How to Write a Position Paper: Structure, Research and Example

A position paper presents a clear stance on a debatable issue and backs it with evidence, while fairly addressing opposing views. To write one, choose an issue with real disagreement, research all sides, state your position in a precise thesis, support it with your strongest evidence, respond to counterarguments, and close with practical recommendations. It should read as reasoned and credible, not just passionate.

Position papers show up in college courses, Model United Nations conferences, student government, nonprofits and policy work. The context changes the format a little, but the core is the same: take a stand you can defend.

What makes a position paper different

Step 1: Choose an issue you can argue

A good topic has three qualities:

• Real disagreement. Reasonable, informed people hold different views.
• Evidence on multiple sides. If there's no credible support for the opposing view, there's nothing to argue.
• Manageable scope. "Climate change" is too broad. "Our city should require new commercial buildings to include rooftop solar or green roofs" is a position you can support in a few pages.

If your topic is assigned, as in Model UN, your job is to narrow down to the specific questions the committee will debate.

Step 2: Research all sides

Start with credible, current sources: government reports, academic journals, established news organizations, reports from recognized research institutions, and primary documents such as laws or treaties. Note the author, date and publisher of everything you use.

As you read, keep two lists:

1. evidence and arguments that support your likely position
2. the strongest arguments against it

The second list is just as important. You'll need it in Step 5, and it may even change your mind before you commit.

Step 3: Write a precise position statement

Your thesis should state what you believe and, ideally, the main reasons why. Compare:

• Too vague: "Social media in schools is a complicated issue."
• A position, but thin: "Schools should restrict phones."
• A strong position: "High schools should require phones to be stored during class time, because it reduces distraction during instruction while still allowing access at lunch and in emergencies."

The strong version is specific about what, where and why, which tells readers exactly what you'll defend.

Step 4: Build your supporting arguments

Pick two to four main arguments. For each, use a pattern like this:

1. Claim – the point in one sentence
2. Evidence – data, examples, expert analysis or documented cases, with citations
3. Explanation – how this evidence supports your position

Lead with your strongest argument or save it for last, but don't bury it in the middle.

Step 5: Address counterarguments

This is where position papers earn their credibility. Choose the most serious objections, not the easiest ones to dismiss, and state them fairly. Then respond:

• Refute – show the objection is based on weak or outdated evidence.
• Concede and outweigh – admit the point has merit, then explain why your position still makes more sense.
• Adapt – show how your proposal can be adjusted to address the concern.

(Objection, stated fairly) Critics argue that storing phones during class could leave students unreachable in an emergency, a concern many parents share. (Concession) That worry is understandable, and any policy must take it seriously. (Response) However, a storage policy can keep phones in the classroom, in pouches or a wall organizer, so students can reach them quickly if the school's emergency procedures call for it, while office phones and staff radios remain the primary channels. (Link back) The policy reduces daily distraction without removing access when it matters most.

Step 6: Recommend specific actions

End with what should happen next. Recommendations should be realistic and concrete: who should act, what they should do, and, if relevant, how success would be measured.

Weak: "Schools should do something about phones."

Strong: "The district should pilot classroom phone storage at two high schools for one semester, survey teachers and students before and after, and report results to the board before deciding on a district-wide policy."

A standard structure

1. Introduction – the issue, why it matters now, and your position statement
2. Background – key facts, history and terms the reader needs
3. Supporting arguments – two to four sections with evidence
4. Counterarguments and responses
5. Recommendations
6. Conclusion – a brief restatement of your position and its importance
7. References – in the citation style required

Model UN position papers

Model UN papers follow conference-specific rules, so read your conference guide carefully. Many include:

• a header with committee, topic, country and delegate name
• a short background on the topic from a global perspective
• your country's past actions and policies on the issue
• your country's position and proposed solutions for the committee

You write from your assigned country's point of view, even if you personally disagree. Research that country's official statements, voting records and policies, and cite them.

Committee: Commission on Science and Technology for Development
Topic: Bridging the Digital Divide in Rural Communities
Country: [Assigned Country]
Delegate: [Your Name]

[Assigned Country] recognizes that reliable internet access has become essential for education, health care and economic participation, and that rural communities around the world remain disproportionately disconnected. As a nation that has [summarize a relevant national program], [Assigned Country] supports international cooperation to expand affordable infrastructure, while respecting each member state's right to set its own telecommunications policy.

Common mistakes

• Picking a topic with no real debate. If no one disagrees, it's a report, not a position paper.
• Straw-man counterarguments. Readers notice when you argue against a weak version of the other side.
• Emotional language instead of evidence. Strong feelings don't replace data and reasoning.
• Vague recommendations. "Raise awareness" rarely persuades a decision-maker.
• Missing or sloppy citations. Credibility depends on readers being able to check your sources.

Using research tools responsibly

A research tool can help you find sources faster and summarize where the debate stands, and a citation generator saves time on formatting references. Two cautions apply. First, verify every source yourself: AI research assistants can misstate findings or point to material that doesn't say what they claim. Second, the position and reasoning must be yours. Follow your instructor's or conference's rules on AI use, and cite anything you quote or paraphrase.

AI Research ToolResearch with verifiable citations

Key takeaways

• Choose an issue with genuine disagreement and a manageable scope.
• Research both sides and keep a list of the strongest objections.
• Write a specific position statement that says what and why.
• Support each argument with cited evidence and clear explanation.
• Address real counterarguments fairly, then end with concrete recommendations.

If your paper needs a solid argumentative backbone, it helps to outline first; our guide on how to write an outline shows how.