How to Write a Position Paper

Position papers are assigned in political science, public health, nursing, business ethics and education courses, and they are the standard document for Model United Nations conferences. They share one purpose: to present an informed opinion on an issue and persuade readers it is the right one. Unlike a research paper that surveys what is known, a position paper argues for a side, and unlike a persuasive essay, it relies heavily on evidence and usually ends with practical recommendations.

This guide covers how to choose an issue, research it fairly, structure the paper, handle counterarguments and write recommendations. It also explains how Model UN position papers differ from academic ones.

What a Position Paper Is (and Is Not)

Step 1: Choose an Arguable Issue

A good position paper topic has at least two reasonable sides supported by evidence. If everyone already agrees, there is no position to take.

• Arguable: "Should hospitals mandate nurse-to-patient ratios?" works. "Is patient safety important?" does not.
• Researchable: choose an issue with published evidence, data and expert opinion on more than one side.
• Specific: "Should our state require ratios in emergency departments?" is easier to argue well than "Should nurse staffing be regulated?"
• Relevant to your audience: a policy course may want a government decision; a business course may want a company decision.

Step 2: Research Both Sides

Strong position papers are written by people who understand the opposing view well. Research both sides before you commit.

• Use scholarly sources, government reports, reports from reputable organisations and credible data.
• Make a two-column list of the strongest arguments and evidence for each side.
• Note who holds each view and why. Stakeholders' interests help explain the debate.
• Look for evidence that weakens your own side. You will need to answer it.

Step 3: State Your Position Clearly

Your thesis states your position directly and previews your main reasons. Hedging weakens a position paper.

• Weak: "There are arguments for and against mandatory nurse staffing ratios."
• Strong: "State legislators should require minimum nurse-to-patient ratios in hospital emergency departments, because evidence links lower ratios to safer care, reduced burnout and lower turnover costs that offset much of the expense."

Step 4: Structure the Paper

1. Introduction: the issue, why it matters now, background the reader needs, and your position statement.
2. Background: history of the issue, current policy or practice, and key definitions.
3. Arguments for your position: usually two to four main points, each in its own section with evidence.
4. Counterarguments and rebuttals: the strongest opposing points, presented fairly, then answered.
5. Recommendations: specific actions you propose, who should take them, and how.
6. Conclusion: restate the position and why acting on it matters.
7. References.

Longer policy position papers often open with a short executive summary. Use headings so readers can find each section quickly.

Step 5: Handle Counterarguments Well

The counterargument section is where position papers earn credibility. Readers who disagree with you will only be persuaded if they see their view represented fairly.

• Present the strongest opposing point, not a weak version that is easy to dismiss.
• Acknowledge what is true in it. "Mandated ratios do raise labour costs" is honest and builds trust.
• Then answer it with evidence or reasoning: costs may be offset by lower turnover and fewer adverse events, or phased in over time.
• Avoid attacking people. Respond to arguments and evidence.

Step 6: Write Actionable Recommendations

Recommendations turn your argument into a plan. Make them specific: who should do what, by when, and how success will be measured.

Model UN Position Papers

Model United Nations position papers follow a different convention. They represent the assigned country's view, not your own, and are usually short, often one to two pages per committee topic. A typical structure covers background on the topic, past international action, the country's policy and past actions, and proposed solutions. Conferences publish their own formatting rules and deadlines, so follow your conference guide exactly.

Worked Example: A Body Section

Each argument section should open with a clear claim, present evidence, explain what the evidence means and link back to your position. Here is a short example from a paper arguing for emergency department staffing ratios.

Notice the pattern: claim, mechanism, evidence, application to the specific setting, and a final sentence tying the point to the position. In your own paper, each piece of evidence should carry a citation to a specific study or report.

Writing the Executive Summary

Policy-style position papers and longer assignments often begin with an executive summary of 150 to 300 words. Decision makers may read only this section, so it must stand alone.

• State the issue in one or two sentences.
• Give your position directly.
• List the main supporting reasons briefly.
• Summarise your key recommendations.

Write the executive summary last, once the paper is complete, so it reflects your final argument rather than an early draft. Avoid introducing evidence or ideas that do not appear in the body.

Tone and Language

A position paper is persuasive, but its authority comes from fairness and evidence. Use confident, precise language when stating your position, and measured language when describing evidence: "studies suggest" or "the data indicate" rather than "this proves". Define technical terms on first use, avoid sarcasm about opposing views, and keep sentences direct so busy readers can follow your reasoning quickly.

Common Mistakes

• No clear position, or one that only appears in the conclusion.
• One-sided research that ignores strong opposing evidence.
• Straw-man counterarguments.
• Opinion without evidence.
• Vague recommendations with no actor or action.
• Emotional language in place of reasoning, which undermines credibility with academic and policy readers.

Quick Checklist

• The issue is arguable, researchable and specific.
• The position is stated clearly in the introduction.
• Each main argument has its own section with credible evidence.
• The strongest counterarguments are presented fairly and answered.
• Recommendations name who should act, what they should do and how success will be measured.
• Headings make the structure easy to follow.
• All sources are cited in the required style.