PREPARATION GUIDE

April - 2019
 PREFACE

“At Model UN, you broaden your horizons. By learning and

networking, you can be part of the UN’s efforts to establish peace,
secure human rights and enable all people to live in dignity” -
António Guterres, the UN Secretary-General (2017 – present)

This MUN Preparation Guide is meant for the students of MUN Club at The Indian Public School
(TIPS) – Cambridge International, Erode, who intend to prepare for participating in MUN
conferences around the world. While there are numerous resources readily available online to
help the MUN delegates, this guide was prepared to help the TIPS students specifically with
extensive literature including a number of annexures with worksheet type templates and samples.
It is intended to clear all the doubts and have clear path in understanding how the MUN
conferences are structured and works.

This guide was prepared with the help of various resources available online. While a
comprehensive list of resources referred has been provided at the end of the guide, the team
would like to specifically mention and give credit to Worldview’s MUN Book, CHEMUN’s Delegate
Guide, THIMUN’s Basic Guidelines for New Delegates, Uday Rai Mehra’s How to Help MUN
Delegates Become Prepared and Best Delegate’s The Complete Starter Kit for MUN Conference.
These resources helped the team to bring out this consolidated guide. However, this does not
overwhelm by all the procedures followed at various MUN conferences. The MUN participants
may still would like to refer the guides provided by conference specific organizers. The
preparation team would like to humbly mention their experiences as MUN Faculty Advisors in
providing training for the students during the past four years helped a lot in designing this guide.

Nothing in this guide suggest the MUN delegates to follow the steps provided rigorously. However,
the logic behind in suggesting such steps was out of sheer experience. Sometimes, the MUN may
seem to be intimidating with various jargons. A list of glossary is also provided at the end of this
guide to help them for better understanding. Each research task has been explained using a flow
chart and the same has been mapped to a template provided at the annexure for recording the
collected information. Preparation tips are also provided throughout the guide.

The MUN Faculty Advisors at TIPS believe that this guide will help the delegates for a successful
preparation to MUN conferences. This guide will be considered as a working document and open
to incorporate any amendments that the team founds to be more meaningful and useful.

TIPS Team
 CONTENT
1. WHAT IS MUN?
A. About MUN 1
B. Aims of MUN 1
C. Who can do MUN? 1
D. How to enroll for MUN conferences? 2

2. HOW TO PREPARE FOR MUN CONFERENCES?

A. Research Binder 2
B. Background Guide 3
C. Country Research 3
D. Committee Research 8
E. Topic Research 10
F. Position Paper 12
G. Model Resolution 13
H. Rules of Procedure (RoP) 17
I. Writing an Opening Speech 17

3. GENERAL PROCEDURE OF MUN CONFERENCES

A. Roll Call 20
B. Setting the Agenda 20
C. Speaker’s List (Formal Debate) 20
D. Caucus (Informal Debate) 21
E. Moderated Caucus 21
F. Unmoderated Caucus 22
G. Debate on Resolutions 25
H. Voting for Amendments and Resolutions 27

4. COMMUNICATION IN MUN
A. Personal Pronouns 29
B. Addressing the Committee 29
C. Cross-Talk 29
D. Official Notepaper 30
E. Point of Order 30
F. Point of Personal Privilege 30
G. Point of Information 31
H. Point of Parliamentary Inquiry 31
I. Motion to Move into Previous Question 31
J. Motion to Approach the Head Table 31
K. Yielding 32
L. Modes of Address During Formal Debates 32
M. Equipment 32
N. Attire 33

5. ANNEXURES
Annexure 1: Country Research Template 35
Annexure 2: Committee Research Template 39
Annexure 3: Sample Position Paper 40
Annexure 4: Sample Resolution 41
Annexure 5: A Sample Opening Speech 42
Annexure 6: Guide to Structure the Opening Speech 43
Annexure 7: Recommended Research Resources 44
Annexure 8: Glossary 45
Annexure 9: Model Rubrics for Successful Participation 47

6. REFERENCES 48
 1. WHAT IS MUN?
A. About MUN
Model United Nations, popularly referred to as MUN, is an extra-curricular activity in many
schools and universities where students assume the role of international diplomats and
ambassadors of countries and organisations represented in the United Nations in specific
committees and debate about issues concerning the world.It is an academic simulation of the
United Nations and its various organs.

