thesis statement.

Papa Domino’s Pizza Shack, which has some of the healthiest pizza among pizza chains, is leading the fight against childhood obesity among its competitors, not only with its healthy pizza options but with successful ad campaigns and a truly modern company culture.

This thesis statement is loaded, as there are many points in it that need to be supported. It needs so much support, in fact , that you could write a whole position paper about it!

Not only does the claim "Papa Domino's Pizza Shack has some of the healthiest pizza" require support, but so does the claim that it is "leading the fight among its competitors," has "successful ad campaigns," and has a "truly modern company culture." What even is a "truly modern" company culture? Presumably, this paper will explain that and tie it into how Papa Domino’s Pizza Shack is leading the fight against childhood obesity.

We use the term "complex" to describe a great thesis statement because there are many ways attack it and defend it. A good position has a lot of room for discussion —so much room for it that you don't have time or space to possibly cover every argument. If you can cover every argument against your thesis statement in your paper, you might consider a different position that allows for more discussion.

Now that we have defined a good position (in a thesis statement), let's discuss the language of writing one for yourself.

Writing a Position in an Essay

Your position will be clearly stated in the introductory paragraph of your essay or position paper. When it comes to writing the position itself, here are some do’s and don’ts.

Do be clear when taking a position

This is no time to hide behind vague words and ideas. When taking a position in an essay, be sure you actually take a position . A vague position doesn't get your point across, such as this statement:

Non-organic fertilizer has interesting qualities when compared to organic fertilizer.

Even at the risk of hurting the feelings of non-organic fertilizer, you should say what you mean about the topic. The word "interesting" is vague. A clear position leaves no doubt in anyone's mind.

Organic fertilizer has superior qualities to non-organic fertilizer.

Do not exaggerate your position

It’s great to take a strong stance, but don’t go too far. You are writing an essay or position paper, not a clickbait article. “They won’t believe what I say next!” shouldn’t be something you think when turning in your paper. Keep all your arguments within the realm of reason. You are concerned with the facts.

Do think ahead about the rest of your paper

To study smarter, always think ahead. Consider how many body paragraphs you can crank out using your chosen position, and consider your introduction and conclusion. Your position might seem really juicy at the outset, but shrivel as you outline it.

Do not fear reassessing your position

If your position is doomed to failure, don’t fear letting go. The longer you hold onto a weak position, the more time you waste. While it’s good to get as much out of your position as possible, understand that it has limits. Don’t wait for your pen to run dry three paragraphs in. Write a new position.

Taking a position in a timed essay: Whether it is for a classroom or standardized test, you will need to take a position on a short, timed essay prompt. To set yourself up for success, take the position for which you have the most evidence memorized. In a timed essay, your goal is to create a well-supported argument that demonstrates your knowledge of the prompt.

So don’t worry as much about your passion for the topic, or about opening the floor to limitless debate. When taking a position in a timed essay, reading comprehension is the skill to utilize. You want to prove how much you remembered and understood.

How to take a position in an essay - Key takeaways

• A position is your stance on an open question or prompt. Avoid trying to take a position on a closed question.
• Choose a relatable position. If you feel strongly about your position, you will have more to write.
• The thesis statement is where you state your strong position.
• A thesis statement needs to be multi-faceted, meaning it has many faces to attack and defend.
• Outline your paper to be sure your position supplies enough material to write about

Flashcards in How To Take a Position in an Essay 15

Avoid personal positions

Open. This means there is room for debate.

"How does a balloon stay afloat?"

Is this a closed question?

Yes. The answer is known science.

Your stance on an open question or prompt.

A position is stated in the first body paragraph.

Clarity is a secondary concern when taking a position.

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Frequently Asked Questions about How To Take a Position in an Essay

What is a position in an essay?

A position is your stance on an open question or prompt. It is arguable from both sides.

How do you introduce a position in an essay?

You should introduce your position in your essay in your introductory paragraph; more specifically, in your thesis statement, which should be in your introductory paragraph. 

How do you write a position statement for an essay?

A strong position statement is a thesis statement: a complex and arguable position on a topic. A thesis statement has many ways to attack it and defend it, and has a lot of room for discussion.

How do you take a position in an essay?

