EN8 Q2W7D4: Drafting a Position Paper

🎯 Learning Goals - Day 4: Drafting a Position Paper

1. By the end of the lesson, students will be able to outline a position paper that includes a claim, supporting arguments, counterarguments, and evidence with 80% accuracy.
2. Students will be able to write a draft introduction for a position paper, clearly stating the issue and their stand.
3. Students will be able to integrate researched sources into their draft while avoiding plagiarism through proper citation.

🧩 Key Ideas & Terms - Day 4: Drafting a Position Paper

• Position Paper - an essay that presents a debatable issue, states a clear stand, and supports it with evidence.
• Introduction - the opening part of a position paper that introduces the issue and the writer’s stand.
• Thesis Statement - a one-sentence summary of the writer’s stand or claim.
• Outline - a structured plan that organizes the introduction, body, and conclusion.
• Counterargument - an opposing viewpoint addressed in the paper to strengthen the writer’s stand.

🔄 Prior Knowledge - Day 4: Drafting a Position Paper

Task: Look back at your Issues Map from Day 2 and the sources you gathered on Day 3. Answer the following prompts:

1. What issue did you choose to map out?
2. What stand or claim did you make about that issue?
3. What arguments and counterarguments did you list?
4. Which sources did you find that supported your stand?
5. How can these elements (claim, arguments, counterarguments, sources) be organized into a full position paper?

Show Answer

(Hidden – answers will vary; students should connect their Day 2 Issues Map and Day 3 sources to the drafting process.)

📖 Explore the Lesson - Day 4: Drafting a Position Paper

1. What is a Position Paper?

A position paper is a formal essay that presents a debatable issue, states a clear stand, and defends it with arguments and evidence. Unlike simple opinion writing, a position paper requires credible sources, logical reasoning, and structured organization.

Example Topics for Position Papers:

• Should schools ban junk food?
• Should the voting age be lowered to 16?
• Should social media be restricted for teenagers?

👉 Key point: A position paper is not just about what you think; it’s about how well you can support your stand with evidence.

2. The Structure of a Position Paper

A strong position paper follows a clear structure:

1. Introduction
   • Introduces the issue.
   • States the thesis (your stand).
   • Provides background or context.
2. Body
   • Argument 1 with evidence
   • Argument 2 with evidence
   • Argument 3 with evidence
   • Counterargument and rebuttal
3. Conclusion
   • Restates the thesis.
   • Summarizes main arguments.
   • Ends with a call to action or final thought.

Sample Outline (Issue: Junk Food in Schools):

• Introduction: Junk food is widely available in schools, but its negative effects on health and learning raise concerns. Thesis: Junk food should be banned in schools.
• Body Argument 1: Junk food contributes to obesity. (CDC, 2019)
• Body Argument 2: Healthy diets improve focus and performance. (Harvard School of Public Health, 2020)
• Body Argument 3: Schools have a responsibility to promote wellness. (WHO, 2021)
• Counterargument: Some argue banning limits student freedom. Rebuttal: Schools already set policies to protect student welfare.
• Conclusion: Banning junk food protects student health and learning.

3. Writing the Introduction

The introduction is critical because it sets the tone of the entire paper.

Parts of an Introduction:

• Hook - grabs the reader’s attention.
• Background - explains the issue briefly.
• Thesis Statement - presents your stand clearly.

Example Introduction:
Every day, students are bombarded with advertisements for chips, soda, and candy. These unhealthy snacks may be tasty, but they harm student health and focus. Schools, as centers of learning, should not contribute to these problems. Therefore, junk food should be banned in schools.

👉 Notice how the thesis is clear and debatable.

4. Developing the Body Paragraphs

Each body paragraph should focus on one main argument supported by evidence.

Sample Body Paragraph (Argument 1 – Junk Food and Obesity):
The increasing availability of junk food in schools has contributed to rising obesity rates among students. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2019) reported that childhood obesity has tripled since the 1970s, largely due to poor diet and lack of exercise. Schools that allow the sale of sugary drinks and processed snacks worsen this problem. By banning junk food, schools can help students develop healthier eating habits and prevent long-term health issues.

👉 Key points:

• Clear topic sentence.
• Evidence from a credible source.
• Explanation of why it supports the claim.

