Though the assignment may seem minor, edit and proofread a position paper carefully. (revise and edit) Think of a position paper as a trial run for a longer paper. As such, it should follow the conventions of any given field or major.

Identify key terms and concepts and use them correctly and often. The instructor may be checking to see how carefully you read. So, in your paper, make a point of referring to the new concepts or terms you’ve found in your reading, as Heidi Rogers does with ethos, pathos, and logos in the model essay.

Treat your sources appropriately. Either identify them by author and title within the paper or list them at the end in the correct documentation form (e.g., MLA or APA). Make sure quotations are set up accurately, properly introduced, and documented. Offer page numbers for any direct quotations.

Spell names and concepts correctly. You lose credibility very quickly if you misspell technical terms or proper nouns that appear throughout the course readings. In literary papers especially, get characters’ names and book titles right.

Respond to your classmates’ work. Position papers are often posted to electronic discussion boards to jump-start conversations. So take the opportunity to reply substantively to what your classmates have written. Don’t just say “I agree” or “You’re kidding!” Add good reasons and evidence to your remarks. Remember, too, that your instructor might review these comments, looking for evidence of engagement with the course material.