Position Paper

1. Position Paper

2. Pick an Idea • Life is a constant struggle: those not powerful enough to rise to the top deserve whatever they get. • People find it easier to do evil than to do good. • Most people are likely to conform rather than act on their own individual values. • Most people would prefer to rely on miracles than to depend on the fruits of their own labor. • Most people need something to worship. • Most people avoid the truth if it is painful. • War is the natural outgrowth of human nature. • Most people need authority to tell them what to do.

3. Paper Format • Introduction • Explain your Viewpoint (Without using I) • Present Counter-Argument • Dismantle Counter-Argument • Conclusion

4. You should continue to format your paper by layering; evidence, explanation and relation to your thesis. The use of transitions, topic sentences and concluding sentences adds fluidity to your writing.

5. Introduction • Hook • Background Information • Thesis (your position)

6. Explain your Viewpoint • Tell the reader why you're taking this position • Offer evidence supporting your opinion • Present information in a logical order and avoid making any statements that lack obvious support.

7. Present Counter-Argument • Clearly present different arguments against your position. • Give some of the reasoning behind the counter-arguments. • Present information in a logical order and avoid making any statements that lack obvious support.

8. Dismantle Counter-Argument • Explain why the counter-argument is incorrect. • Give evidence to support your reasoning. • Reinforce the reasons your argument is correct.

9. Conclusion • Restate your position. • Without sounding repetitive sum up your argument. • So what?