KINDS OF POSITION PAPER

​Three Kinds of Position Paper

By Gladice Fuertes

Three Kinds of Position Papers

While they all share the same basic purpose, position papers can be used in different contexts. Let's look at three main types:
1. Academic Position Paper
2. Internal Position Paper
3. Public Position Paper

1. Academic Position Paper

These are what you will typically write in a classroom setting. They require you to support your position with facts, validate your points with credible sources, and examine the strengths and weaknesses of your arguments

2. Internal Position Paper

Also known as "white papers" in the international community, these are used as a preparatory tool for a delegation, like in a Model United Nations (MUN) simulation. They include what your country would publicly say, along with confidential information like behind-the-scenes deals, allies, and adversaries. It's a way to think through all the complexities of an issue from your country's perspective.

2. Internal Position Paper

Note: "White papers" in the context of Model United Nations are referred to as "internal position papers". They serve as a preparatory tool for a country's delegation and for the delegation itself. These papers are broad-based statements of a country's policies on a specific issue.

These papers are valuable because they encourage you to think about the full complexity of the issues from your delegation's perspective. They also help you learn how to condense research and ideas into a more comprehensible argument.

2. Internal Position Paper

Note: What is MUN?
MUN stands for Model United Nations. It is an educational simulation where students take on the roles of delegates from different countries to solve real-world issues. The goal is to learn about diplomacy, international relations, and how the United Nations operates. Students who participate in MUN develop skills in public speaking, research, writing, critical thinking, and teamwork.

2. Internal Position Paper

Note: What is MUN?

During a conference, students represent a country's views and national interests, which may not align with their personal opinions. They engage in debates, negotiations, and discussions, working together to create resolutions for global problems. A key part of the preparation for MUN is writing a position paper. This document, typically one or two pages, summarizes a student's knowledge of a topic and outlines their country's stance and proposed solutions.

3. Public Position Paper

This is a public statement of a country's position on topics discussed at a conference, such as a MUN. It should reference past resolutions, international treaties, and statements from government officials or UN leaders. The focus is on what the country wants to achieve for the international community, not just its own internal problems. A good public position paper is a form of written diplomacy.

Multiple Choice

Academic position paper is usually written by students.

• CORRECT

• INCORRECT

Multiple Choice

A position paper can be used beyond a classroom setting.

• CORRECT

• INCORRECT

Multiple Choice

Internal position paper presents your country's positions on the topics being discussed.

• CORRECT

• INCORRECT

Multiple Choice

Public position paper is intended as a preparatory tool for your classmate on your delegation.

• CORRECT

• INCORRECT

Multiple Choice

Academic paper deals with a student's position on an issue related to their school and social life.

• CORRECT

• INCORRECT

Multiple Choice

Public position paper includes your country's stand on the issue and on what the organization has done to confront this.

• CORRECT

• INCORRECT

Multiple Choice

Making a stand on what you and your country believe in matters the most in a position paper.

• CORRECT

• INCORRECT

Multiple Choice

A discussion about your country is very necessary for a public position paper.

• CORRECT

• INCORRECT

Multiple Choice

What you publicly tell other nations and your knowledge of diplomacy are for an academic position paper.

• CORRECT

• INCORRECT

Multiple Choice

The type of position paper depends on the use, scope, and purpose. The wider the audience becomes, the greater the importance of the position paper.

• CORRECT

• INCORRECT