Position

Papers!
2016-2017

What is a Position Paper?

This is a formal research paper that should include in-text citations
and a Works Cited page in MLA format. Position Papers are turned in
before the conference and are used as part of the evaluation process
to demonstrate that students have adequately researched and
prepared for debate.
1 to 1.5 pages in length
Gives facts about the country and the topic
Includes proposals for resolutions (ideas of what should be
done in the future)
Resolutions are actions for ALL countries, not just your
country
Can be used later to write Opening Speeches

PP Paragraph Breakdown
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

Introduction
Domestic Action
International Action & Collaboration
Future Resolutions
Conclusion (Optional)
Works Cited (and in-text citations throughout)

Introduction
Introduce the topic; give background information
How does the issue affect your country?
Be sure to skew it to your countrys position.
Example: if you are debating juvenile crime and you have a
country in which there is a low juvenile crime rate, explain
what measures your country and similar countries have taken
to reduce this number

Domestic Action: On a National Level

(Is this topic an issue for your country?)
Past policies and actions related to the issue in your country.
What actions has your country taken to address the issue on a national level?
Be sure to mention both WHY and WHAT happened.

Current situation and actions in your country.

Has your country recently created new policies or passed new laws regarding this
issue?

Statistics and quotes to back up your countrys position.

What percentage of the population in your country is affected by this issue? Is it
increasing or decreasing?

International Action & Collaboration

Past resolutions and agreements that your country took part
in.
What conferences has your country attended to discuss this issue?
What UN conventions, treaties and/or resolutions has your country
supported or ratified (signed) on this issue?
Does your country have any agreements with other countries regarding
this issue? If so, list them.
Do you have any quotes from government officials on this issue?

Current global issues related to your topic.

Future Resolutions
Recommendations for Action
This is what your country believes should be done about the issue.
Focus on working together with other countries/organizations.
Actions must focus on all countries, not only your countrys specific needs.

Give at least TWO proposals for future actions to solve the problem.
What, Who, When, How
Give details and be creative!

Dont forget about the money!

Have your government officials or UN delegates

recommended a course of action?

Conclusion (Optional)

Summarize your countrys position.

Reminder: some good sources

https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/747/01/
CIA World Factbook
Interactive World Map with statistics
World Bank - Economic Data for countries
U.S. State Department website
UN Member States "On the Record"
http://www.unausa.org/global-classrooms-modelun/how-to-participate/model-un-preparation/research

How to Write Good

Position Papers!!!

1.Linking Words

What are linking words?

1. They are words or phrases that link or relate two
ideas to one another.
2. We can use them to contrast information, make
comparisons, add information, or give our
reasoning for having said something.

Linking words that compare

1. Similarly: John likes to play baseball. Similarly,
Jenna likes to play softball.
2. Also: I like baseball. I also like football.
3. Like: My parents are like me. They are short and
have curly hair.
4. Compared to: She is tall compared to her friend.

Linking words that help you contrast

1. On the contrary: I like to dance. On the contrary, Sarah likes to read
2. One the one hand...on the other hand: On the one hand, I like cooking
because I like food, but on the other hand, I dont like it because its a
lot of work.
3. To the contrary: I like to dance. To the contrary, Sarah likes to read.
4. In contrast: In contrast to Philadelphia, Madrid is warmer.
5. However: I like fruit. However, I like vegetables more.
6. But: I like fruit, but I like vegetables more.
7. Still: Womens rights issues are really important. Still, we must also
focus on equal rights for people of color.

Linking words that help you provide an

example

1. For example: I like many sports. For example, I like

baseball and football.
2. For instance: I like many sports. For instance, I like
baseball and football.
3. Such as: She plays many sports, such as softball
and hockey.
4. Including: She plays many instruments, including
the guitar.

Linking words that show cause and effect

1. Therefore: I grew up by the beach.
Therefore, I like the beach.
2. Thus: I grew up by the beach. Thus, I like
the beach.
3. As

such: I grew up by the beach. As

such, I like the beach.

Linking words that help you add you to

what youve already said
1. Additionally:I like swimming. Additionally, I like
running.
2. Moreover: He is a bad president because he is
racist. Moreover, he is sexist.
3. In addition: In addition to liking swimming, he also
likes basketball.
4. Also: I like swimming. I also like basketball.

2. Good Thesis
Statements

So, what is a thesis statement?

A lot of things! Thats why its so important.
It tells the reader what to expect from the rest of the paper.
It lays out an argument that others might disagree with.
It proposes a new way of understanding a certain topic.
***Important***
Thesis statements are almost always one sentence long and almost always come at
the very end of the introduction.

What makes a good thesis

statement?
1. The thesis statement must be debatable.
***debatable=something you can argue about

2. The thesis statement must be focused/specific.

Question: What should be

done to stop pollution of our
environment?

Which thesis statement do you think better

answers the question?

Pollution is bad for the

environment and therefore
it should be stopped.

To stop pollution, we should

ride our bikes more
frequently, recycle every
day, and turn off our lights
when we arent home.

Why?

Position Paper Introduction Rubric

2

Gramma
r

Contains
few or no
grammati
cal errors
and is
formatted
accordin
g to
instructio
ns.

The
grammar
errors
hinder
understa
nding of
the
paragrap
hs ideas.

Structur
e

Organize
d in a
logical
manner.
Each
sentence
leads into
the next.
Contains
all

Contains
some
grammar
and
punctuati
on errors,
however
they do
not
hinder
the
understa
nding of
the
paper.
Most of
the key
elements
of the
paragrap
h are
present
but are
out of
order.

Missing
vital
informati
on for the
paragrap
h and
sentence
s seem
disconne
cted from

https://www.youtube.c
om/watch?v=uWNTMmktoC
Q
up to 6:40
http://crimedocumentary.