While playing their roles as ambassadors, student “delegates” make speeches, prepare draft
resolutions, negotiate with allies and adversaries, resolve conflicts and navigate the MUN
conference Rules of Procedure (RoP) - all in the interest of mobilizing international cooperation to
resolve problems that affect countries all over the world.

B. Aims of MUN
The Aims of an MUN conference are to encourage debate and sharing of views between students
from different schools and of different ethnicities. The Ultimate goal of an MUN Conference is to
promote awareness of international relations and issues in young people, and to inspire global
mindedness and an understanding to the problems of the world and how to combat them, whilst
providing an atmosphere where students can progress in their communication skills and open
mindedness. This would allow students an insight to further their understanding and learning of
politics in a global and international manner.

C. Who can do MUN?

MUN can be done by any student in their respective School; as it relies on an international
understanding and skill in debate. As the purpose of MUN is to emphasise global understanding
and promote international awareness, anyone wishing to exercise such aims should be
encouraged to participate in Model United Nations. Furthermore, while attending real-life
conferences provide one with the chance to execute such aims, one should also be
encouraged to participate in the free, online Model United Nations conference*,
https://www.onlinemodelunitednations.org/for refining ones debate and procedural skills
from the comfort of one’s own home. One can also visit https://mymun.com/ to discover new
MUN conferences* all over the world. It functions as a MUN database, conference management
tool, and social network.
*While The Indian Public School - Cambridge International, Erode, only suggest such online tools and
platforms, it does not endorse any such websites. Thus, participation in such online platform and
offline conferences through such websites are purely voluntary in nature and it is advised to take a
cautious approach with parental guidance and with the knowledge of the school.

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D. How to enroll for MUN conferences?
School shares the invitation from the MUN conference organizers and invites interested students
to enroll. An audition would be conducted to select the students, if there are more students than
the allocated strength. The school shares the details of selected students with the organizers and,
in turn, the organizers typically allocate a Country and Committee for each student – this is called
‘Single Delegation’. A few MUNs would offer ‘Double Delegation’ which means two student
delegates would be allocated in a committee with same country. In other words, two student
delegates will represent a single country in a committee and both will have equal role.They work
together and share the tasks. This will reflect the real UN experience. Once the country and
committee is allocated, the students start preparing for the conference as per the suggestions
provided in this guide and with the help of the MUN Faculty Advisors.

2. PREPARING FOR THE MUN CONFERENCES

Preparation is a critical part of any Model UN conference- you need to come prepared so you can
deliver informed speeches, make strong arguments while negotiating, and write innovative and
realistic resolutions on your committee topics. Preparing for a MUN conference consists primarily
of doing research – about your allotted country, your committee and your topic. Here’s a sample
conference preparation timeline:

Before the conference

6 weeks before Read the “Background Guide”for your committee
5 weeks before Complete a “Country Research” and “Committee Research”
4 weeks before Complete a “Topic Research”
3 weeks before Write a “Position Paper”
2 weeks before Write “Model Resolutions” and understand the “Rules of Procedure”
1 week before Write an “Opening Speech” and practice it before the conference!

A. Research Binder
Doing a research on the allocated country, committee and topic can add up to a lot of information
that there’s no way for you to memorize! You can carry prints of all the research done to refer to
in the committee (conference time), since most conferences do not allow the usage of laptops or
electronic devices within the committee. All the printed information can go into one folder called
“Research Binder.”

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B. Background Guide
It is a guide to an allocated topic being discussedin a Model UN committee usually written by
conferenceorganizers and distributed to delegates before theconference. It acts as a starting point
for any research beforea Model UN conference.Start with the background guide, which introduces
the topics, suggests possible solutions and/or previous UN action with respect to the topic, and
often provides you with the views of different blocs on the topic. Once you have an idea of what
the committee is about, you can research specific topics in detail. Print off the Background Guide
and other research details and put into the Research Binder to hold all your information. It is also
sometimes referred to as “Delegate Guide” or “Topic Guide”.

C. Country Research
When researching your allocated country, you will find that there are many available sources to
help you with research. Though it may look overwhelming to find the right information on your
country, many sources provide several areas of research; such as the area of Politics, Government,
Economy, Society etc. Carrying out country research would help you when writing about your
political stance and position (policy statement/position paper) for your committee, and it would
also help when writing your opening speech.There are several sources listed below from books to
websites and other possibilities for research.Towards preparing for the conference, you shall be
asked by your school’s MUN Faculty Advisor to do the Country Research and submit it in a Word
Document Template. Please see Annexure 1 for the template.

