Skip to main contentdfsdf

CHARLOTTE C's List: How To: Introduction and Conclusion

  • Introduction

    Begin your position paper by greeting the chair, stating the topic, and explicitly stating your country's position. Your position is the thesis of the paper.
    Next, define what the topic is about and explain why the topic is of international concern.
    Then, describe how past UN action has directly impacted your country and or its position.

  • 1. Review the Topic

    Since you are basically restating the topic in the introduction, it would be helpful to review the background paper and websites pertaining to the topic. To keep it interesting, try to find a shocking fact to begin the paper with.

    • It is estimated that, if nothing is done, half of 6000 plus languages spoken today will disappear by the end of this century.
      • This would be a great "shocking" statistic to add to my intro. 

  • 2. Draw conclusions

    Read your paper so far (you should have the historical and current situation paragraphs). What position do the facts seem to support? Your position might be quite complicated, but sum it up in a sentence or two.

  • Oct 18, 11

    This is a great resource for helpful tips on writing your thesis statement. 

      • Do I answer the question? Re-reading the question prompt after constructing a working thesis can help you fix an argument that misses the focus of the question.
      •  
      • Have I taken a position that others might challenge or oppose?If your thesis simply states facts that no one would, or even could, disagree with, it's possible that you are simply providing a summary, rather than making an argument.
      •  
      • Is my thesis statement specific enough?
      •  Thesis statements that are too vague often do not have a strong argument. If your thesis contains words like "good" or "successful," see if you could be more specific: why is something "good"; what specifically makes something "successful"? 
      • Does my thesis pass the "So what?" test? If a reader's first response is, "So what?" then you need to clarify, to forge a relationship, or to connect to a larger issue.
      •  
      • Does my essay support my thesis specifically and without wandering? If your thesis and the body of your essay do not seem to go together, one of them has to change. It's o.k. to change your working thesis to reflect things you have figured out in the course of writing your paper. Remember, always reassess and revise your writing as necessary.
      •  
      • Does my thesis pass the "how and why?" test? If a reader's first response is "how?" or "why?" your thesis may be too open-ended and lack guidance for the reader. See what you can add to give the reader a better take on your position right from the beginning.
  • 3. Look into UN Involvement in Your Country

    The introduction also includes information on UN involvement in your country that has directly impacted your position. (For example, if security council has imposed sanctions, sent permanent missions, etc.)

  • Oct 18, 11

    This website is extremely useful for finding information on UN action within your country. Check it out! 

  • Oct 18, 11

    Introduction: Common Phrases

    Honorable chair and distinguished delegates... (this is how most delegates open a paper)

    This committee has convened here today to discuss the pressing issue of...

    This issue is of international importance because...

    In this country's experience...

  • Conclusion

    Clearly outline realistic solutions your country would be in favor of. If your country has already implemented an effective solution, talk about how it may work for other countries. Bring your position paper to an end by restating your country's position and what actions your country wants the committee to take. You may reemphasize the importance or urgency of the issue and encourage collaboration towards a resolution.

  • 1. Draw MORE Conclusions

    Based off your paper so far, can you infer a solution your country would be in favor of? Realistically explain this

  • 2. Look for existing legistlation/plans

    If through your research you found out about something already implemented within your country, talk about it. Suggest that plan to other countries if it was successful.

  • Oct 11, 11

    This is a helpful resource when thinking about what my country wants to do about the issue. In this case, education seems to be the most realistic method.

      • This is an educational plan my country has already put into place. Even though it doesn't have to do directly with language, I can adapt it fit the topic. 

  • 3. Restate Your Position

    But make sure to change to wording slightly from your introduction.

  • Oct 18, 11

    Conclusion: Common Phrases

    The delegate would like to see a resolution that includes...

    The country of *country* proposes that...

    The delegate urges this committee to work together in coming to a lasting and effective solution.

    The delegate would like to reemphasize the urgency of this issue and encourage...

    Thank you. The delegate yields their time to the chair. (This is not necessary to write in the paper, but you may.)

  • Don't Forget Your Works Cited and Parenthetical Citation!

1 - 16 of 16
20 items/page
List Comments (0)