Writing

Position Statement

 

A position statement is a declaration of one’s point of view on a topic, essentially the argument being made.  This means, it is not a summary of the chosen text, but rather summarizes your own ideas in relation to and about the text. The position statement will indicate the focus of your own essay.

 

The position statement should be a well-developed paragraph that includes one quote from the essay you will be working with and how it connects to the direction your essay will take.

 

At the end of your position statement, include a working thesis statement. Remember that a thesis statement is not an observation or statement of fact, but is a focused idea of your own that can be argued. For this essay, the thesis statement should reflect your own thinking as well as what you are responding to within the chosen text.

 

To recap your position statement will include the following components:

• summary of your own ideas in regards to the essay you are writing with
• one quote from your chosen essay and how it connects to your own thinking
• a working thesis statement