5. Handling Counterarguments

Strong writers don’t ignore the other side; they address counterarguments to make their case more convincing.

Example Counterargument and Rebuttal:
Opponents of banning junk food argue that students should have the freedom to choose what they eat. While freedom is important, schools already limit certain choices to protect students’ health and safety. For instance, smoking and alcohol are prohibited. In the same way, banning junk food helps safeguard student well-being without removing all freedom of choice.

👉 Tip: Always respond to counterarguments with a logical rebuttal.

6. Writing the Conclusion

The conclusion ties everything together and leaves the reader with a strong impression.

Parts of a Conclusion:

• Restate the thesis.
• Summarize main arguments.
• Call to action or final thought.

Example Conclusion:
Banning junk food in schools is not about limiting choice—it is about protecting student health and promoting academic success. With obesity rates rising and health linked directly to learning, schools must take action. Students deserve an environment that supports their well-being, and banning junk food is an important step toward that goal.

7. Integrating Sources Properly

When drafting your position paper, every claim should be supported with evidence. Remember to use citations.

Good Example (with citation):
According to the World Health Organization (2021), poor diet is one of the leading causes of preventable diseases worldwide.

Bad Example (without citation):
Poor diet causes diseases.

👉 Proper citation gives credibility to your writing and avoids plagiarism.

8. Drafting an Outline Before Writing

Outlines help you organize your thoughts before drafting.

Mini-Outline Example (Social Media and Teens):

• Introduction: Social media connects teens but also causes harm. Thesis: Social media use should be limited for teenagers.
• Body Argument 1: Addiction and wasted time. (APA, 2018)
• Body Argument 2: Mental health effects like anxiety. (Harvard, 2020)
• Body Argument 3: Cyberbullying risks. (UNICEF, 2019)
• Counterargument: Social media provides learning resources. Rebuttal: Use can be moderated instead of unrestricted.
• Conclusion: Limiting social media promotes healthier, more balanced lives for teens.

9. Transition to Day 5

By the end of Day 4, you should have a draft outline and an introduction written for your position paper. On Day 5, you will revise and improve your draft, focusing on coherence, style, and persuasiveness.

References

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2019). Childhood Nutrition Facts. https://www.cdc.gov
• Harvard School of Public Health. (2020). Healthy Eating for a Healthy Weight. https://www.hsph.harvard.edu
• Purdue Online Writing Lab (OWL). (n.d.). Organizing Your Argument. https://owl.purdue.edu
• UNICEF. (2019). Cyberbullying: What is it and how to stop it. https://www.unicef.org
• World Health Organization. (2021). Obesity and Overweight. WHO. https://www.who.int

💡 Example in Action - Day 4: Drafting a Position Paper

Worked Example – Drafting an Introduction with Thesis:

Issue: Should school uniforms be mandatory?
Drafted Introduction:
Every morning, students face the pressure of deciding what to wear to school. This often leads to competition, distractions, and even bullying based on clothing choices. To create a more equal and focused learning environment, schools should require uniforms. A uniform policy reduces peer pressure, promotes discipline, and emphasizes learning over fashion.

👉 Key points: Hook, background, clear thesis.

Now You Try – Mini Tasks (5 items)

Write a draft introduction (3–5 sentences) with a clear thesis for each issue below:

1. Should homework be banned in schools?
2. Should social media use be restricted for teenagers?
3. Should junk food be banned in school canteens?
4. Should voting age be lowered to 16?
5. Should sports be given equal importance as academics?

Show Answer

Hidden – students’ answers vary; must include hook, background, and thesis.

📝 Try It Out - Day 4: Drafting a Position Paper

Directions: For each issue, draft a mini-outline including: (1) introduction with thesis, (2) one body argument with evidence, and (3) one counterargument with rebuttal.

1. Issue: Should school start times be moved later in the morning?
2. Issue: Should gadgets be allowed inside classrooms?
3. Issue: Should recycling be required in all households?
4. Issue: Should public transportation be free for students?
5. Issue: Should exams be replaced with projects?

Show Answer

Hidden – students’ answers vary, but must include thesis + argument with evidence + counterargument with rebuttal.

