Position Papers

Position Paper

After you create a country profile and research your issue, you and your other group members will meet and create a position paper.

- A position paper is your countries' response to the topic.

- A position paper is a paper that is 3 TO 4 PAGES LONG that...

• gives some background information on the problem (1/2 page).

1. How has the problem developed?
2. Why is it important that the UN fixes the problem?

• talks about past United Nations Involvement (1/2 page).

1. How, When and Why did the UN become involved with this problem?
2. What did the UN and other NGO's do when they became involved?
3. How successful was their solution?
4. How did the world respond to the solution?
5. Avoid making a statement such as "The UN did ___________ and this led to ____________."

• explains your countries' policy and past actions in regards to the issue (1 - 1/2 page).

1. Explain your policy on the topic.
2. Explain why your country is involved with the topic?
3. What actions has your country done in the past to solve the problem?

• proposes at least two to three solutions (1 - 1/2 page).

1. Before you propose your ideas, ask yourselves these questions.
2. Is the solution feasible? Will it cost too much money?
3. Has the UN tried this solution before?
4. What will NGO's do to carry out your solution?
5. What will happen if we implement your solution?
6. Will there be any unexpected problems because of this solution? If so, how will we fix them?
7. Is this solution in you countries' best interest?
8. Is this solution in the world's best interest?
9. Do not pick a solution that your country will not like.
10. Do not pick a solution that the world will not like.
11. Most importantly, BE SPECIFIC! Exactly what will happen with your solution.
    
    

An excellent position paper will be...

1. 3-4 pages, double spaced
2. It's sources will be cited MLA style and it will have a bibliography.
3. It will follow the correct format
4. See Sample Position Paper (example B).
5. It will have background on the problem, UN involvement on the problem and two or three solutions.
6. There can not be NO PLAGARISM.
   PLAGARISM WILL GET YOUR TEAM DISQUALIFIED!
   
   
   After writing a position paper, you are now ready for the actual conference. Your position papers will be used to frame your countries position. In the conference you will make SPEECHES and have DEBATES based upon you position paper.

Your Position Papers are due Tuesday, October 10th, at the end of class.

Jia you!

Mr. Gibson