Take a position in an essay by thinking about how the prompt relates to you. Think about how the prompt relates to others, and empathize. Take a position that has arguments and counterarguments, and for which you have a lot of evidence.

How do you take a position in an argumentative essay?

Take a position that has arguments and counterarguments, and for which you have a lot of evidence.

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The Beginner's Guide to Writing an Essay | Steps & Examples

An academic essay is a focused piece of writing that develops an idea or argument using evidence, analysis, and interpretation.

There are many types of essays you might write as a student. The content and length of an essay depends on your level, subject of study, and course requirements. However, most essays at university level are argumentative — they aim to persuade the reader of a particular position or perspective on a topic.

The essay writing process consists of three main stages:

• Preparation: Decide on your topic, do your research, and create an essay outline.
• Writing : Set out your argument in the introduction, develop it with evidence in the main body, and wrap it up with a conclusion.
• Revision:  Check your essay on the content, organization, grammar, spelling, and formatting of your essay.

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Table of contents

Essay writing process, preparation for writing an essay, writing the introduction, writing the main body, writing the conclusion, essay checklist, lecture slides, frequently asked questions about writing an essay.

The writing process of preparation, writing, and revisions applies to every essay or paper, but the time and effort spent on each stage depends on the type of essay .

For example, if you’ve been assigned a five-paragraph expository essay for a high school class, you’ll probably spend the most time on the writing stage; for a college-level argumentative essay , on the other hand, you’ll need to spend more time researching your topic and developing an original argument before you start writing.

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Before you start writing, you should make sure you have a clear idea of what you want to say and how you’re going to say it. There are a few key steps you can follow to make sure you’re prepared:

• Understand your assignment: What is the goal of this essay? What is the length and deadline of the assignment? Is there anything you need to clarify with your teacher or professor?
• Define a topic: If you’re allowed to choose your own topic , try to pick something that you already know a bit about and that will hold your interest.
• Do your research: Read  primary and secondary sources and take notes to help you work out your position and angle on the topic. You’ll use these as evidence for your points.
• Come up with a thesis:  The thesis is the central point or argument that you want to make. A clear thesis is essential for a focused essay—you should keep referring back to it as you write.
• Create an outline: Map out the rough structure of your essay in an outline . This makes it easier to start writing and keeps you on track as you go.

Once you’ve got a clear idea of what you want to discuss, in what order, and what evidence you’ll use, you’re ready to start writing.

The introduction sets the tone for your essay. It should grab the reader’s interest and inform them of what to expect. The introduction generally comprises 10–20% of the text.

1. Hook your reader

The first sentence of the introduction should pique your reader’s interest and curiosity. This sentence is sometimes called the hook. It might be an intriguing question, a surprising fact, or a bold statement emphasizing the relevance of the topic.

Let’s say we’re writing an essay about the development of Braille (the raised-dot reading and writing system used by visually impaired people). Our hook can make a strong statement about the topic:

The invention of Braille was a major turning point in the history of disability.

2. Provide background on your topic

Next, it’s important to give context that will help your reader understand your argument. This might involve providing background information, giving an overview of important academic work or debates on the topic, and explaining difficult terms. Don’t provide too much detail in the introduction—you can elaborate in the body of your essay.

3. Present the thesis statement

Next, you should formulate your thesis statement— the central argument you’re going to make. The thesis statement provides focus and signals your position on the topic. It is usually one or two sentences long. The thesis statement for our essay on Braille could look like this:

As the first writing system designed for blind people’s needs, Braille was a groundbreaking new accessibility tool. It not only provided practical benefits, but also helped change the cultural status of blindness.

4. Map the structure

In longer essays, you can end the introduction by briefly describing what will be covered in each part of the essay. This guides the reader through your structure and gives a preview of how your argument will develop.

The invention of Braille marked a major turning point in the history of disability. The writing system of raised dots used by blind and visually impaired people was developed by Louis Braille in nineteenth-century France. In a society that did not value disabled people in general, blindness was particularly stigmatized, and lack of access to reading and writing was a significant barrier to social participation. The idea of tactile reading was not entirely new, but existing methods based on sighted systems were difficult to learn and use. As the first writing system designed for blind people’s needs, Braille was a groundbreaking new accessibility tool. It not only provided practical benefits, but also helped change the cultural status of blindness. This essay begins by discussing the situation of blind people in nineteenth-century Europe. It then describes the invention of Braille and the gradual process of its acceptance within blind education. Subsequently, it explores the wide-ranging effects of this invention on blind people’s social and cultural lives.

