Written Response #2: How to Write a Position Paper
Completion requirements
How to Write a Position Paper
The Alberta Diploma Examination in Social Studies 30-1 has two parts.
Part A is a 3 hour written exam that consists of two responses.
- Written Assignment I is a three source analysis.
- Written Assignment II is a position paper.
Written Assignment II is a position paper that requires you to demonstrate the skills of analysis, evaluation, and synthesis in response to a text source. The exam provides a brief statement or quote that you must analyze and then establish a position in relation to the source's ideological perspective.
- You must demonstrate an understanding of the ideological perspective(s) reflected in the source. (a source analysis).
- You must establish a position in response to the ideological perspective in the source.
- You must argue in favour of your position, defending it with evidence that has a theoretical, historical, contemporary, and/or current events focus that demonstrates your understanding of social studies.
The value of the position paper is 30% of the total examination score.
The position paper assignment looks like the following:
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Reminders for Writing
- Organize your response.
- Proofread your response.
This is a challenging writing activity. Look on it as an opportunity to show what you have learned about ideologies.
For the Position Paper, do not simply outline various ideological perspectives or retell the story of a historical event. Instead, write with a purpose. Your response should
- contain a clear analysis of the sourcedemonstrate that you understand the ideological perspective reflected in the source
- present argumentation that is orderly, logical, and thorough
- use appropriate evidence to develop and support your position
Ask yourself these questions as you proofread your work for the Position Paper:
- Have I analyzed and demonstrated fully an understanding of the source?
- Is my argumentation consistent, logical, and thorough?
- Is the evidence presented accurate and relevant?
- Is my writing organized and easy to understand?
- Did I use correct spelling, punctuation, and grammar?
- Did I use vocabulary correctly and accurately?
- Will my response convince the reader that my position is valid?
Consider the Question
Do you understand the question? On the diploma exam, the position paper always asks you this question in relation to the source: To what extent should we embrace the ideological perspective(s) reflected in the source?
In other words, should we accept or reject the perspective in the source, or should we take a position somewhere in the middle? To answer this question, you need to
- review your knowledge about ideologies
- analyze the perspective in the source
- establish a position (your thesis statement)
- think of arguments and evidence to support your position
Analyze the perspective in the source
Your entire position paper is based on your analysis of the source presented. You must show that you understand the ideological perspective discussed in the source.Review your understandings of ideological perspectives. Think about everything you have learned this term:
Analyze the source. Look closely at the words used and the message. What view about the nature of human beings does it suggest? What values and beliefs does it suggest regarding equality and freedom? Does it support individualism, collectivism, classical or modern liberalism, or another ideological perspective? What ideas does it suggest about the role of government in society?
Establish a Position
Your position must be clear. That does not mean you have to argue completely for or against the perspective presented in the source, but you do have to say how much you think it should be embraced. No matter what position you take, you must support it in the body of your essay. Possible answers include"...to the full extent"
"...to a great extent"
"...to a certain extent"
"...to the extent that-"
"...to no extent"
Support your Position
After you have formed a position, think about how you will defend it.What are the main reasons you support or reject the ideological perspective presented in the source?
What information will help you defend your position?
What specific examples can be used to support your position?
Your essay is evaluated on your use of argument and the evidence you present. Evidence can be theoretical, historical, contemporary, or current.
Organize your Ideas
Before you begin to write your essay, organize your facts, opinions, and examples so that they make sense. An outline or a graphic organizer will help order your thoughts. Using your organizer as a guide, write the first draft of your essay. Get your thoughts and information on paper while following your organizational structure. Do not worry about spelling and grammar just yet.Write the Response
The paper must include an opening paragraph in which you introduce the key elements of the concept being discussed including a strong thesis. You will then add several supporting paragraphs in which your arguments, evidence/examples are presented to defend your position in relation to the source. If time, include a concluding paragraph.Revise the Response
As you read your first draft, ask the following questions:Did I analyze the source thoroughly?
Did I establish a clear position?
Do my arguments make sense?
Does the evidence I present support my position? Are they relevant and accurate?
Are my ideas organized logically?
How are my spelling, grammar, and word usage?
Revise and edit your response based on these questions. If you are using a word processor, be sure to set the language to English (Canada) and to use spell check and grammar check. If you are not sure, ask for help. Remember that you can bring a thesaurus, dictionary, and an approved writing handbook for use during Part A of the Diploma Exam.
Here is a detailed explanation of how to write Position Papers for Social Studies 30-1.
How To Write Position Paper for Social Studies 30-1
How To Write Position Paper for Social Studies 30-1