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!