Write your essay introduction

The body of your essay is where you make arguments supporting your thesis, provide evidence, and develop your ideas. Its purpose is to present, interpret, and analyze the information and sources you have gathered to support your argument.

Length of the body text

The length of the body depends on the type of essay. On average, the body comprises 60–80% of your essay. For a high school essay, this could be just three paragraphs, but for a graduate school essay of 6,000 words, the body could take up 8–10 pages.

Paragraph structure

To give your essay a clear structure , it is important to organize it into paragraphs . Each paragraph should be centered around one main point or idea.

That idea is introduced in a  topic sentence . The topic sentence should generally lead on from the previous paragraph and introduce the point to be made in this paragraph. Transition words can be used to create clear connections between sentences.

After the topic sentence, present evidence such as data, examples, or quotes from relevant sources. Be sure to interpret and explain the evidence, and show how it helps develop your overall argument.

Lack of access to reading and writing put blind people at a serious disadvantage in nineteenth-century society. Text was one of the primary methods through which people engaged with culture, communicated with others, and accessed information; without a well-developed reading system that did not rely on sight, blind people were excluded from social participation (Weygand, 2009). While disabled people in general suffered from discrimination, blindness was widely viewed as the worst disability, and it was commonly believed that blind people were incapable of pursuing a profession or improving themselves through culture (Weygand, 2009). This demonstrates the importance of reading and writing to social status at the time: without access to text, it was considered impossible to fully participate in society. Blind people were excluded from the sighted world, but also entirely dependent on sighted people for information and education.

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The conclusion is the final paragraph of an essay. It should generally take up no more than 10–15% of the text . A strong essay conclusion :

• Returns to your thesis
• Ties together your main points
• Shows why your argument matters

A great conclusion should finish with a memorable or impactful sentence that leaves the reader with a strong final impression.

What not to include in a conclusion

To make your essay’s conclusion as strong as possible, there are a few things you should avoid. The most common mistakes are:

• Including new arguments or evidence
• Undermining your arguments (e.g. “This is just one approach of many”)
• Using concluding phrases like “To sum up…” or “In conclusion…”

Braille paved the way for dramatic cultural changes in the way blind people were treated and the opportunities available to them. Louis Braille’s innovation was to reimagine existing reading systems from a blind perspective, and the success of this invention required sighted teachers to adapt to their students’ reality instead of the other way around. In this sense, Braille helped drive broader social changes in the status of blindness. New accessibility tools provide practical advantages to those who need them, but they can also change the perspectives and attitudes of those who do not.

Write your essay conclusion

Checklist: Essay

My essay follows the requirements of the assignment (topic and length ).

My introduction sparks the reader’s interest and provides any necessary background information on the topic.

My introduction contains a thesis statement that states the focus and position of the essay.

I use paragraphs to structure the essay.

I use topic sentences to introduce each paragraph.

Each paragraph has a single focus and a clear connection to the thesis statement.

I make clear transitions between paragraphs and ideas.

My conclusion doesn’t just repeat my points, but draws connections between arguments.

I don’t introduce new arguments or evidence in the conclusion.

I have given an in-text citation for every quote or piece of information I got from another source.

I have included a reference page at the end of my essay, listing full details of all my sources.

My citations and references are correctly formatted according to the required citation style .

My essay has an interesting and informative title.

I have followed all formatting guidelines (e.g. font, page numbers, line spacing).

Your essay meets all the most important requirements. Our editors can give it a final check to help you submit with confidence.

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An essay is a focused piece of writing that explains, argues, describes, or narrates.

In high school, you may have to write many different types of essays to develop your writing skills.

Academic essays at college level are usually argumentative : you develop a clear thesis about your topic and make a case for your position using evidence, analysis and interpretation.

The structure of an essay is divided into an introduction that presents your topic and thesis statement , a body containing your in-depth analysis and arguments, and a conclusion wrapping up your ideas.

The structure of the body is flexible, but you should always spend some time thinking about how you can organize your essay to best serve your ideas.

