You are to write a position paper. The topics for the papers need to come from chapter readings (9-10) (thus, you must read before you start to write). For a position paper, you are to take up an argument for or against a particular topic. The topic is to be chosen from that week’s readings and is at your discretion. However, I urge you to choose something that interests you.
You may think that position papers are opinion papers, they are not! Position papers are about writing well-articulated thoughts on a topic that is backed up with facts, statistics, and in some cases, peer-reviewed scientific journal articles. When those items are not relevant, such as in a presidential race, you need to support your views with an example that helps others understand your point of view. In many ways, you are not only trying to show the reading of your position on a topic but help them understand why you have a particular position. Here are a few great resources to help you understand what you are writing:
http://www.unausa.org/global-classrooms-model-un/how-to-participate/model-un-preparation/position-papers (Links to an external site.) (of course, you need to write these with ethics in mind, not government)
http://www.studygs.net/wrtstr9.htm (Links to an external site.)