WEBSITES
The CIA World Fact Book and the U.S Department of State
websites are great places to start your research on a
CIA:The World Fact Book
delegation. They both provide you with an in-depth review of
a country and will allow you to see accurate and frequently
https://www.cia.gov/library/publications updated information on a country’s statistics. There will be
/theworld-factbook/ some countries on one website that has older information,
but the other website would be able to compensate that with
newer information and vice versa. The CIA World Fact Book
U.S Department of State gives you simple to read facts, however, the U.S Department
of State’s facts are like those of the CIA World Fact Book,
http://www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/index. but contain expanded explanation
htm

The UN Website serves as a portal to information on the UN

and the recent events at the UN, including recent treaties
United Nations Website passed, resolutions, organizations etc. that will help you in
seeing your delegation’s involvement and influence at the
http://www.un.org/ UN.

The Permanent Mission of your country to the UN website, is

a portal to taking you to your own country’s independent
Permanent Mission of Country to the UN
website on their mission at the UN. These web links will
http://www.un.org/members/missions.shtml provide you with an overview of your country’s stance at the
UN, what they are involved in and who they side with during
debate and sessions.

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 The UN System of Organisations is a portal for taking you to
each UN Organisation’s own website to give an insight into
UN System: UN Organisations their involvement and role at the UN. This website serves a
similar purpose as the Permanent Mission of your country to
http://www.unsystem.org/ the UN website; however it is for Organisations rather than
countries therefore, you will find their views are more bjective
rather than subjective.
The BBC offers an in-depth view of country profiles with
BBC Country Profiles information about different aspects of the country from their
economy to their environmental action. As the BBC is a
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/country_profiles/defau News Source, it has accurate information that is updated
lt.stm regularly and sections about the country in the news are
highlighted under their timeline sections on countries. To the
left, one can find the links to different regions of the world
from where one can find the desired country’s profile.
Use your country name as keyword for search

BOOKS
If you are a person who would prefer to use books rather
than websites to gather information, that is also a great
Essential Atlas of the World research technique as it provides you with latest editions of a
topic. There are two books provided in this research section
ISBN 0789493586 as others would focus too specifically on one aspect of a
country rather than all the aspects of a country (such as a
book on the literacy rates of all the countries in the world).
These two books provide a vivid insight into researching a
World Fact Book country, as The World Fact Book is the book version of the
website on the previous page (CIA World Fact Book). The
ISSN 1553-8133 Essential Atlas of the World is a very useful Atlas made by
Dorling Kindersley (DK) and is published yearly. The ISSN
and ISBN have been provided to for these books. Please
Note: these two books can be purchased; however, many
libraries offer these books to borrow.

This book is a reference encyclopaedia to all thecountries of

All the Countries of the World the world and includes in-depth informationabout countries
and their political standing. Forthose who prefer researching
By Annelise Hobbs countries through booksrather than websites, this is an ideal
resource andcan be found in many libraries and good book
ISBN-13: 978-0-7858-2072-7 shops.

ISBN-10: 0-7858-2072-8
Contacting Your Embassy
OTHER: http://www.embassyworld.com

By contacting a representative of your country directly, you will be able to ask questions that you are interested
and concerned, which would therefore provide you with more specific answers and policies of your country. There
are two ways of finding the contact details of the country’s representative in your country of residence. You can
find the representative through the website on the left (Embassy World) or by the use of a search engine and
typing “E.g. Japan’s Embassy in The United Kingdom”.

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How to Research a Country?

Flow chart continues on the next page …

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Flow chart continues on the next page …

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Flow chart continues on the next page …

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D. Committee Research
At MUN Conferences, there are several committees where delegates debate different topics and
aspects of the United Nations. Each MUN committee has different powers and responsibilities. The
discussion you will be having can be as different between committees and the diverse topics
discussed at the conference. Knowing what is the normal course of action, has precedent or is
legal / illegal can give you a central place in the discussion even if you feel you have a less relevant
position. When researching make sure to take time to learn how your allocated UN committee
works. It is suggested to find answers to the following questions with the help of relevant sources
cited above. Please see Annexure 2 for the template. For guidance on most common committees
like Security Council, ECOSOC and others, refer Uday Rai Mehra’s How to Help MUN Delegates
Become Prepared p.20-26.