✅ Check Yourself - Day 4: Drafting a Position Paper

Part A - Multiple Choice (5 items)

1. What is the main purpose of a position paper?
   a) To narrate a personal story
   b) To describe an event in detail
   c) To argue for a stand on an issue using evidence
   d) To list random opinions
2. Which of the following is the best example of a thesis statement?
   a) Uniforms are interesting.
   b) I think students should wear uniforms.
   c) Schools should require uniforms because they promote equality and discipline.
   d) Uniforms exist in many schools around the world.
3. Which part of a position paper presents opposing viewpoints?
   a) Introduction
   b) Body – Counterargument section
   c) Conclusion
   d) References
4. What should a conclusion in a position paper do?
   a) Introduce a new argument
   b) Restate the thesis and summarize main points
   c) List all sources used
   d) Provide statistics only
5. Which of the following sentences uses evidence properly?
   a) Many people think junk food is bad.
   b) The CDC (2019) reported that childhood obesity has tripled since the 1970s.
   c) I don’t like junk food, so it should be banned.
   d) Junk food is obviously unhealthy.

Part B - True or False (5 items)

6. A position paper must always have an introduction, body, and conclusion.
7. The thesis statement should be clear and debatable.
8. Counterarguments weaken your paper and should be avoided.
9. A good body paragraph contains one argument supported by evidence.
10. Citations are optional in a position paper.

Part C - Short Answer (5 items)

11. Define a position paper in your own words.
12. What are the three main parts of a position paper?
13. Write a sample thesis statement for the issue: Should gadgets be allowed in classrooms?
14. Why is it important to include counterarguments in your paper?
15. Give one example of a credible source you can use in a position paper.

Show Answer

Answer Key
1. c
2. c
3. b
4. b
5. b
6. True
7. True
8. False
9. True
10. False
11. (Sample: An essay that argues for a stand on an issue using evidence.)
12. (Introduction, Body, Conclusion.)
13. (Sample: Gadgets should be allowed in classrooms because they support research and digital learning.)
14. (To show balance and strengthen the argument by addressing the other side.)
15. (Sample: World Health Organization report.)

🚀 Go Further - Day 4: Drafting a Position Paper

Activity 1: Outline Builder

Choose one issue (e.g., Should social media be restricted for teens?). Create a mini-outline with thesis, 2 arguments, and 1 counterargument.

Show Answer

Sample: Thesis – Social media should be restricted; Argument 1 – prevents addiction; Argument 2 – protects mental health; Counterargument – provides learning opportunities.

Activity 2: Thesis Clinic

Write three thesis statements for the issue Should recycling be required in all households? Identify which is the strongest and why.

Show Answer

Strongest thesis: Recycling should be required in all households because it reduces waste, saves energy, and protects the environment.

Activity 3: Draft & Peer Review

Write the introduction of your position paper. Exchange drafts with a classmate and give feedback on clarity, hook, and thesis.

Show Answer

Hidden – depends on student drafts; feedback should address clarity, coherence, and persuasiveness.

Activity 4: Counterargument Role Play

Pair up. One student presents a claim (e.g., Homework should be banned). The partner provides a counterargument. Then switch roles.

Show Answer

Varies – should show claim vs. counterargument with logical reasoning.

Activity 5: Drafting Challenge

In 10 minutes, draft one body paragraph with a topic sentence, one piece of evidence (cite it), and a short explanation.

Show Answer

Sample: Claim – School uniforms reduce bullying. Evidence – National Association of Secondary School Principals (2020) found schools with uniforms reported fewer bullying cases. Explanation – Uniforms reduce visible differences that trigger peer judgment.

🔗 My Reflection - Day 4: Drafting a Position Paper

Option 1: Guiding Questions

Write your answers in your notebook.

1. What did I find easy when drafting the introduction of my position paper?
2. What part of outlining arguments and counterarguments was most challenging for me?
3. How did using evidence from credible sources strengthen my draft?
4. What improvements will I make in my next draft?

Option 2: Write 3–5 Sentences

Write a short reflection in your notebook:

• Summarize what you learned about drafting a position paper.
• Mention one strength in your draft and one area you want to improve.
• Explain how you will apply this lesson in writing future essays.