Format: Introduction: Your introduction should provide background information on the topic. Be sure to include the significance of the topic (why is it important?). Include a clear and concise thesis statement that outlines your main argument. This should be paired with a statement defining the scope of your paper and a general identification of the topic you will be discussing. Arguments and counter-arguments: Explain both a series of claims that support your argument, as well as counter-arguments to your position (i.e. the arguments you are refuting). It should be clear that you have critically assessed both sides of the issue. When explaining these arguments, you can use quantitative evidence (e.g. statistics) and/or qualitative evidence (e.g. specific examples, case studies, etc.) to support your position. Ensure that the sources you rely on to back up your claims are authoritative. Suggested courses of action: An important component of your position paper is looking forward towards possible courses of action. Evaluate the possibilities to conform, reform and/or transform, including a discussion on organizations, grassroots groups, or governmental bodies working on the issue. Conclusion: Your conclusion should summarize the main arguments you presented in your paper and reinforce your paper’s main ideas. Do not include new information in your conclusion. Length: Your paper should be 1800 to 2000 words in length (excluding title page and reference list). Use 12-point font with 1.5-line spacings. References: Include a minimum of seven references. Of those seven references, at least five must be from academic sources. Consider using the key references you analysed for your Annotated Bibliography. You must substantially engage with the academic references you cite. Use proper APA formatting when including in-text citations and reference list (see the Owl Perdue website (Links to an external site.) for detailed guidelines).