Writing a Postion Paper

Writing a Postion Paper

Because we're all IR 1 kids once...

General Sources

Don't use the same word over and over again. "Strongly Concerned" gets kind of old after awhile. Don't get caught using a word incorrectly. It really takes a bite out of your credibility. If you're not quite sure, check out http://dictionary.reference.com/ to expand and enhance your vocab!

Usually conferences like you to use MLA format to cite your sources. However, this is not the infallible rule. Know how to use both APA (footnotes) and MLA for your papers. If you're not sure, or you're just plain tired, you can use http://www.easybib.com/ for both. For all your citation and grammar needs, the OWL at Perdue is pretty much the most exhaustive online reference I've found. Check it out at http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/557/01/.

Some Things to Avoid

Plagiarism- Not only is this morally wrong, it's (!!!)REALLY (!!!) easy to get caught. The amount of work you'll put into NOT getting caught is greater than the work of just doing the damn paper yourself. When they find you, (and they will) they'll probably punish you to the full extent of the law. Besides, you'll end up angering a pair of very cool, very smart and very nice ladies who would otherwise take care of you (even if you're annoying). Just don't do it. It's bad karma.

(Citation Misuse, page2)- Learn how to do it right already! If you can't figure it out, see the above link. Don't forget internal citations, parenthetical, footnotes, or otherwise. Depending on the document, there are different ways of doing this. If you are referencing a government document, for example, and you are using MLA, you don't need a parenthetical reference. Just follow the guidelines in the OWL at Perdue resource provided above.

Misguided, or, Reckless Use, of the Comma- Don't get all comma happy. Contrary to popular belief, there is no such thing as a stylistic comma. Commas separate introductory or dependent clauses from main clauses. Commas can also be used to separate items in a list. It is acceptable, but old-fashioned to use a comma before "and" in a list of three or more. A comma can also be used to separate two independent clauses in a compound sentence. If you have any other commas, it probably means that you're writing in the passive voice (which is bad- don't do it) or you're just a bad writer. REwrite the sentence in this case. Take out all the junk that you don't need. Read it out loud. If it sounds awkward or wordy, split it up, make it active, or take it out.

The Semicolon; is for the express use of separating two independent clauses without the use of a conjunction. If you didn't understand the comma section, DON'T USE IT. If you don't know what an independent clause or a conjunction is, DON'T USE IT. Misuse of the semicolon is common and embarrassing to the discerning reader.

Acronyms- The UN loves them, but they can get confusing if used improperly. Write it out the first time, and include the acronym in parentheses directly after it.

StrAngE capITaliZatioN- This just makes you sound like you have psychological issues. Don't capitalize it unless it is a proper name, the beginning of a sentence, or part of an acronym. You aren't Emily Dickenson, and you aren't writing poetry-- don't do it.

Handy-Dandy Guide to Just Writing the Stupid Paper

I know, it's a headache, and pretty much the least enthralling bit of work you have to do for the simulation, next to picking out what color tie you'll wear for extra credit. However, it's a necessary evil, and I promise it gets fast and easy with practice.

Introduction

State your country's main attitude towards the situation. Set the tone of your position. Are you aggressive? moderate? have something to hide? This is where you can sort get into character. It is important beginning with the paper and throughout the simulation to express your country's opinion, NOT your own. The intro can help you set the stage. If you organize this section correctly, with a few tweaks, it can become your first speech in formal debate.

I. The Current Situation

What has lead up to the currently crisis? You can get brownie points in this section by comparing the topic in the focus country with similar situations through history. Use excerpts from public speeches. You can usually find these online at the government's website or in online newspapers (see More on Research). Start from the beginning if it is at all feasible. By analyzing the factors that caused the current situation, you can lead into the next section with more clout and a better laid plan. REMEMBER! This, like all histories, should be bias to the author's (YOUR COUNTRY's) understanding. This is why it is extremely important to use more than one source when writing this section. Cross referencing is key.

II. Proposed Actions and Solutions

Try not to mix this with the last section, Justification; otherwise, you'll have nothing left to say. Previous resolutions are a great way to get a basic knowledge of what your committee and others have already tried. Look up the voting records to see whether your country, or a country with your same interests voted for or against the resolution. Official transcripts of committee proceedings are also pretty much pure gold on what you should be suggesting in this section. The Economist and UN News are also pretty useful for finding out what might or didn't actually make it into the resolution. You can bring these up again. Don't forget to be creative. Your solutions don't have to have an exact precedent, as long as you make a convincing and logical case for it in the next section. Think robotic tractors!

III. Justification

You can lead your audience into your position and solutions, and just as they start thinking that you're a crazy demagogue with an advanced case of syphilis and a Napoleonic complex, you can turn around and say "...and this is why!!!!" For the justification, reference the resolutions that you got your ideas from. Another great source is a report from an NGO studying the problem you're trying to solve. These can get pretty lengthy, so if you don't have time to read the whole thing, check out a specific section, or read the summary or fact sheet. Compare the current problem with similar problems in your country or region. Talk about how those problems were resolved. If they weren't, talk about what went wrong. This section is a good way to identify a base of sources that will help you defend your statements in moderated caucus.

Because, Chad, we want to invade Djibouti with the aid of Greece, too.