Your essay introduction should include three main things, in this order:

• An opening hook to catch the reader’s attention.
• Relevant background information that the reader needs to know.
• A thesis statement that presents your main point or argument.

The length of each part depends on the length and complexity of your essay .

A thesis statement is a sentence that sums up the central point of your paper or essay . Everything else you write should relate to this key idea.

The thesis statement is essential in any academic essay or research paper for two main reasons:

• It gives your writing direction and focus.
• It gives the reader a concise summary of your main point.

Without a clear thesis statement, an essay can end up rambling and unfocused, leaving your reader unsure of exactly what you want to say.

A topic sentence is a sentence that expresses the main point of a paragraph . Everything else in the paragraph should relate to the topic sentence.

At college level, you must properly cite your sources in all essays , research papers , and other academic texts (except exams and in-class exercises).

Add a citation whenever you quote , paraphrase , or summarize information or ideas from a source. You should also give full source details in a bibliography or reference list at the end of your text.

The exact format of your citations depends on which citation style you are instructed to use. The most common styles are APA , MLA , and Chicago .

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What Is a Position Statement (+How to Write One)

May 17, 2024

Your company’s position statement, in essence, should capture everything your business is and does in one or two sentences.

But what does that mean? How do you write one? And what do you do with it once you’ve done that? Let’s start with the first question and work our way through. In some ways, it’s easier to talk about what a position statement is not before going back to talk about what it is .

What a position statement is not

It isn’t a tagline, strapline, slogan, ethos statement, statement of intent, or a marketing brief.

It isn’t an externally-facing statement. It isn’t something you write once, paint it on your wall, and ignore it for the next five years. (Although you could do that second part if you really wanted, but only if you really enjoy redecorating every year or so).

It isn’t something that is going to sum up your goals or ambitions or where you see your business in the next five-to-10 years.

What is a position statement?

A position statement sums up the very essence of your business right at this moment in time. A position statement is all about the here and now. It’s a living thing, it will change and evolve over time.

A position statement is for your use only – an internal brand marketing guideline for who you are, what you do, and why you’re the best at it. But it has to be short. We’re talking one or two sentences.

The example you’ll see all over the internet if you Google “position statement” is one from Amazon.com in 2001 (when the brand really only sold books – I know, how quaint it seems now):

"For World Wide Web users who enjoy books, Amazon.com is a retail bookseller that provides instant access to over 1.1 million books. Unlike traditional book retailers, Amazon.com provides a combination of extraordinary convenience, low prices, and comprehensive selection."

In that statement, Amazon explained who it was, what its customers wanted of it, and what it was better at than everyone else in that market. These things always make sense when you see the perfect example, though, don’t they? But how can you start to craft a position statement for your business?

How to write a position statement

I won’t lie to you, writing a position statement is not something you knock out after a 30-minute leadership meeting. You need to go through three (deceptively simple) questions: who, where, and so what?

Step 1: Who?

You need to start by finding out what your customers think about you. Then your employees. And then, if you can find out, your competition.

This is a great exercise because it gives you an idea of where you stand (feeding your position statement), but also can highlight areas of improvement.

Step 2: Where?

Be really clear and, most importantly, honest about what market you are in and where in that market you currently sit. Go back and reflect on what your employees, customers, and competition said about you. Think about how they’d describe your position in the marketplace.

This is the time to be precise and very clearly in defining which market you are in, what your actual position is, and who you are competing against.

Step 3: So what? (or more politely “yes, and?”)

Now it’s time to take that one step further. Every company brings something new or different to the marketplace. It might be that you’re more customer focused than most in your marketplace, or you’re greener, or maybe you’re the only ones who produce a red widget.

But you want to get this USP (Unique Selling Position) into your positioning statement.

This idea of “So what?” is something my teachers used to make me do when I was writing essays or answering questions. You’d get the “right” answer and then a look or a comment in the margins letting you know that you needed to expand on this idea. A little something that would compel you to keep going, expanding on  why what you were saying was correct or important.

You, as a business, offer this benefit to this market on behalf of these people…and? Why does it matter that you’re the only one making a red widget…how does that help your customers? How does it benefit the marketplace?

It’s at this point in your position statement, say why it matters that you do these things.

Writing the position statement

Now, it’s time to combine all three of those things into a single statement, but how?

