[header] How to write a position paper [title] Make sure your topic is arguable. [step] If you are choosing your own topic, then you will want to make sure that it has multiple sides. The topic should be controversial, with at least 2 clear sides. 
Sometimes a topic might seem to have 2 sides, but in actuality most people would agree on 1 side. [substeps] For example, you wouldn't want to write a paper arguing that children need proper care, as no one would disagree with that stance.