Scientific literature aims to communicate discoveries, advances and new knowledge to the scientific community, and even to the general public through the popular media. Most of the scientific articles are descriptive: the authors explain how they have reached certain conclusions from experiments, or from theoretical analyses. However, there are various types of articles that are perhaps less popular, or less frequent within this area, but no less important. These are position articles.
First, we will explain in detail what a position article consists of, and then we will offer you the 10 most important tips that you should keep in mind to write your next position article in an effective way.
The author takes sides
A position article is fundamentally based on an argumentative text that defends a position regarding a certain topic. Therefore, an article of these characteristics aims to prove that a certain position is the most accurate. Through his article, the author provides evidence that demonstrates the suitability of his position, which provides consistency and credibility. It is about persuading readers and convincing them, demonstrating the author's knowledge on the subject.
In addition to expressing an opinion on a particular topic, and defending it argumentatively, the authors of this type of article analyze other positions, which can be controversial, and expose how everything is related to each other. For all this, it is necessary to have a broad vision of the subject and to know in depth both the subject and the experts. In short, it is essential to read about it in detail.
Thus, the general characteristics of a position article are:
- Expression of a position in an argued manner
- Intention to persuade and convince the reader
- Exposition of the controversy and analysis of the relationship between the different positions
- Enumeration of evidence
How to select the theme?
The first thing to consider when writing a philosopy article is that you must find a topic that is of interest to the author and that can arouse the interest of other people. Of course, it is essential that the chosen topic is debatable, that it can generate debate. Let's remember that the matter treated, as well as the positions, are based on research, have a scientific nature, so that you have to be very precise in the expression despite the fact that a particular position is chosen.
Asking yourself the following questions can help you reflect on the chosen topic and its suitability for this type of work:
- Is it a real problem? Does it generate debate, controversy and uncertainty?
- Can I identify at least two positions, opposed to a greater or lesser extent?
- Do I myself share any of these positions and am interested in defending them?
- Is the question posed manageable, or is it too broad?
In an article of this type, the essential thing must be the ability to defend, to be able to present a solid case, regardless of the topic. That is why it is so important both prior research and analyzing different positions that arise on it.
The set-up: previous investigation
As in any other type of scientifically oriented article, a good investigation and previous investigation is essential to know the state of the art of the matter. In this case, the objective is to find all possible evidence that can support the position that we are interested in defending.
Since the approach is of a scientific nature, we will search in those sources that are reliable (scientific articles, government sites, etc.). As has already been said, it is essential that the topic generate debate, that there be at least 2 positions and that the position chosen can be defended in a solid way. Therefore, we must be able not only to know the arguments in favor of our thesis, but also those that support other positions: in this way we will be able to elaborate a much more solid reasoning for its defense, as well as refute the arguments of other positions. postures. It is very necessary to be aware of the points of view that are not favorable to us, and to be able to refute them in a reasoned way.
Some of the questions that can help in the analysis of arguments or contrary positions exposed in other texts are the following:
- Did the author analyze the controversy and discuss the different positions?
- What are the positions on the issue? What are the strengths and weaknesses of each of them?
- What is the author's position? Explain what your reasons are?
- Is it a well-structured, firm argument, or rather is it simply an opinion? Is it a persuasive article?
- Is the author aware of the weaknesses of his own argument?
- Are references cited?
The 10 tips
Here are the top 10 tips to help you successfully write your position paper and defend your position. They are fundamentally based on the principles of clarity, transparency and trust.
- Research the topic: before starting to write, the study of the state of the art is essential for the construction and defense of the position to be solid.
- Keep the focus: the definition of the specific topic and the exposition of the thesis clearly helps to keep the tone of the article and the objectives clear.
- Give a formal and official appearance to the article: the selection of the font, the size, keeping the margins, etc. They are fundamental basic rules to generate confidence in the reader.
- Take care of the organization: a clear structure provides clarity, security and gives an official appearance
- Express yourself simply: use simple and understandable language and be direct, avoiding unclear explanations.
- Consider the audience: the tone, the theme, the wording, etc. of the article must be in accordance with the type of audience we want to address
- Use persuasive language: In addition to logical and reasoned explanations, the use of persuasive language convinces the reader in a stronger way
- Discuss the arguments: reflecting the positions of other authors and explaining how our position is related to them shows solidity in the argument and evidences our knowledge of the subject
- List references: it is essential to build trust.
- Review: the final review is used to detect errors and assess the fluency with which the arguments are presented. After the review, it may be necessary to introduce changes in terms of the structure of our position article.