Amazon answered our questions one after the other, but you can structure your statement slightly differently.

For example, the online retailer could have said:

Unlike traditional book retailers, Amazon.com provides World Wide Web users who enjoy books a combination of extraordinary convenience, low prices, and comprehensive selection to over 1.1 million books via an instant access, online bookstore.

Ok, it’s a bit wordy and not as elegant as the original, but Amazon must have spent ages coming up with its final position statement.

Another position statement example

Let’s go back and write up a position statement for a completely made-up SME company, let’s call it Widgets & Co.

Let’s say this company manufactures and sells widgets to companies that build consumer robots.

It always saw itself as “approachable” and “professional,” but when it asked its customers, the words that crop up more are “reliable” and “technical.” Not bad, but you can see how it creates an image of two very different organizations.

Similarly, when asking its employees why they liked (or disliked) working there, Widgets & Co. expected to hear about the benefits package and Friday coffee mornings. Instead, it got responses about how great it was to “be on the cutting edge” or how annoying it was to “have to be so precise all the time.”

Our widget company always thought of itself as just your average “medium-sized manufacturing business.” After spending time exploring its competitors, however, it began narrow this definition down.

It found itself to be more specialized than most, and having a better than average customer rating. This was mainly down to the dependability of the product.

This started the brand down the path of seeing itself no longer as a company that just “built widgets.” Suddenly it was a company that “developed and produced high-quality, dependable widgets for use in equally high end consumer robotics.”

Before its market research, our example company would have always said that its USP was a general attention to detail and commitment to excellence – all well and good.

But during its research, it discovered that the widgets produced have the lowest failure rate of any in the industry. (How it didn’t know that already is beyond me, but it’s just a made-up example.)

Suddenly, it not only had an achievement of which all employees should be hugely proud (and probably should have already known), it had a potentially new marketing angle.

But that wasn’t the point of the exercise. The point was to create a position statement to guide the company through to its next stage.

So, now it’s time to write up the position statement for our more than a little naive widget company:

For the producers of high-end consumer robotics, Widgets & Co is the manufacturer of the world’s most reliable component widgets.

You can see that this isn’t a statement you would necessarily want to stick on an advertisement, but the ideas that are within it will help give purpose to the brand's employees, guidance to the marketing team, and show the directors where they can improve going forward. (Maybe with a better market research team?)

Saying that, I haven’t included anything directly about this company’s competition in the position statement. There’s the indirect comment that everyone else isn’t as reliable, but your own position statement can always go a little further in specifying general or even specific competitors.

Position statements aren’t easy to research, write, or even read sometimes. It’s like looking into a mirror or reflecting on your professional development – looking at where you are right now isn’t always the best moment of your day.

But knowing where you are lets you make a plan for where you want to go and how you’re going to get there.

Writing a position statement for your business is an important first step, but it doesn’t do you any good if you aren’t constantly going back to tweak and change it so that it fits the here and now.

Imagine if Amazon’s position statement was the same now as it was in 2001. Not only would it be laughably inaccurate, it also wouldn’t help employees understand the wider context of the brand's work, the marketing team wouldn’t have a clue which direction to go in, and the directors would still be focused on being a better bookstore.

Your position statement is a representation of what your business is doing today and helps you shape where you want it to be tomorrow.

Before Graham got his start in the tech industry as part of Apple's UK Mac launch team, he was a professional drummer. He has been involved in the tech industry, primarily software development, for over 20 years. He founded OpenCRM in 2005 and is a System Architect as well as Managing Director.

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Developmentally Appropriate Practice (DAP) Position Statement

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Each and every child, birth through age 8, has the right to equitable learning opportunities—in centers, family child care homes, or schools—that fully support their optimal development and learning across all domains and content areas. Children are born eager to learn; they take delight exploring their world and making connections. The degree to which early learning programs support children’s delight and wonder in learning reflects the quality of that setting. Educators who engage in developmentally appropriate practice foster young children’s joyful learning and maximize the opportunities for each and every child to achieve their full potential.

