Position Paper Help

What are position papers?

            Often, the easiest way to define something is in terms of what it is NOT.  With that being said, position papers do not introduce (assume your reader knows the text well).  They do not summarize.  They do not conclude.  So what do they do?

            Position papers take a stand.  They make a statement.  They discuss.  They analyze.  They prove a point.  More specifically, they prove your point.  What is your point?  YOU decided.

Your point will be a contention or interpretive position about the reading or topic in question.  In other words, your position on what you take to be the text’s position; your opinion of what the work is trying to tell you.

Now that you have the point, how do you prove it?  It’s right in front of you.  Use textual evidence to support your contention or position.  Use of literary criticism is prohibited.  You are being asked what YOU think (finally!), so YOU must be able to prove it.

Format:

• Typed, 12-point, double spaced (MLA format)
• Two page maximum
• All rules of grammar/usage/mechanics apply
• Objective voice
• Unique, original positions only

Do you have a remarkable position?

            Ask yourself, “Might others be capable of disagreeing with me?”  If not, then consider that your position is truistic, obvious, or too agreeable.  In other words, a good position paper is one someone could argue against.