POSITION

PAPER
DEFINITION
and
PURPOSE
DEFINITION • Position paper is a detailed report
that recommends a course of
action on a particular issue.
• Position paper is a formal usually
detailed written statement,
especially regarding a single issue,
that articles a position, viewpoint,
or policy, as of a government,
organization, or political candidate
PURPOSE
• The purpose of a position paper is
to generate support on an issue.
• It describes a position on an issue
and the rational for that position.
• The position paper is based on
facts that provide a solid
foundation for your argument.
 • In the position paper you should:
PURPOSE o Use evidence to support your
position, such as statistical
evidence or dates and events.
o Validate your position with
authoritative references or
primary source quotations.
o Examine the strengths and
weaknesses of your position.
o Evaluate possible solutions and
suggest courses of action.
PARTS
of a
POSITION
PAPER
 THE
FOLLOWING • INTRODUCTION
STRUCTURE IS • BODY
TYPICAL OF A • CONCLUSION

POSITION
PAPER
INTRODUCTION

• Identification of the issue

• Statement of the position
 • Background information
BODY

• Supporting evidence or
facts
• A discussion of both sides
of the issue
CONCLUSION

• Suggested courses of
action
• Possible solutions
TOPICS
used in
POSITION
PAPER
TOPIC CHOICE • Choose an issue where there is
a clear division of opinion and
which is arguable with facts and
inductive reasoning. You may
choose an issue on which you
have already formed an opinion.
However, in writing about this
issue you must examine your
opinion of the issue critically
 • Prior to writing your position
TOPIC CHOICE
paper, define and limit your
issue carefully. Social issues
are complex with multiple
solutions. Narrow the topic of
your position paper to
something that is manageable.
• Research your issue thoroughly,
consulting experts and obtaining
primary documents.
 “
Consider feasibility, cost-
effectiveness and
political/social climate when
evaluating possible solutions
and courses of action
GUIDELINES
in writing
POSITION PAPER
 • Brief introduction to your country
and its history concerning the topic
and committee;
A good • How the issue affects your country;
position • Your country’s policies with respect

paper to the issue and your country’s

justification for these policies;
will • Quotes from your country’s leaders
include about the issue;
• What your country would like to
accomplish in the committee’s
resolution;
 • Statistics to back up your country’s
position on the issue;
• Actions taken by your government
with regard to the issue;
A good • Conventions and resolutions that
position your country has signed or ratified;

paper • UN actions that your

supported or opposed;
country

will • What your country believes should

include be done to address the issue; and
• How the positions of other
countries affect your country’s
position.
INTRODUCTION
• The introduction should
clearly identify the issue
and state the author’s
position. It should be
written in a way that
catches the reader’s
attention.
 • The body of the position
paper may contain several
paragraphs.
BODY

• Each paragraph should

present an idea or main
concept that clarifies a
portion of the position
statement and is supported
by evidence or facts.
 • The body may begin with
BODY

some background
information and should
incorporate a discussion of
both sides of the issue.
CONCLUSION • The conclusion should
summarize the main
concepts and ideas and
reinforce, without
repeating, the introduction
or body of the paper. It
could include suggested
courses of action and
possible solutions.