How to Write a Position Paper: Outline, Steps, and Examples

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If you are an academic wondering about the purpose of a position paper, remember this: having excellent research is not enough—you need to know how to “position” it effectively!

A position paper is more than just academic writing. It can transform research into influence, data into decisions, and ideas into action. Unlike neutral research reports that simply present findings, position papers are persuasive because they aim to convince readers to accept a particular viewpoint or course of action.

Writing an effective position paper is a valuable skill that can significantly enhance your career advancement and scholarly impact.

What is a Position Paper?

A simple answer to your question of “What is a position paper?” is that it is an academic document that presents a clear stance on a specific issue, supported by evidence and logical argumentation.

The purpose of a position paper is broadly to establish your expertise on a topic, demonstrate your ability to synthesize complex information, and showcase your capacity for persuasive communication. In academia, such papers are important when you are responding to a call for proposals, participating in a scholarly debate, or advocating for research funding. They are therefore valuable when you want to be heard at conferences and policy-making forums.

Importance of Writing a Strong Position Paper

Before understanding how to write a position paper, let’s examine the purpose of a position paper.

Position papers can foster critical thinking by requiring the ability to thoroughly investigate and evaluate credible sources, synthesize arguments, and anticipate opposing views. Position papers amplify influence because they position the author as a thought leader.

Students benefit from writing position papers because it hones their research, writing, and analytical abilities. It prepares them for engagement at debates and other forums. Importantly, it enables them to develop persuasive communication and problem-solving skills. Meanwhile, professionals can benefit from such skills for career advancement and networking. Publication in journals and other professional platforms also increases visibility.

Key Components of a Position Paper

Broadly, a position paper outline includes an introduction, thesis, arguments, counterarguments, and conclusion.

Position Paper Outline

Introduction: Contextualizes the issue, states its relevance, and hooks the reader.
Thesis statement: Clearly states your position.
Arguments: Supports the thesis with evidence.
Counterarguments: Acknowledges opposing views to strengthen credibility.
Conclusion: Reinforces your position.

Now that you have seen a position paper format example and a sample outline for a position paper, let’s explore how to create a position paper.

How to Create a Position Paper (Step-by-Step Guide)

If you’re asking, “OK, but how do I write a position paper?” Here are the steps for writing a position paper.

Step 1: Select the topic

Start with issues you care about. Consider current events, social issues, or policies that spark your curiosity or concern. Remember to avoid topics that are overwhelmingly one-sided. Do a quick search to confirm that sufficient and credible evidence exists. Finally, consider your audience and context.

Step 2: Review the literature

A comprehensive literature review is the key to understanding the current state of debate around your chosen issue. Identify the stakeholders, main arguments on different sides, and gaps in existing research or policy.

Step 3: Develop your thesis and arguments

The introduction typically leads up to a thesis that propels the rest of your paper. For analyzing an issue and developing arguments and counterarguments, consider factual knowledge, statistical inferences, and informed opinion.

Step 4: Structure your paper effectively

Follow the typical position paper outline: Introduction è Thesis statement è Arguments è

Counterarguments è Conclusion.

Step 5: Use evidence strategically

Evidence in position papers should be credible and reliable. You should not cherry-pick data or misrepresent sources. Always evaluate your sources critically and use the most current and reliable information available. Properly cite all sources using the appropriate academic style for your discipline.

Step 6: Write with clarity and conviction

Your tone should be professional and confident without being arrogant or dismissive of alternative viewpoints. Use clear, direct language and avoid unnecessary jargon.

Example of a Good Position Paper

Below is a position paper format example (note that the data are fictional).

Advocating for Universal Basic Income to Combat Economic Inequality

Introduction

In an era marked by rapid automation, precarious gig economies, and widening wealth gaps, economic insecurity has become a defining challenge of the 21st century. Over 60% of Americans now live paycheck to paycheck, while advancements in artificial intelligence threaten to displace millions of jobs globally. Against this backdrop, the concept of a Universal Basic Income (UBI)—a guaranteed, unconditional monthly payment to all citizens—has gained traction as a radical yet pragmatic solution. This paper argues that implementing UBI is not only a moral imperative to alleviate poverty but also a strategic investment in societal stability and innovation.

Thesis Statement

Governments must adopt Universal Basic Income programs to dismantle systemic inequality, empower individuals, and foster economic resilience in the face of technological disruption.

