Position Paper Guidelines
Position paper: A position paper includes your opinions, viewpoints, feelings, and the evidence that supports them. The
main reason for this activity is to understand an issue better by researching all sides of the issue thoroughly. Choose an
environmental topic that interests you. Research the different sides of the issue and think about your position on the issue.
Write a position paper based on the guidelines outlined below. Use at least three sources for the paper.
For your pre-approval you will need to tell me your topic, a brief summary of your opinion and your first resource
you plan on using for your paper.
Evaluation Criteria and Guidelines: Point Values
Pre-approval: 10 possible points
Paper:
I. Introduction: Statement of the issue to be discussed. 10 possible points
II. Description: of more than one side of the issue supported
by relevant and multiple sources of information (use
references).
25 possible points
III. My position: Clear, concise statements of your position on
the issue.
20 possible points
Discussion of your position supported by relevant and
multiple sources of information.
V. Further Questions: Questions that have arisen as you
researched the issues and information you need to
understand the issue better.
10 possible points
VI. Conclusion: Concise summary statement restating the
issue, your position, and the essential evidence that
supports your position. What did you learn by doing this
paper?
20 possible points
VII. Literature cited 10 possible points
Appropriate number (minimum of 3)
Appropriate type (not only opinions)
VIII. Overall important communication factors 5 possible points
Spelling and grammar
Neatness
Clarity and consistency of focus
Subtitles for each section heading in your paper
(required)
Total Possible Paper Points
100 possible points
