Position Paper Writing

Position Paper Writing

Lesson Target: To learn what position papers are and learn how to write them.

Let's dive in!

Care to venture on a guess?

What's a Position Paper?

What is it? It's a document that intends to cover the description of assigned topic, your country’s position in regards to topic, and the proposition of possible solutions. Why write one? It will give you a clear idea on the issue you will discuss at CIMUN and it will prepare you for it! Which skills will you put into practice? Research, critical thinking and analysis, and, more importantly, good writing and editing skills!

The Position Paper Format

Here's an example of how the header must look like:*Name of committee: WHO *Name of the country: United States *Name of delegate: Lucía Villarreal *Name of school: Colegio Inglés *Name of topic: The COVID-19 Pandemic Response General guidelines: *Font: Times New Roman. *Font Size: 12 points. *Number of Paragraphs: 3 *Line Spacing: 1 (simple, without spaces before or after). *Document Margins: 2.54 cm/1 inch on each side.

Paragraph ONE: Background Info

Here is what we NEED to cover in the first paragraph: - General definition of topic/issue - What is happening? - Who is involved? - What other issues is it linked with? - What happens if we do not tackle or address the issue? - Identify what obstacles have kept this problem from being solved. PRO TIP: Include statistics to support your writing!

Paragraph TWO: Country's Take on Issue

Here is what we NEED to cover in the second paragraph:-Relationship of topic with country -What has your country done to solve problem? - Actions your country has pursued to tackle problem. - Future agenda of country in regards to topic at hand. PRO TIP: Look at your country's past actions and plans regarding issue to avoid proposing those as solutions!

Paragraph THREE: Country's Solutions

Here is what we NEED to cover in the third paragraph: *Present conclusions of issue. *Propose possible solutions that your country proposes in regards to issue. *Outline next steps for past/present solutions that have already been applied to problem. PRO TIP: Go over the UN's resolutions and plans of action to have a clear idea of what has been done to solve the problem.

Key Pointers

- Research the general and particular aspects of the topic to be discussed.- Look into the context of the problem. - Identify the policies and positions that their allied countries have had, as well as their counterparts. - Refrain from speaking in the FIRST PERSON. - Use: My delegation, My country/nation - You always represent the country and NOT your personal point of view. - The more you research, the better!

Upside of MUN Simulations

HOW CAN IT BENEFIT ME? 1. Acquire Worldly Knowledge Keeping up with the world's affairs may sound overwhelming, but you will gain practical and thorough knowledge of world affairs when you become a delegate. 2. Build & Boost Your Confidence You interact with new people, work in teams to propose solutions, and express your view in a self-assured manner. You're bound to succeed in high-pressure situations!

Upside of MUN Simulations

3. Hone Your Analytical Skills MUN Simulations compel you to examine things critically from various standpoints to propose acceptable solutions and bring an end to the issue at hand. 4. Strengthen Problem-Solving Skills You will strengthen yours by learning how to identify the main details of your topics and propose a well-rounded solution that tackles issues and benefits everyone.

Upside of MUN Simulations

6. Mastering Public Speaking Not only will you learn how to address a room full of people, but you will learn how to express your views and debate in front of an audience. 7. Enhance Writing Skills It prompts you to analyze complex ideas and, most importantly, learn how to express them deftly. 8. Develop Vital Leadership Skills As a delegate, you will be compelled to enhance your leadership skills as you represent a real-world country and take decisions on behalf of the said country.

Classwork

1. Pick one of the two following topics:- Police Brutality, Violence and Reform in the US - Global Warming - The Rise of Terrorist Groups 2. Choose one of the following countries: Belgium, Brazil, China, France, Japan, Mexico, Thailand, United Kingdom, United States, Russia. 3. Do more research. DON'T FORGET TO INCLUDE BIBLIOGRAPHY! 4. Create a mini position paper! (5 sentences per paragraph AT LEAST!) NOTE: Make sure you cover the three paragraphs accordingly: bckg info, country's stance, and proposed solutions to conflict.