What is a white paper?
White papers are written works providing an overview on a specific topic for a targeted audience. They are a valuable means of informing an audience about topic, acknowledging and addressing potential issues or concerns that may arise, and highlighting unexplored opportunities for organizations in policy, government, research, technology, and science.
Where did white papers come from?
Scholars generally point to the British White Paper of June 1922 written by Sir Winston Churchill on the political situation of Palestine.
What is the general structure of a white paper?
There are several important elements white papers should have. These include:
- Title – it should be descriptive and engaging. You want to pull your reader/audience in from the very beginning.
- Executive Summary – a high-level overview of the entire white paper. This is written last.
- Background Information – the information included will be determined by your audience needs and your ultimate goals with the white paper. Consider what context is essential for you audience to have before they begin the purpose section of your white paper.
- Driving Argument / Purpose – white papers provide the opportunity to pursue different goals. They include:
- Present a problem
- Identify an opportunity
- Inform your audience about policy or technology changes
- Solutions – by the end of this section, you want to convince your reader on how to proceed. Be sure to provide supporting evidence and specifics as to how your solution can be implemented.
- Recommendations – should be connected to your solutions. They need to be able to be put into action.
- Conclusion – depending upon your work, it may be part of the recommendations section or you can have a stand-alone conclusion that gives you the opportunity to restate your overall purpose and why it is important.
- References – include all sources you have consulted. As white papers are both informative and persuasive, it is extremely important to have a well-research paper.
Purdue OWL: White Papers
George Mason University Writing Center – White Papers
National University – Writing a White Paper
University of California, Merced – Writing a White Paper or Concept Paper
IEEESA – White Papers
Assignments for This Class
Professor Karen Sichler 