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How to Research a Committee/Organisation?

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E. Topic Research
‘Topic Research’ is also referred as ‘Issue Research’. Each MUN Committee will have one to three
topics. It differs from MUN to MUN. As a student delegate you need to carry out the topic research
for all the given topics under your allocated committee. When researching an topic/issue, you will
find that you will come across new and old information on the issue you are researching. Due to
that, it is always best to start your research with the oldest information you find and work your
way to the recent information; as that will help you to understand the issue better (it provides you
with a stronger context and origin of the issue). Below you will find various tools for research,
from dictionaries to multimedia sources. Please note that news sources are some of the best tools
for research as news sources take various opinions, facts and statistics into consideration whilst
making their articles and news sources cover the issue with different information on the issue,
(articles on one part of the issue, and articles on other parts of the issue). Please also note that you
will greatly benefit from the use of the UN Documents website, as this site contains all the relevant
information, treaties, resolutions and other documents on the issue, and will help you to
understand how to resolve the issue.

WEBSITES
The BBC is a great news source, as their news articleson
issues are written cooperatively by people who eachhave
different views on an issue, and the BBC makes sureto have
BBC News accurate and correct information and statistics.The BBC
doesn’t write one article on an issue, but theywrite many and
http://www.bbc.co.uk/ many articles focus on different aspectsof an issue to give
you a better overview of the issue.

Both News Bank and Sirs are some of the best News Search
engines on the Internet. Sirs and News Bank both collect
News Bank news articles from all over the world and have it on their
website for you to read from. As they have thousands of
http://www.un.org/members/missions different news articles from hundreds of sources, these two
.shtml News Search Engines provide you with great amounts of
information on an issue, with different aspects, viewpoints
and overviews of an issue. SIRS and News Bank are an
SIRS Researcher Database excellent starting point for information, as they also date
each article to allow you to know the relevance and time so
http://sks.sirs.com that you can start your research from the origin of the issue
and then continue your research chronologically to the most
recent article.

Global Policy Forum is a great tool of researching your

country’s policy in relation to an issue. This website will help
you to see the main parties involved in the issue as it
Global Policy Forum highlights them and also gives you a strong history of the
topic and how it is being solved. It also provides links into the
http://www.globalpolicy.org UN and their activity on the issue, so that you can have a UN
perspective of the issue.

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 BOOKS

The Merriam Webster Dictionary may not seem like a source

that one would use for research, but it is the starting point of
Merriam Webster Dictionary research. This dictionary will help you to define the issue, which
would help you to understand what the issue is concerning, and
http://www.merriam-webster.com/ once you understand the key words of the issue, you would then
be able to research these key words and come up with a
resolution plan for the issue.

Like the dictionary, one would not assume that the encyclopedia
would be a tool to use for researching an issue. An
Britannica Encyclopaedia encyclopedia can define the key words of the issue, but also
helps you with the research on the issue itself and lead you to
http://www.britannica.com related articles of information on the issue to help you to
understand it better and find ways of improving the situation
concerning the issue you have picked to write a resolution on.

The UN Documents website is a portal to all the UN documents

ever published. This website will help you to see anything
UN Documents official and related to your issue. By using this website, you will
find related documents to the issue, that would help you in your
http://www.un.org/en/documents/ process of researching about your topic as you would see the
countries involved, the action that has been done for the issue
and also you would be able to find solutions for the issue by the
use of reading through the suggestions posed by countries in
resolutions, treaties, conventions etc.

Research Reports are a great starting point to ones research on

an issue as it provides a general view of the issue and provides
Research Reports factual and relevant information to issue. Research Reports can
generally be found on the Conference’s website under
“Research” however, as not all conferences implement the use
of research reports, one should not rely upon there being a
research report, therefore one should practice researching an
issue independently, as that way, during debate one has more
information than others, causing their debate to be stronger, as
many others simply only read through the research report.
Please note that taking word-for-word extracts from a research
report are forbidden due to plagiarism, however, the aspects
mentioned in research reports are encouraged to be used
(reworded) for ones resolution writing.

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How to Research an Issue?

