Assingments % - SRMUN Position

Directions: In this assignment, you will write a draft of a position paper representing the point of
view of the country to which you have been assigned on a topic that will be addressed by your
committee at the conference. Exact directions for the content and formatting of the assignment will
mirror the instructions from SRMUN so that your final draft will be ready to upload to the
conference website.
Instructions on formatting, content, and sources is available here (A copy of SRMUN Position
Paper Guidelines is uploaded to Canvas)
Although you may choose not to include them for the final submission to SRMUN, you should
utilize APSA citations for the first draft.
Due: The first draft of the position paper is due on October 06 at 11:59 pm.
Responsibility: Each student will submit an individual position paper for the first draft. (Some
students may have to combine their work for the final draft, but this will be discussed later)
Grading Rubric:
This assignment will be graded out of 100 points possible and is worth 20 percent of your total
grade for the course.
• Content (30 points): Have you addressed the topics your committee will consider? Have you
used relevant information related to your member state and its positions on the issues at
hand?
• Organization (30 points): Is the paper organized according to SRMUN guidelines? Is it easy to
follow and understand?
• Style (20 points): Are you writing in a clear, concise manner? Are you using language
appropriate for an academic paper?
• Grammar and Citations (20 points): Is your spelling correct? Are sentences structured properly?
Are citations used correctly and formatted according to the APSA style guide?

Struggling with where to start this assignment? Follow this guide to tackle your position paper easily!

Step 1: Understand the Purpose of a Position Paper

A position paper represents your assigned country’s stance on a specific issue that will be discussed at the SRMUN conference. Your goal is to present a clear, well-researched, and persuasive argument reflecting your country’s policies, priorities, and proposed solutions.

Key objectives:
Clearly define your country’s position on the topic
Provide background and relevant policies
Propose actionable solutions aligned with your country’s interests

Step 2: Research Your Country’s Position

Before writing, gather credible and up-to-date sources about your country’s stance on the assigned issue. Use:
Government websites (foreign affairs, UN mission statements)
UN resolutions and reports
Think tanks and policy research institutions
News sources (ensure credibility and neutrality)

Step 3: Follow the SRMUN Position Paper Format

Your paper should be structured exactly according to SRMUN guidelines. Typically, it includes:

1. Header (Single-Spaced, Top of Page)

Committee: [Name of your assigned committee]
Country: [Your assigned country]
Topic: [Assigned topic]
Delegate: [Your name]

Paper Structure

2. Introduction (1 Paragraph) – Background on the Topic

Briefly introduce the issue being discussed.
Explain its significance in the global context.
Connect it to your country’s interests.

3. Country’s Position on the Issue (1-2 Paragraphs)

Discuss how your country views the issue.
Reference relevant policies, historical context, and official government statements.
Include past actions your country has taken to address this issue (e.g., UN resolutions, treaties, domestic laws).

4. Proposed Solutions (2-3 Paragraphs)

Clearly outline your country’s strategy for addressing the issue.
Propose realistic and diplomatic solutions aligned with your country’s policies.
Mention potential partnerships with other countries, regional organizations, or UN bodies.
Address any economic, security, or humanitarian aspects of the issue.

5. Conclusion (1 Paragraph)

Summarize your country’s stance and emphasize the importance of international cooperation.
Reinforce why your country’s approach is effective and necessary.

Step 4: Use Proper APSA Citations

For your first draft, follow APSA citation style for all sources.
In-text citation example: (United Nations 2022)
Reference page example:
United Nations. 2022. Report on Sustainable Development Goals. New York: United Nations Publications.

Step 5: Review and Format Correctly

Ensure correct SRMUN formatting (single-spaced header, double-spaced body, proper section structure).
Check for clarity and conciseness (no unnecessary filler).
Proofread grammar and spelling to ensure professional writing.
Use formal, diplomatic language appropriate for an academic and UN-style document.

Final Submission Checklist

Proper SRMUN header and format
Clearly stated country position with strong evidence
Well-developed, realistic policy proposals
Correct APSA citations and reference list
Proofread for grammar, spelling, and style

Following this guide will ensure that your position paper is well-organized, properly formatted, and academically sound. Let me know if you need further assistance!