Position Papers

TIPS FOR WRITING A POSITION PAPER

Format:

The position papers should be two pages maximum for tryouts, double spaced, one-inch margins, in a clearly legible font. Your resources used should be cited under a bibliography section in MLA format (do not forget to put them in alphabetical order).

Content:

The position paper is an essential part of becoming an active and effective delegate. Not only does the paper compel you to do prior research on your topic beyond the background guide, it allows you to discover your respective nation or individual's specific stance on the topic. Having a position paper in front of you is an easy way to create a foundation for your ideas and bolster your confidence in committee.

The paper should be split up into 3 sections:

• First is a brief introduction/background of the topic; this should not be the bulk of the paper, and should not be a direct paraphrase of the background guide,

• Second is a section focused on how your country/character has behaved regarding the issue that your committee is focusing on, namely policies, stances, events, and historical actions,

• Third are possible resolutions to the problem presented in your committee’s background guide; this should be the meat of the paper and should synthesize your interests with the interests of the committee. These resolutions are the core of committee debate and are what you intend to pass at the end in resolution form.

Position papers are not just so chairs know that delegates have research the topic, they help the delegates by bringing them into committee with a better understanding and ideas at hand.

Have fun getting to know your topic and don’t be scared to share your country’s/role’s opinions with the rest of the committee.

Happy Writing!!