Position Paper Outline

Title of Paper
* conveys the main point of the essay in 8 words or less
* attracts the readers' attention



I. INTRODUCTION
A. Background information/brief overview of the issue/topic
B. Thesis statement: states the main idea of the essay and answers the research question

II. HISTORY (1-3 paragraphs)
A. Define issue and/or give brief history of your issue

III. ARGUMENTS
A. Position 1 (opposing viewpoint)
1. facts/research
2. well-organized examples, summaries, and/or quotations

B. Position 2 (including a transition, state your position)
1. facts/research
2. well-organized examples, quotations, analogies, summaries

IV. CONCLUSION
A. Clearly restates your position and the significance of the issue
B. A call to action--What should the reader do?