How to Write a Position Paper: Structure and Example
A position paper states where you stand on an issue and argues for that position with evidence. To write one, define the issue, take a clear stance, support it with facts and reasoning, address the strongest opposing views, and close with specific recommendations. It should be concise, well sourced and written in a measured, professional tone.
Position papers show up in several settings: Model United Nations conferences, university courses, think tanks, advocacy groups, professional associations and government consultations. The format varies a little by setting, but the core job is always the same. You are telling a decision-maker what you think should happen and why they should agree.
What makes a position paper different
A position paper overlaps with an argumentative essay, but there are useful differences.
- Audience: Usually decision-makers, committee members or stakeholders, not a general reader or a teacher grading style.
- Purpose: To influence a decision or a policy, not just to demonstrate reasoning.
- Recommendations: A position paper normally ends with concrete proposals. An essay may simply conclude.
- Voice: It often speaks for an organization, country or group, not only for the individual writer.
A position paper is also different from a white paper, which tends to be longer, more technical and more focused on explaining a problem or product in depth.
Step 1: Choose and narrow the issue
If you have a choice, pick an issue that is genuinely debatable. "Pollution is bad" has no serious opposing side. "Our city should introduce a congestion charge for the central district" does.
Then narrow it. A paper on "climate policy" is too broad to argue well in a few pages. A paper on "whether our university should divest its endowment from coal companies" can be argued properly.
In Model UN, the topic is assigned, and your position is your country's actual policy, not your personal view. Research what your assigned country has said and voted for on the issue.
Step 2: Research both sides
You cannot argue convincingly without understanding the other side. Gather:
- Background facts and the history of the issue
- Current laws, policies or agreements that apply
- Data from credible sources such as government agencies, international organizations, peer-reviewed research and established news outlets
- The strongest arguments against your position
Keep careful notes on where every fact came from. Position papers live or die on credibility, and a single unsupported number can undermine the whole thing. Format your references consistently, for example with an APA citation tool if your instructor or organization uses APA.
Step 3: State your position clearly
Write your position as a single, specific sentence.
"The city council should introduce a weekday congestion charge in the central district, with revenue ringfenced for bus service improvements."
Avoid hedging in the position statement itself. You can acknowledge complexity later, but readers should never have to guess what you are recommending.
Step 4: Build the structure
Most position papers follow a structure like this:
1. Introduction
Introduce the issue, explain why it matters now, and state your position. Keep it short: a paragraph or two.
2. Background
Give the reader the context they need. What is the problem? How did it develop? What has already been tried? Stick to relevant facts. This section should inform, not argue.
3. Arguments for your position
Present your main supporting points, each with evidence. Two to four strong arguments usually work better than six thin ones. Lead each paragraph with the claim, then support it.
4. Counterarguments and responses
Lay out the most serious objections fairly, then respond to them. Fair treatment of opposing views makes your paper more persuasive, because it shows you have thought the issue through. If an objection has merit, say so and explain why your position still holds or how your proposal addresses it.
5. Recommendations
Spell out what should happen. Good recommendations are specific, realistic and assigned to someone. "Something should be done about traffic" is not a recommendation. "The transport committee should commission a six-month pilot of the charge starting in the next budget year" is.
6. Conclusion
Briefly restate the position and why it matters. Do not introduce new arguments here.
7. References
List your sources in the required citation style.
Model UN position papers
Model UN papers usually have a more fixed format, set by the conference. A typical paper covers one or more committee topics in a page or so each, and for each topic includes:
- Background of the topic: The issue and its global context.
- Past international action: Relevant UN resolutions, treaties and programs.
- Country policy: Your assigned country's position, history and interests.
- Possible solutions: What your country proposes the committee should do.
Always check your conference's guidelines for length, font, headers and whether citations are required. Write in a diplomatic voice, often in the third person ("The Republic of X believes...").
Writing style tips
Be direct. Each paragraph should make one point. Lead with the point, then support it.
Be measured. Avoid emotional language and exaggeration. "This policy will destroy small businesses" is weaker than "Small businesses in the zone could face higher delivery costs, which the proposal addresses through a discount for registered commercial vehicles."
Be precise with numbers. If you cite a figure, give its source and its date. Do not round or inflate.
Use headings. Decision-makers skim. Headings help them find the section they care about.
Keep it tight. Many position papers run from one to a few pages. Classroom assignments and Model UN conferences often set firm limits. Respect them.
Before submitting, run the draft through a grammar checker and then read it aloud. Errors in a document meant to persuade officials or judges cost you credibility you cannot afford to lose.
A sample outline
Here is an outline for a short position paper on a university issue.
Title: Extending Library Opening Hours During Exam Periods
Introduction
- Issue: Main library closes at 10 pm, including during exams.
- Position: Library should open 24 hours during the four
weeks of exam season.
Background
- Current hours and how they were set.
- Student complaints logged through the union.
- Peer institutions that offer extended exam hours.
Arguments
1. Students need quiet study space; many share crowded housing.
2. Late closing pushes students into less safe, less suitable spaces.
3. Extended hours would be limited to four weeks, keeping
costs contained.
Counterarguments
- Staffing costs: Respond with a proposal for self-service
overnight access with security staff only.
- Encourages unhealthy study habits: Respond that students
already study late; the question is where.
Recommendations
- Run a 24-hour pilot in the next exam period.
- Track usage with existing swipe-card data.
- Review at the end of the term.
Conclusion
- Restate position and low-risk pilot approach.
References
If you need help turning an outline like this into a first-pass formal document, a document generator can give you a draft to edit. Replace any generic statements with your own research and sources, and verify every fact before it goes in front of a reader.
Common mistakes
- No clear position. If the reader finishes and is unsure what you want, the paper has failed.
- Ignoring the other side. One-sided papers look naive.
- Weak or missing sources. Opinion without evidence is not a position paper.
- Vague recommendations. Say who should do what, and when.
- Too long. Respect the reader's time and any word limits.
FAQ
How long is a position paper?
It depends on the context. Classroom and Model UN papers are often one to two pages per topic, while policy papers for organizations can run longer. Always follow the guidelines you are given.
Is a position paper written in first person?
It varies. Many academic and organizational papers avoid "I" and use a more formal voice. Model UN papers usually refer to the country in the third person. Check the conventions for your setting.
What is the difference between a position paper and an argumentative essay?
Both argue a stance, but a position paper is aimed at decision-makers and ends with concrete recommendations. An argumentative essay is usually an academic exercise and may not propose specific actions.
Do position papers need citations?
Yes, in almost every setting. Credible, clearly cited evidence is what separates a position paper from an opinion piece.