CHAPTER 18 – TAKING a POSITION

Position essays express the writer’s opinion on some debated issue in writing. The primary goal of a position essay is to persuade the reader that the writer's point of view or opinion is correct. To write a successful position essay, the writer should carefully pick the topic and do proper research on the discussed issue. Position papers need to be well-balanced, and interesting to read. Both, the writer's position and the alternative (opposing) position should be presented to assure the other thoughts. The alternative/opposing position presented in a position paper should reflect the most common view of the audience on the chosen topic. A successful position essay is well-grounded, supported by evidence and consistent in style. Despite mentioning different sides of the issue, the writers should take one side and prove to the readers that their position is valid. The alternative position should be refuted and shown as incorrect. Validity can be confirmed by research, statistics, evidence and profound knowledge on the matter. Position essays can be written on absolutely any topic as long as there are clear positions for the writer to take. One should avoid writing on vague topics where it is hard to establish a position. Unlike narrative or descriptive essays that impartially account for certain events, topics or people, position essays are about taking a side and arguing it in writing.