Arguments

Poverty reduction and human dignity: Studies from pilot programs, such as Finland’s 2017–2018 Universal Basic Income (UBI) experiment, demonstrate that guaranteed income reduces stress, improves mental health, and enables recipients to pursue education or entrepreneurial ventures. In Ontario, Canada, a temporary Universal Basic Income (UBI) trial resulted in a 8% drop in hospitalization rates, illustrating the direct correlation between financial security and public health. By ensuring a baseline standard of living, UBI affirms the intrinsic right to dignity.
Economic stimulus: Contrary to the myth of fostering dependency, Universal Basic Income (UBI) injects liquidity into local economies. Low-income households spend nearly all their income on essentials, circulating money within communities. A 2021 analysis by the Roosevelt Institute projected that a $1,000 monthly Universal Basic Income (UBI) in the United States would grow the economy by 12.56% over eight years, creating jobs and boosting small businesses.
Adaptation to automation: With 30% of jobs at risk of automation by 2030 (McKinsey Global Institute), Universal Basic Income (UBI) acts as a buffer against mass unemployment. It provides a safety net for workers transitioning to new industries and supports lifelong learning, ensuring labor markets evolve without leaving vulnerable populations behind.

Counterarguments

Critics contend that UBI is fiscally unfeasible and discourages work. Detractors often cite the 1970s Seattle Income Maintenance Experiment, where reduced work hours were observed among recipients. However, modern pilots, such as those in Stockton, California, show no significant decline in employment, with many recipients using funds to secure better-paying jobs. Concerns about cost can be mitigated through progressive taxation, redirecting subsidies from inefficient welfare bureaucracies, and taxing tech giants benefiting from automation.

Others argue that the universality of UBI is wasteful, as even the wealthy receive payments. Yet, means-tested programs often exclude the neediest due to complex eligibility criteria. Universality eliminates stigma, ensures broad political support, and simplifies administration.

Conclusion

The urgency of economic inequality and AI-driven displacement demands bold solutions. UBI is not a panacea, but it is a critical step toward reimagining an economy that prioritizes people over profit. Policymakers must act swiftly: launch large-scale pilots, reform tax codes to fund UBI, and engage communities in designing equitable implementation. The choice is clear: uphold a status quo of insecurity, or embrace UBI as a foundation for a just and adaptive society. The time for action is now.

This position paper format example shows a structured approach to advocate for UBI, balancing evidence with rebuttals. It can be adapted to other topics by substituting data, examples, and counterpoints relevant to the issue. This position paper sample demonstrates how a well-crafted position paper combines advocacy with rigorous evidence, clear structure, and acknowledgment of opposing viewpoints.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Writing a Position Paper

How can you make your position paper strong? Avoid these classic mistakes that weaken position papers:

Choosing a weak or inappropriate position. Avoid picking topics that are too obvious (e.g., arguing against genocide), too personal (why I hate broccoli), or lacking real controversy.
Failing to acknowledge counterarguments. Do not ignore opposing viewpoints. Strong position papers address the other side’s best arguments and explain why they are inadequate.
Relying on weak or biased sources. Avoid using only sources that agree with you and citing unreliable websites.
Poor organization and unclear thesis. Your position should be crystal clear from the introduction, and each paragraph should logically build your case.
Emotional appeals without logical support. While passion can be compelling, it is essential to balance emotional elements with solid evidence.

To Wrap Up

Whether you’re a student developing critical thinking skills or an academic professional seeking to advance your career and scholarly impact, effective position papers serve as powerful tools for translating research into influence and action. The strongest position papers build persuasive cases that can bring about actual change in academic discourse, policy discussions, and professional forums.

We hope that the tips and position paper samples in this post will inspire you to start writing one right away!

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I choose a topic for my position paper?

Your topic should be specific enough to address thoroughly within your word limit. Choose a topic where a reasonable number of people might disagree; if there is universal consensus, there will be no position to argue. Then, conduct a comprehensive literature review to understand the current state of debate around your chosen issue. Finally, consider the audience and context for your position paper.

2. How to start a position paper?

Begin by conducting a comprehensive literature review to understand the current state of debate around your chosen issue. Identify the key stakeholders, main arguments on different sides, and gaps in existing research or policy. This preliminary analysis will help you determine where your voice can add value to the conversation.

3. How long should a position paper be?

Typically, a position paper is a short document, usually 1–2 pages long.

4. What makes a position paper persuasive?

For a position paper to be persuasive overall, the thesis should be specific, actionable, and debatable; the evidence should be credible and recent; arguments and counterarguments should be supported by evidence; and the structure should be logical. Finally, it goes without saying that the language should be clear and professional.

5. Can I include personal opinions in a position paper?

The author’s personal opinion forms the basis for the argument. However, it should not dominate the assignment. A position paper should not stem purely from a passionate personal reaction; it should be rooted in critical evaluation.

7. What is the difference between a position paper and an argumentative essay?

A position paper focuses on advocating for a specific stance or policy and proposes actionable solutions. Meanwhile, an argumentative essay focuses on persuading the reader that a particular viewpoint is valid and aims to prove a claim using logic and evidence.

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