Position Papers

Occasionally, dance majors will be asked to write position papers in which they demonstrate their skills in using persuasive writing to defend a position on an issue. In preparing a position, it is important to research both sides of the issue thoroughlyby critically reading all available information on the topic. Effective persuasive writing

• is written with the target audience in mind,
• demonstrates thorough and current knowledge of both sides of the issue,
• presents different sides of the issue, then takes a stand,
• offers more than one reason for the position, and
• saves the most powerful argument for last.

Some Helpful Websites:

http://ccweb.norshore.wednet.edu/writingcorner/persuasive.html

http://volweb.utk.edu/Schools/bedford/harrisms/teachpage.htm

http://www.superwriter.com/persuasi.htm

http://www.csuohio.edu/writingcenter/critread.html