Developmentally Appropriate Practice

Statement of the position, defining developmentally appropriate practice, core considerations to inform decision making, principles of child development and learning and implications that inform practice, guidelines for developmentally appropriate practice in action: using knowledge of child development and learning in context, creating a caring, equitable community of learners, engaging in reciprocal partnerships with families and fostering community connections, observing, documenting, and assessing children’s development and learning, teaching to enhance each child’s development and learning, planning and implementing an engaging curriculum to achieve meaningful goals, demonstrating professionalism as an early childhood educator, recommendations for implementing developmentally appropriate practice, recommendations for schools, family child care homes, and other program settings, recommendations for higher education and adult development, recommendations for policymakers, recommendations for research, appendix a: history and context, appendix b: glossary, appendix c: acknowledgements.

NAEYC accepts requests for limited use of our copyrighted material. For permission to reprint, adapt, translate, or otherwise reuse and repurpose content from the final published document, review our guidelines at NAEYC.org/resources/permissions.

Developmentally Appropriate Practice: A Position Statement of the National Association for the Education of Young Children. Copyright © 2020 by the National Association for the Education of Young Children. All rights reserved.

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ICN launches new position statement and discussion paper setting out a revolution in the delivery of Primary Health Care

The International Council of Nurses (ICN) is launching its new position statement and a discussion paper on Primary Health Care (PHC) at its Nurse Practitioner/Advanced Practice Nursing Network (NP/APN Network) Conference in Aberdeen, Scotland.

ICN’s position statement outlines its views on PHC as the future of health care and nurses’ roles in making ICN’s vision a reality. It contains information for individual nurses, National Nurses Associations, health care organizations and governments on how PHC is the most inclusive, effective and efficient way to make UHC a reality for everyone.

The position statement, which is accompanied by a discussion paper, entitled Nursing and Primary Health Care - Towards the realization of Universal Health Coverage , sets out a transformative agenda to revolutionize Primary Health Care, which ICN believes is essential if the goal of Universal Health Coverage (UHC) is ever to become a reality.

There are many challenges ahead, including resource constraints, an underused workforce, gaps in professional preparation for certain health care needs, concerns about patient safety, and a lack of continuity of care.

But ICN President Dr Pamela Cipriano said that despite such obstacles, ICN believes nursing is the key profession within the multidisciplinary team that can overcome those challenges, and that reinvigorated and properly funded PHC services will improve the health of populations everywhere.

Dr Cipriano said: “In the 2018 Astana Declaration, the nations of the world agreed that PHC is the only way to achieve meaningful Universal Health Coverage. This was further reinforced in the Political Declaration on UHC adopted by United Nations member states last year.

‘As Co-chair of the Steering Committee of UHC2030, which provides a global platform for multiple stakeholders to connect as they work to advance progress towards achieving UHC by 2030, I know that governments are increasingly aware of the importance of a well-supported nursing and healthcare workforce, that are essential for PHC.

‘Our PHC position statement shows governments and health care organizations the changes and investments needed to empower nurses as the key to making real, substantial strides towards the goal of UHC through expansion of PHC by 2030. It is time to unleash the untapped potential of nurses so that they can lead this critical journey towards a better future for all.”

ICN Chief Executive Officer Howard Catton, who will be launching both documents at the conference, said: “Intelligence from our National Nurses Associations around the world confirms the need for a complete reorientation of health systems from their current focus on sickness, disease and a medical-orientated approach. Instead, we need to have health systems that are oriented towards health, wellbeing, integration and people-centredness.

‘We have seen health systems struggling under huge strain and near collapse as they strive to cope with ever growing needs and a lack of proper investment. Nurse-led PHC is the way forward if our health systems are to thrive and be sustained in the years to come.

‘This conference is the ideal place to launch these new documents because it is advanced practice nurses, who I think of as the solution that has been there, right in front of us, who will lead the revolution in PHC and make UHC a reality. We need to harness their power and influence, and translate it into properly funded, people-centred nurse-led models of care.

‘Around the world, nurses are extending their scopes of practice and practising at a higher level in larger numbers than ever before. These cadres of nurses will expand as funding is put in place to train and educate increasing numbers of colleagues who will, in turn, move the focus of care into the community. Because that is where the vast majority of conditions originate, and it is where they can be prevented if the correct interventions are delivered by the most appropriate professionals in a timely manner, right inside people’s homes and communities.”

