Sample Outline for a Position Paper
Abstract page –
An abstract page is a summary of your paper that briefly addresses the
research problem, hypotheses, methods, results, and implications of your
research. It is placed on a separate page right after the title page and is
usually no longer than 250 words. The purpose of an abstract page is to provide
a concise, comprehensive overview of your paper for the reader.
I. Introduction
A. Introduce the topic
B. Provide background on the topic
C. Assert the thesis (your view of the issue)
II. Counter Argument
A. Summarize the counterclaims
B. Provide supporting information for counterclaims
C. Refute the counterclaims
D. Give evidence for argument
III. Your Argument
A. Assert point #1 of your claims
1. Give your opinion
2. Provide support
B. Assert point #2 of your claims
1. Give your opinion
2. Provide support
C. Assert point #3 of your claims
1. Give your opinion
2. Provide support
IV. Conclusion
A. Restate your argument
B. Provide a plan of action
A position paper presents an arguable opinion about an issue. The goal of
a position paper is to convince the audience that your opinion is valid and
worth listening to
Needs
to have two primary and secondary sources (academic)