Question

Which sentence would qualify as a “position”?



The wolf was eliminated from the northeastern U.S. by the end of the 19th century.



Wolves are shy animals that try to avoid human contact.



A group called Defenders of Wildlife has been leading wolf recovery efforts in the Northeast since 1995.



Wolves are an important part of a balanced ecosystem.

Answer 1

@Secret-Ninja

Answer 2

If you're referring to "position" as something like an opinion, then I believe the last option would be the answer. Anyone else have any thoughts on this?

Answer 3

A position is an opinion. It is arguable. In an essay, it is the thesis: the thing the essay will argue for. So, most of these statements could be a position in some situation.

Now really the multiple-choice, textbook answer is probably: Wolves are an important part of a balanced ecosystem. This is something that could be (and to some extent is) debated. Certainly among ranchers in the American West, this will be unlikely to accepted without evidence. You can agree or disagree, and that is your position.

From "The Big Bang Theory":
Sheldon's Mom (referring to evolution): Everyone is entitled to his opinion.
Sheldon: Evolution isn't an opinion. It is a fact.
Sheldon's Mom: And that is your opinion.

So, notice that the other statements could be positions if they were in dispute.

Are wolves shy? Is Defenders of Wildlife a real organization or a scam or a fiction? Did wolves disappear from any particular area at any particular time? See, there are situations in which you might have to take a position on these statement although they appear entirely factual.