The position paper is a 500- 750 word or so paper that states and defends a position using there resources to support your opinion.
It must contain  at least three in text citations and a reference  page listing  the three sources  used in the paper.   You will use APA style

II. First reason that supports your position.
      A. Quote that backs up your reason.

III. Second  reason that supports your position.
      A. Quote that backs up your reason.

IV. Third reason that supports your position.
      A. Quote that backs up your reason.

V. Conclusion: State a counterargument against your position
      B. State why you don't believe this counterargument changes your mind.
 
 

 Paragraph One - Introduction:   (see sample introductions at http://www.arthes.com/composition/positionintros.htm)
Give a brief background of material needed  for the reader to understand this paper.  In this case, a rewording of the introductory material is a good way to begin this paragraph.   The last sentence(s) in this paragraph states specifically Be specific.  List the three points you will make to support this position.  This creates a road map for the reader

Paragraph Two - First Body Paragraph:
     Give your first reason that supports your position. This paragraph should be dominated with your opinion with a short sentence or so quoted from a source that supports your opinion.

Paragraph Three - Second Body Paragraph:
Give your second  reason that supports your position. This paragraph should be dominated with your opinion with a short sentence or so quoted from a source that supports your opinion.

Paragraph Four - Third Body Paragraph:
Give your third  reason that supports your position. This paragraph should be dominated with your opinion with a short sentence or so quoted from a source that supports your opinion.

(add extra body paragraphs for more reasons)

Paragraph Five - Conclusion:
     Begin with a short summary of your best points. Then address the counter argument.  Every position as a weakness, state why this does not change your position.  Make sure you end with a statement that lets the reader know you are done.  The reader should not turn the page looking for the rest of this paragraph.

Reference Page - This page is a separate page and  should be formatted  as shown in APA  Style. List the three sources you quoted in the paper.

Underline  your topic statement(s).  Will it be clear to the reader what the topic is and your specific position on it?

Bracket your examples which you use to prove your position.
Have you discussed each in depth?  Have you made it clear how each supports your topic?

Bracket your counter arguments. Have you considered the most important counter argument?  Do you refute it or accommodate it?

If you find you need to add to a section, write it on a separate sheet of paper and mark it insert 1.  Mark insert 1 on the draft to show where the new material will be placed.

Make a quick scratch outline of your paper based on the markings you did on the Idea and Content section.

Draw arrows to indicate where material should be moved if needed.

Circle the transitional words and phrases.  Also look for the repetition of key words from the topic within the body of your paper and circle them (see Cueing the Reader, page 557).

Choose five sentences at random from your paper and count the word length.  Have you varied the length?

Underline the first six words of these same sentences.  Have you varied the beginnings?

Look for and correct run on sentences  or fragments.

Place a box around a section where you have not interacted with the reader well.  Look for spots where word choice, ideas and content or organization is weak; they are all interrelated.

Draw a way line under weak word choice and write suggested changes above them.  Have you used specific vocabulary and avoided vague terms or clichés?

Look for misspelled words by reading the paper backwards.  Watch for pronoun usage problems, tense shifts, or punctuation errors.