You’re sitting in the back of a sociology class, trying to focus on the lecture, when the prof brings up a controversial topic, such as abortion, gun control, capital punishment, or marijuana legalization. I’m almost positive that you have a position on every single one of these topics.
Knowing where you stand on a topic is an important step in writing an effective position paper, but it’s also a good idea to check out a few examples just to see what a well-written position paper looks like.
This post shows you two position paper examples that stand for something.
But First… A Few Position Paper Resources
Before you review the two sample papers, you might need a little help getting together your ideas for your paper.
Check out this list of resources:
- Trying to find the perfect topic? Read 16 Position Paper Topics That Pick a Side.
- Need help outlining? Read This Position Paper Outline Will Help You Get Started.
- Looking for help with APA or MLA? Read The Stress-Free Guide to APA Essay Format or The Stress-Free Guide to MLA Essay Format (8th Edition), depending on which applies.
- Want a quick refresher on essay format? Read Essay Formatting Survival Guide (Infographic).
Now that you’re armed with plenty of additional resources, take a look at how these writers have expressed their positions in the two example essays below.
2 Position Paper Examples That Stand for Something
The two position paper examples below present topics that are controversial. Take note that both writers take a clear stance on the subjects.
For each of the papers, I’ve included comments to point out what the writer does well. I’ve also provided a few suggestions where the position paper examples could be improved.
Position paper #1: The Death Penalty Is Unjust Because of the Inhumane and Cruel Methods of Execution
(*Click images below to enlarge.)
Need to avoid some of the pitfalls the writer above struggled with? You might find these posts helpful:
- Why Third-Person Writing Is Critical to a Great Essay
- 97 Transition Words for Essays You Need to Know
- How Comedians Teach You to Write Good Transition Sentences
Position paper #2: The Issue of Government Surveillance and Its Role in National Security
(*Click images below to enlarge.)
Want to avoid the weak points of the above paper? Check out these resources:
- How to Write Good Hook Sentences
- 3 Types of Essay Support That Prove You Know Your Stuff
- How to Write a Killer Essay Conclusion
How About a Few More Examples?
Just in case you’d like to read some additional position paper examples to get a few more ideas, check out these two papers from our database:
If you’re doing some serious research and need to write a longer, more formal position paper, take a look at this example:
Need a walk-through on how to write a position paper from start to finish? Read How to Write a Position Paper That Takes a Strong Stance.
Don’t forget—if you’re not sure your paper is ready to turn in, let an expert Kibin editor lend a hand and review your work.