F. Position Paper
Most MUN conferences require the student delegates to submit a position paper on their topics
before a conference starts to demonstrate their research and knowledge. It is best to prepare a
position paper even if it is not mandated by the conference as it would helps to understand the
position/take/stand of the Country on the particular issue/topic. The position paper must detail
the views of the delegate’s country on the topic, steps that the country has taken to resolve it, and
possible future steps that the country would recommend to the committee.Position Papers are
normally 1-2pages per topic, and should have 3-4 paragraphs. They should be written from the
perspective ofthe government of your country, include a header, and answering the following
questions.
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Heading
- Committee: [Your Committee Title]
- Topic: [Your Topic]
- Country: [Your Country]
- School: [Your School]
- Delegation: [Your Name(s)]

Topic Background
- What is the definition of the topic?
- Where does the topic take place? Who is involved?
- How many people does it affect? Where, and in what ways?
- Why is this topic important?

Past International Action

- Have there been any interesting statements by UN officials on this topic? Try to find a
quote.
- What are the most important UN resolutions and treaties on this topic?
- Do any major Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) work on this topic?

Country Policy
- How has this topic impacted your country?
- What has your country tried to do about this topic?
- What types of policies would your country want the UN to adopt (or not adopt) on this
topic?

Possible Solutions
- What specific plans would your country like the UN to undertake to address this issue?
- What specific plans would your country like Members States to undertake in their own
countries?
- Why would your ideas work? Give specific plans.

A sample position paper is provided at Annexure 3.

G. Model Resolution
In a country’s government, official documents are drafted, which aim to solve a specific
situation/issue. In the United Nations, similar documents are also drafted; these are called
Resolution.Resolutions have two main functions: to determine what the United Nations will
doabout the issue, and to recommend or request that individual Member States undertake actions
to helpsolve the issue.

At MUN conferences, the substantive work that takes place in the committee generally takes the
form of either resolutions or reports. As mentioned above, aresolution contains all the proposed
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solutions to a topic. Learning to write a resolution is very important because theultimate goal of
the committee sessions is for delegates to come up with written solutions to the problems theyare
trying to solve. A resolution is a document that contains all the issues that the committee wants to
solve and theproposed solutions to that issue. While the resolutions are supposed to be written
during the conference time, it is better to learn and practice by writing model resolutions before
the conference. The model resolutions are also called as draft resolutions.

During the conference,resolutions are submitted by one member state, which is generally the
largest contributor to the resolution and/or the most involved in the issue –out of the merging
group. However, resolutions are not written by one member state, but are a combined effort
between different member states who’ve taken interest in that specific issue. Although a Main
Submitter could contribute the most, that’s not to say that no one else can contribute, as every
delegate has an equal opinion.

Resolutions, which are successful, are ones that can appeal to the majority of the parties (states)
involved and doesn’t contradict. By giving solutions to both sides, which are just, and doesn’t
punish one side completely, or favour the other side completely are more likely to pass as they can
appeal to more member states in the house. Resolutions, which only touch on the factors involved
in the issue, are generally more vague and less likely to pass, however, those that aim to resolve
many or most of the factors involved are more likely to pass as they offer incentives to the various
problems, which contribute to the issue.

The resolution(s) that the majority of the committee agrees upon will be passed during voting
bloc and the sponsors will be informally commended for building consensus on good ideas. Most
conferences allow multiple resolutions to pass as long as they do not contradict each other, but a
few conferences allow only one resolution to pass.The resolutions uses very specific format. There
are three main sections or components to every resolution: the header, thepreamble, and the
operative section.

The Header
There are four main pieces of information in the header of the resolution:
- Committee- The name of the committee you’re representing
- Topic- The name of the topic you’re debating
- Sponsors- The main authors that wrote the clauses of the resolution
- Signatories- The delegates that would like to see this resolution introduced in the
committee. They want it to have the requisite number of signatories soit can be accepted
by the Chair (usually about 20% of the committee is required).

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How to write the preambulatory clauses?
The preamble of a draft resolution states the reasonsfor which the committee is addressing the
topic andhighlights past international action on the issue. Eachclause begins with a present
participle (called apreambulatory phrase) and ends with a comma.

Preambulatory clauses can include:

 References to the UN Charter;
 Citations of past UN resolutions or treaties on the topic under discussion;
 Mentions of statements made by the Secretary-General or a relevant UN body or agency;
 Recognition of the efforts of regional or non-governmental organizations in dealing with
the issue;
 General statements on the topic, its significance and its impact; and
 Need to begin the preambulatory clauses with a present or a past participle or an adjective.

