20 th Century World History Name:
MUN Issue Research: Position Paper Assignment
Overview: The next step in our Model UN preparation is to write a position paper for the three issues addressed by your committee. A position paper is
Requirements:
 The position paper should be 1-2 pages, single-spaced. Please doublespace between paragraphs.
 Be sure to include plenty of specific details. Use the Topic Background
Guide you received for each topic as a starting point. The sources cited in that report, along with the organizations mentioned, should be helpful.
 Include parenthetical documentation of your sources, and prepare a Works
Cited page. Both must be in proper MLA format. Use your Pocket Style
Manual , or refer to www.dianahacker.com for guidelines on MLA formatting. On the Diana Hacker site, click on Student Sites , then click on
Pocket Style Manual , then click on Research and Documentation Online
(you will be redirected), then click on Documenting Sources in the
Humanities (MLA) section.
Your Position Paper should include the following information…

A brief introduction to your country and its history concerning the topic and committee;
 One or more body paragraphs that include: o Your country’s actions on the issue on a national level; o Your country’s actions on the issue on an international level
(including UN resolutions, conventions and declarations your country supports) o Quotes taken from sp eeches on the issue made by your country’s head of government or government representatives
 A conclusion that describes what actions your country believes need to be taken to resolve the issue.
Suggested Resources: A great place to begin researching is the UNA-USA website. Go to www.unausa.org and click on Model UN . Look on the left side of the page and click on Model UN Preparation Guide . There you will see links that provide help with Position Papers and a number of research links. Also, the
Cyberschoolbus site may be helpful as well. That address is www.cyberschoolbus.un.org.
Grading : A grading rubric will be provided in class. Please note that the Position
Paper should be a polished document that has been carefully edited! I am more

than happy to consult with you about your paper and/or read a draft. Please take advantage of my help!