09 Jul Position Research Paper – Do Black Lives Matter or All lives Matter?

The purpose of a position research paper is to generate aposition on a topic/issue covered this semester. It describes a position on theselected issue and the rationale for that position. The position paper is basedon facts that provide a solid foundation for your argument.

In the position research paper you should:

Use evidence to support your position, evidence fromrequired course readings, research, videos, etc.

Validate your position with authoritative references orprimary source quotations.

Examine the strengths and weaknesses of your position.

Evaluate possible solutions and suggest courses of action.

Choose a position on an issue where there is a clear divisionof opinion and which is arguable with facts and inductive reasoning. You maychoose a position of an issue on which you have already formed an opinion.However, in writing about this issue you must examine your opinion of the issuecritically.

Prior to writing your position paper, define and limityour issue carefully. Issues covered this semester are complex with multiplesolutions. Narrow the topic of your position paper to something that ismanageable. Research your issue thoroughly, consulting experts, and obtainingprimary documents. Consider feasibility, cost-effectiveness, andpolitical/social climate when evaluating possible solutions and courses ofaction.

The following structure is typical of a positionpaper:

Abstract

An introduction

Identification of the issue

Statement of the position

The body

Background information

Supporting evidence or facts

A discussion of both sides of the issue

A conclusion

Suggested courses of action

Possible solutions

The introduction should clearly identify the issue andstate the authors position. It should be written in a way that catches thereaders attention.

The body of the position paper may contain severalparagraphs. Each paragraph should present an idea or main concept thatclarifies a portion of the position statement and is supported by evidence orfacts. Evidence can be primary source quotations, statistical data, interviewswith experts, and indisputable dates or events. Evidence should lead, throughinductive reasoning, to the main concept or idea presented in the paragraph.The body may begin with some background information and should incorporate adiscussion of both sides of the issue.

The conclusion should summarize the main concepts andideas and reinforce, without repeating, the introduction or body of the paper.It could include suggested courses of action and possible solutions.