PREAMBULATORY PHRASES
Acknowledging Deeply regretting Having adopted Pointing out
Affirming Deploring Having considered Reaffirming
Alarmed by Desiring Having devoted attention Realizing
Approving Emphasising Having examined Recalling
Aware of Expecting Having heard Recognising
Believing Expressing its appreciation Having received Referring
Bearing in mind Expressing its satisfaction Having studied Remembering
Cognizant of Fulfilling Keeping in mind Reminding
Confident Fully alarmed Noting further Seeking
Congratulating Fully aware Noting with appreciation Taking into account
Convinced Fully believing Noting with approval Taking into consideration
Declaring Further deploring Noting with deep concern Taking note of
Deeply concerned Further developing Noting with regret Viewing with appreciation
Deeply conscious Further recalling Noting with satisfaction Welcoming
Deeply disturbed Guided by Observing

What are the operative clauses?

Operative clauses offer solutions to issues addressedearlier in a resolution through the
preambulatory section.These clauses are action oriented and should includeboth an underlined
verb at the beginning ofyour sentence followed by the proposed solution.

Each clause should follow the following principals:

 Clause should be numbered;
 Each clause should support one another and continue to build your solution;
 Add details to your clauses in order to have a complete solution;
 Operative clauses are punctuated by a semicolon, with the exception of your last operative
clause which should end with a period.

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How to write the operative clauses?
This question is the most difficult one. You must ensure that your proposals areactually workable
and that they fully reflect the existing policies of the country or agency thatyou represent.
 You encourage, and/or invite countries to sign/ratify a convention/declaration.
 You may propose, welcome or deplore all new situations.
 You may support, congratulate or refuse new proposals.
 You may confirm, regret what it is already existing.
 You have to begin the operative clauses with verbs in the third person singular of
thePresent Tense.
OPERATIVE PHRASES
Accepts Draws attention Further reminds Requests
Affirms Declares accordingly Further requests Resolves
Approves Deplores Further resolves Seeks
Asks Designates Has resolved Strongly affirms
Authorizes Emphasizes Hopes Strongly condemns
Calls for Encourages Invites Strongly urges
Calls upon Endorses Notes Suggests
Condemns Expresses its satisfaction Proclaims Supports
Congratulates Expresses its hope Proposes Takes note of
Confirms Further invites Reaffirms Trusts
Considers Further Proclaims Recommends Reminds Transmits
Deplores Further recommends Regrets Urges

Rather than just borrowing/copying clauses from UN resolutions or resolutions from previous
conferences, you will be in a much better position to defend and debate during the conference if
you write your own resolution from scratch.

How to present a resolution?

- The opening verb of each clause is underlined.
- There is a line-space between each clause.
- The lines of the resolution are NOT numbered.
- Each operative clause IS numbered.
- The sub-clauses begin with a), b), c), etc.; sub-sub-clauses begin with i), ii), iii), etc.
- Acronyms and abbreviation are written out in full the first time they are used.
- Each preambulatory clause is followed by a comma.
- Each operative clause is followed by a semicolon.
- There is only one full stop, that is, at the END of the resolution.
- Do make sure that you not only take a number of hard copies of your draft resolutionbut
also an electronic version (e.g. USB, flashdisk, iPod, etc.)
- You should have enough copies to distribute to other members of his forum during
thelobbying process.

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 Sponsors of a draft resolution are the principal authors of the document and agree with its
substance. Although it is possible to have only one sponsor, this rarely occurs at the UN, since
countries must work together to create widely agreeable language in order for the draft resolution to
pass. Sponsors control a draft resolution and only the sponsors can approve immediate changes.
Signatories
Signatories are countries that may or may not agree with the substance of the draft resolution but
still wish to see it debated so that they can propose amendments. A certain percentage of the
committee must be either sponsors or signatories to a draft resolution in order for it to be accepted.
Amendments
Friendly Amendmentis a change to the draft resolution that all sponsors agree with. After the
amendment is signed by all of the draft resolution's sponsors and approved by the committee
director or president, it will be automatically incorporated into the resolution.

Unfriendly amendmentis a change that some or all of the draft resolution's sponsors do not
support and must be voted upon by the committee. The author(s) of the amendment will need to
obtain a required number of signatories in order to introduce it (usually 20% of the committee).
Prior to voting on the draft resolution, the committee votes on all unfriendly amendments.

