Position Paper Examples & Tips
A position paper is a document that argues in favor of the author’s opinion by using supporting evidence, research, and facts.
Craft a flawless position paper with the help of QuillBot’s free Grammar Checker.
| Structure element | Description |
|---|---|
| Introduction | Establishes the urgency of the topic at hand. Makes it clear why the reader should care about the debate in question. |
| Thesis statement | Clearly states your stance in the debate. This is where you communicate the paper’s central argument. |
| Arguments in favor | Using evidence such as statistics, surveys, or expert testimonies, back up your thesis statement with supporting facts and information. |
| Counterarguments | Engages fairly with the other side of the debate while offering rebuttals to these opposing points. |
| Conclusion | Concisely summarizes the debate and your arguments in favor of the point you’re trying to make. Leaves the reader without a doubt that your position is the right one. |
Position paper examples
Position papers are common in academic writing, Model UN, and legal contexts.
Position paper examples:
Basic position paper example
To understand what a position paper is, it’s helpful to start with a friendly debate topic.
Once you decide your stance, you can begin to formulate your arguments in the form of a position paper.
In your introduction, you’d establish the urgency of this debate. You say it’s been around for decades, but no one can agree on it.
Then you’d lay out your thesis statement: Pineapple shouldn’t go on pizza.
You present arguments based on concrete data and evidence to support your thesis. This could include a survey conveying that the vast majority of people hate pineapple on pizza.
After, you’d engage with any counterarguments to your claim with the aim of rebutting them. For example, you could engage with an interview from a famous chef who explains how the sweetness of the pineapple nicely contrasts the saltiness of ham on a Hawaiian pizza.
After exploring all sides of this debate, your conclusion summarizes your evidence-based arguments for pineapple-free pizza. You end the paper with a strongly-worded quote from an Italian person describing their disgust of this pizza topping.
Academic writing
Position papers are especially common assignments for university students. This essay format enables us to write about topics without needing to conduct our own experiments or studies from scratch because we can draw on existing literature instead.
Introduction: You reference recent reports in the media about wine’s heart health benefits, but raise questions about the validity of these new claims.
Thesis: You argue that red wine is not that good for heart health despite trending stories suggesting that it is.
Arguments: You cite a World Health Organization study, which clearly demonstrates that no amount of alcohol is considered healthy by medical experts.
Counterarguments: You look at the claims in favor of red wine for heart health, such as that wine is made from grapes, which contain antioxidants. You make the case that, while true, the negative effects of alcohol consumption outweigh the slight positives of using red wine as a source of antioxidants.
Conclusion: You finish by summarizing the arguments supporting your thesis and end with a few takeaways for how people can cut down on wine consumption.
Model UN
Position papers are a core element of Model United Nations (UN), as they reflect real white papers used in international law and diplomacy. Model UN position papers argue for policy recommendations regarding the country you’re representing. Often, they will deal with economic, social, environmental, and political factors.
You write a position paper arguing against the cultivation of oil palm in Malaysian Borneo.
Introduction: You open by talking about the global prevalence of palm oil. You reference some common products your audience likely uses that contain palm oil to make it relatable. You then set the stage for the debate by referencing that much of this crop is produced in Malaysia.
Thesis: You clearly state that oil palm cultivation has a net negative impact on Borneo.
Arguments: You argue that oil palm cultivation is bad for the environment, citing a study on the erosion of surrounding water and soil quality in oil palm plantations. You also highlight a survey showing that indigenous people’s quality of life in these areas has been negatively impacted.
Counter arguments: You note how oil palm exports are a strong source of revenue for Malaysia. You suggest that, while true, the cultivation costs even more in damage to the environment.
Conclusion: You summarize your points, offer a vivid picture of the harms caused through oil palm production, and conclude with alternative recommendations for agricultural revenue sources.
Legal memoranda
Position papers are also used in legal contexts to summarize a case and its expected ruling.
Rule: Drawing on laws, mandates, or amendments, suggest the likely outcome of the case. The rule functions like the thesis statement but for legal memoranda.
Application: Present evidence relevant to the case and how it shapes the previously stated ruling outcome. This should be concise and based on the facts of the case, often listed in chronological order and articulated in legal terms.
Conclusion: Summarize the key findings from the case and present suggested next steps.
Position paper writing tips
Now that we’ve explored common position paper examples, you may notice some features they all share in common. They consider the timeliness of the debate, follow a similar core structure, and cite research to support their claims.
These are some of the most important best practices to keep in mind when writing your position paper.
Position paper writing tips:
- Follow the right structure
- Select a timely, relevant topic
- Conduct thorough research (both sides)
- Keep it simple (one paragraph per point)
- Consider your audience
Follow the right structure
Make sure you don’t leave anything out by adhering to the correct format. This may vary slightly depending on the assignment, but organizing your position paper around the precise requirements will serve as the backbone of your argument.
Select a timely, relevant topic
A great position paper engages with issues that are top of mind to the reader. Either choose something that is currently on people’s minds, or position the topic you want to discuss within contemporary debates.
Conduct thorough research
A flashy thesis or trending topic has no substance without strong argumentation. Invest time in researching, and seek out studies, surveys, or expert interviews on the subject.
Keep it simple
While conducting thorough research helps you to fully present your argument and make a convincing case for it, be sure to summarize the key points in your actual report to keep things concise.
Consider your audience
A convincing position paper takes the audience into account by framing the argument in terms that speak to them and what they deem important. When you’re writing, keep asking yourself why your reader should care about this debate.
Frequently asked questions about position paper
- What is a position paper?
-
A position paper is a document that uses evidence and research to argue in favor of the author’s opinion on a given topic.
Save time on your research with QuillBot’s free Summarizer.
- Why write a position paper for Model UN?
-
Position papers are a core part of any Model United Nations convention. They offer the basis for debate and discussion, and allow you to really understand the country you are representing.
Get help writing a watertight position paper for Model UN with QuillBot’s free Paraphraser.
- What is the format of a position paper?
-
A position paper includes the following components: introduction, thesis statement, arguments, counterarguments, and conclusion.
Don’t forget to include citations. QuillBot’s free Citation Generator can help.
Cite this QuillBot article
We encourage the use of reliable sources in all types of writing. You can copy and paste the citation or click the "Cite this article" button to automatically add it to our free Citation Generator.
Cichanowicz, L. (2026, January 07). Position Paper Examples & Tips. Quillbot. Retrieved February 24, 2026, from https://quillbot.com/blog/academic-writing/position-paper-examples/