The Nursing and Primary Health Care Towards the realization of Universal Health Coverage discussion paper summarizes key positions, statements, and documents produced by ICN and other nursing and international health organizations. ICN welcomes further feedback and discussion to advance this critical work as part of its ongoing strategic priorities.

The 13th ICN NP/APN Network Conference is being held in Aberdeen, Scotland, 9-12 September 2024. It will provide the largest global forum for advanced practice nurses to network and collaborate on contemporary topics and future trends relevant to their practice. Its theme, Advanced Practice Nursing: an invaluable investment for global health, is inspired by ICN’s strategic priorities, the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, and Universal Health Coverage.

Post Courier

Papua New Guinea's 'trupla' leading Daily Newspaper Since 1969.The Post-Courier is proud of its record as the voice of PNG. We were there when the nation took its first bold steps towards independence. Since that time, we have fearlessly recorded the nation's progress.

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Government Submits Wafi-Golpu Position Paper, Awaits Joint Venture Response

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Prime Minister James Marape has announced that the Government’s Position Paper on the Wafi-Golpu Mine in Morobe has been delivered to Joint Venture Partners, Newmont and Harmony.

The Government is now awaiting a response from the two companies before moving forward with the issuance of the Mine Development Contract (MDC) and Special Mining Lease (SML).

This statement was made following a meeting held on Friday, September 6, 2024, in Port Moresby, attended by State Negotiating Team (SNT) Chairman Mr. Dairi Vele, Deputy Prime Minister and Lae MP Hon. John Rosso, Morobe Governor Hon. Luther Wenge, and Community Development Minister and Huon Gulf MP Hon. Jason Peter.

“The SNT has been negotiating with the two joint venture partners on what benefits Papua New Guinea gets from the Wafi-Golpu project. That includes our 30 per cent equity, financing of that equity, value of the 3 per cent royalty, local content, and others,” Mr Marape said.

He emphasised the importance of not delaying the project, stating: “As we prepare to release the SML, work must start immediately, rather than being delayed as we have seen in other projects.

The project is now one or two meetings away from the MDC being signed and issuance of SML.

“The joint venture partners have received the SNT’s recommendations on August 8, 2024, and we are waiting for them to respond. I have requested Newmont and Harmony to respond at the earliest so the MDC can be signed and the SML issued.”

Mr Marape noted that the Wafi-Golpu project is expected to operate for over 40 years, and the Government is focused on ensuring all agreements are finalised before the commencement of operations, drawing lessons from the Lihir Mine in New Ireland, which does not pay corporate tax.

“We want to make sure that we get the total 55 per cent economic benefits we want to get out of the project,” Mr Marape said.

He said highlighted that the terms for the Wafi-Golpu project were captured in the Framework Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in April 2023 between the State and the joint venture partners.

This MoU will serve as the foundation for the MDC and SML.

Key provisions under the Framework MoU include:

• The State and Papua New Guinea gaining 55 per cent of the project economics.
• State equity at 30 per cent, with 10 per cent carried, of which Morobe and the landowners will receive the carried equity.
• A 2 per cent tax for fiscal stability, in addition to the full 30 per cent tax.
• Royalty at 3 per cent with no deductions.
• An additional US$394 million committed by Newmont and Harmony for social and community infrastructure, supplementing the Government’s K1.2 billion Infrastructure and Business Development (IBD) grant.
• A local content forum will be convened with developers, the Morobe Provincial Government, and landowners, where the Government will push for local content to exceed 80 per cent during both the construction phase and ongoing operations.
• An additional profits tax was secured, but a concession was made on dividends withholding tax.
• Personal income tax was excluded from being treated as the company’s contributions, unlike in the Lihir project.
• The SML will be initially issued for 30 months, during which the investors must complete Front End Engineering Design (FEED) and reach a Final Investment Decision (FID) to qualify for an extension. Upon reaching FID, Kumul Minerals Holdings Ltd (KMHL) will be required to make equity contributions through a cash call.

A Newmont spokesperson stated that: “Newmont is proud to be delivering on all tax obligations in PNG. During the first six months of 2024, Lihir Gold Limited paid K58.5 million in corporate taxes. From 2013 to 2023, Lihir contributed K441.5 million in corporate taxes to the PNG Government, out of K3.2 billion in total taxes, levies and royalties.”