A sample resolution is provided at Annexure 4.

H. Rules of Procedure (RoP)

The Rules of Procedure (RoP) represent a code of conduct and working regulations of the
conference to help maintain order. There are no standards in MUN and different conferences may
run their debate and rules of procedure differently. The two most commonly used rules of
procedure are UNA-USA procedure and THIMUN procedure; most conferences’ rules of procedure
are copied or modified from those two. Also, some crisis committees may operate with a
customized set of rules and debate formats. Almost all Model UN conferences use some form of
parliamentary procedure which varies significantly from the consensus-building procedure used
at the actual United Nations. Find out which RoP would be followed in a MUN conference from the
conference organizer’s website. It is essential to be aware of the RoP before going to take part in
the conference. In most of the conferences, the Committee’s Chair and Vice-Chair would brief you
and help you in understanding the procedures at the beginning of the conference or as the
conference proceeds.

I. Writing an Opening Speech

An opening speech is a speech given by the Student Delegate at an MUN conference. It is the first
opportunity that a delegate gets to make an impression on the committee. This speechmust
summarize the delegate’s nation’s views on the topic and should allow him/ her to present
his/her nation as a serious contender in the discussion of the issue. In order to ensure that he/
sheleaves a lasting impression on committee, it is advisable that the delegate prepare this
speechbeforehand, and possibly practice it a few times.

17
Usually it should last1 minute but it may vary depending on the Conference organiser’s procedure.
In this minute, you should address very clearly tothe audience the position of the
country/organisation you represent on the primary concernsabout the state of the world. It’s the
time to establish yourself as a leader and good orator.

- In the beginning of the speech, it is customary to address thePresident of the GA and the
delegates present by starting your speech, sayingsomething like: ‘Honourable President,
Distinguished Delegates’/ ‘Esteemed chairs and honorable delegates’, never use “I” or “you”.
- and then go on to the main body of your speech, it should address the issue on the agenda
your Delegation feels most strongly about. Focus on the issue that matters to your member
nation.
- be creative with your entry by introducing the topic straight out, use strong sentences,
speak slowly, clearly and confidently. No shouting, make tone modulations.
- Use hand gestures, never put your hands to your side or in your pocket. Maintain eye
contact.
- Asking the audience a question is often an easy way to get their attention.
Example: “Do you think it is possible for us to live in a world without poverty? The people
of my country think so. We believe we can achieve the end of poverty.”
- A quote engages the audience when they recognize the figure you’re quoting.
Example: “Fifty years ago, United States President John F. Kennedy said, ‘Ask not what your
country can do for you, but what you can do for your country. ’Today, ask not what the
world can do for you, but what you can do for the world.”
- A statistic can grab an audience’s attention if it is surprising or interesting.
- Good speeches end with a “call to action,” which is when you tell your audience to go and
do something. Your call to action is your specific solution to the problem.
- Let mistakes happen, do not cringe yourself or gesture that you have made a mistake.

An opening speech is a small task that requires a lot of thoughtful planning. Stand out in the crowd
and don’t make a speech someone else could have made with their eyes closed. Think about it and
deliver it well. The committee you’re in will be impressed and want to get to know you.

A sample Opening Speech and a guide to its structure is provided atAnnexure 5.

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3. GENERAL PROCEDURE OF MUN CONFERENCES

19
This section of the guide deals with the general procedures traditionally followed in MUN
conferences. The flowchart provided on the previous page explains the flow of debate and each
one of the procedures are explained below in detail. These are commonly followed in any MUN
conferences. However, the student delegates are advised to refer the Rules of Procedure (RoP)
document with the respective conference organisers or contact your MUN Faculty Advisors at
TIPS.

A. Roll Call
At the beginning of each Session and upon the Motion to verify the Quorum, Chairpersons shall
call in an alphabetical order on all Member States in order to state their status of attendance.
Member States may reply “present” or “present and voting”. Representatives stating just “present
and voting” shall have no right to abstain from any vote on the substantial matter.Delegates that
happen to miss roll call must send a note to the Chairs to let them know of their presence in the
room.

