Writing a Position Paper PDF

# Writing a position paper ## Position paper - Position paper is an essay or report which expresses a position, conclusion, or recommendation concerning a contested issue or undecided question. - The purpose of position paper is to generate a support on an issue. - It describes a position on an i...

# Writing a position paper ## Position paper - Position paper is an essay or report which expresses a position, conclusion, or recommendation concerning a contested issue or undecided question. - The purpose of position paper is to generate a support on an issue. - It describes a position on an issue and the rationale for that position. - It is based on facts that provides a solid foundation for your arguments. ## Techniques on writing a position paper ### Writing a position paper - You should use evidence to support your position, such as statistical evidence or dates and events. - Validate your position with authoritative reference or primary source quotation - Examine the strength and weaknesses of your position - Evaluate possible position and suggest course of action ### Writing a position paper - 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 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. ### Writing a position paper - **Introduction** - The Introduction should clearly identify the issue and state the author's position. It should be written in a way that catches readers attention. - **Body** - The Body of the position paper may contain several paragraphs. Each paragraph should present an idea or main concept that clarifies a portion of the position statement and is supported by evidence or facts. Evidence can be primary source quotations, statistical data, interviews with experts, and indisputable dates or events. Evidence should lead, through inductive reasoning, to the main concept or idea presented in the paragraph. The body may begin with 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. ## Tips on how to create a position paper - Comprehensive - Detailed - Painless-to-write ### Position paper - Start with a brief introduction to the country's involvement or interest and its history regarding the topic. - Follow with the country's background on the topic and actions taken on the national level and other current topic-oriented policies. - Action taken on the international level: Resolution, Convention - **Tips:** link your country to the work that has been already done - Include quotes by the state representatives or statistical data - Specify the country's recommendation for a resolution for the topic ## Do's and Don'ts when writing a position paper - **Be Clear and Explicit** - **Write in the Present tense** - **Avoid First person pronoun** - **Avoid Superlatives**