video presentation: This video presentation on position papers was prepared for one version of English 88, but the general descriptions of the purpose and format of the papers is pertinent.

scheduling: Each student in English 88v will write FOUR position papers, choosing FOUR of the fifteen occasions when "paper options" are indicated on the English 88v schedule. At least two of the papers must be written before the end of chapter 7. The papers are due before we begin discussing the readings at hand.

format: Send your papers to papers@writing.upenn.edu with no formatting. No attachments. Just text. Unformatted text sent by email is sometimes called "plain text." If all else fails, simply block and copy your paper's text from the word processor you are using, and send the copied block by email to us.

position papers consist of approximately 450-500 words (the equivalent of a 2-page typewritten paper)

• ...sent to papers@writing.upenn.edu
• ...prior to the date due as indicated on the course schedule.

position papers don't fiddle-faddle with general introductions or conclusions,

• ...but rather get rather quickly to the point, which is
• ...a contention - or interpretive position - about the reading or topic in question,
• ...and can be thought of as your position on what you take to be the text's position (your opinion as to what the text's position is).

position papers don't summarize what's in the text (assume your reader knows the text well), and must

• ...use textual evidence to support your contention or position.

a good rule of thumb

• ...for knowing if you have a remarkable position: ask yourself, "Might others be capable of disagreeing with me?" If not, then consider that your "position" is truistic or obvious or too agreeable. (In other words, a good position paper is one someone could argue against.)