These are the key elements of a position paper:

1. The paper states and defends one main claim--a "position" concerning how a primary text treats some theme of central importance in the course.
   • Explicitly identify what theme you address and what position you take on it.
   • In a sentence or two say what the theme's central importance is.
   • It is your job to identify the theme and its relation to the text. One of the main points in writing a position paper is for you to reflect on and articulate what themes you think are important.
2. The format is simple and straightforward:
   • First, clearly explain the position you defend and indicate what important theme it concerns.
   • Next clearly describe the major pieces of evidence that support your position.
   • A position paper is very brief, ideally 1 page, never more than 2 pages (double spaced, normal margins, normal font). If you find your position paper exeeding these space limits, revise it by cutting out any fat or inessential material.
3. Papers concerning a given text must be presented on a day when the conference is discussing that text. When presenting your position paper to the conference, you may read it or explain it extemporaneously. A written position paper is due when you present it in conference.
4. What matters most in a position paper is the perceptiveness of your position, the clarity with which you explain it and the evidence supporting it, and the strength of your case for it.