B. Setting the Agenda

Setting the agenda is the first step to be considered by the committee.
A. The motion in order to put a topic area on the agenda should be made first.
B. This motion requires a second and is debatable.
C. In case there is no opposition to the motion, the motion is considered to be adopted.
D. In case of the opposition against the proposed order of the agenda, a Speaker´s List of
either two or four delegates “for” and “against” the order will be established - the number
of speakers should be equal for both cases.
E. After the exhaustion of the Speaker´s List, the Committee will immediately vote on the
motion. For this vote, which is procedural, the simple majority is required for the motion to
pass.
F. In the case that the motion fails to pass, the Committee will automatically adopt the second
topic, i.e. the inversed order of the topics will be introduced.

C. Speaker’s List (Formal Debate)

As the committee begins, all the delegates will be asked to make an opening speech. This speech
should be simple, clear, and nearly a minute long. The purpose of the opening speech is to share
the delegate’s view on the topic(s) being discussed in the committee.

20
When the committee begins, the Chair will create a list of delegates who wish to give speeches.
These speeches are typically about the how each country feels about the topic, and range from 1-2
minutes long. The first time you speak on the speakers list is referred to as your opening speech.
You should prepare this speech before the conference. After your first speech, you can send a note
to the Chair to request to be put on the Speakers List again. Sometimes this list is also called as
General Speakers List, shortly GSL.

D. Caucus (Informal Debate) – Moderated and Unmoderated

In MUN, a “caucus” is a form of informal debate by breaking the traditional Rules of Procedure,
which govern what delegates can or cannot do during a conference. There are two types of
caucuses – moderated and unmoderated, and both serve very different functions. However,
throughout a conference delegates will move between the Speakers List, moderated caucuses, and
unmoderated caucuses, so it’s important to be ready for all three main phases of debate.

E. Moderated Caucus
Whereas the speakers list is about the topic in general, a moderated caucus is about a specific part
of the topic. It requires a delegate to provide a specific topic - or a point of discussion for the
committee duringthe time allotted for the moderated caucus by calling a motion. This gives
delegates the ability to discuss narrower sub-topics, which mayhold some controversy. A
moderated caucus has no Speakers List; thus delegates must raise their placards and wait for the
Chair to call on them to speak one at a time. In order to move into a moderated caucus, the motion
must include the overall speaking time, the time per speaker, and the sub-issue to be discussed.
When a committee holds a moderated caucus, the Chair calls on delegates one at a time and
eachspeaker briefly addresses the committee. Example: Italy moves for a 5 minute moderated
caucus with 30 secondspeaking time per delegate for the purpose of discussing solutions to women’s
rights.

Tips for Effective Moderated Caucusing

1. Enter the caucus with a plan in mind: Formulate ideas on what your country would like to
see included in a resolution. Decide which clauses you are willing to negotiate on and
which you are not.
2. Provide ideas: Tell others what your country is hoping to achieve. If you do not agree with
an idea, do not hesitate to say that it is against your country’s policy.
3. Listen: By listening to what others are saying you will able to build on other people’s ideas
and add more to the discussion. Listening also shows respect for each delegate in your
group.

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 4. Do not interrupt: Allow other delegates to finish their thoughts rather than interrupting
others in the middle of a sentence. It sometimes helps to write down your idea so that you
can bring it up when the delegate is finished speaking.
5. Record ideas: Start to formulate a resolution in writing. Rather than waiting until the last
minute, begin recording fellow delegates’ ideas right away.
6. Be resourceful: By providing fellow delegates with resolution text, maps or information as
they need it, you will show that you are valuable to the group.
7. Use time effectively: Make sure you have enough time to hear everyone’s ideas so that you
can discuss them during formal debate. Try not to waste time arguing over small details
that do not seriously affect the draft resolution.
8. Show respect: Never give orders or tell other delegates what they should or should not do.
Be polite and treat all your fellow delegates with respect.
9. Provide constructive critique: Rather than negatively criticizing another delegate, focus on
providing constructive critique. If you dislike an idea, try to offer an alternative. Critique
ideas, not people.

F. Unmoderated Caucus
It is also calledas Informal Caucus or Lobbying Sessions. This type of caucus is one in which
delegates leave their seats to mingle and speak freely. This enables the free sharingof ideas to such
an extent not possible in formal debate or even a moderated caucus. It is frequently used to sort
countries into blocs and to write working papers and draft resolutions. Unmoderated Caucusing is
an integral partof any Model United Nations Conference. During one, the committee breaks for
recess from formal proceedings. Anunmod, as it is often referred to, is also the time to prepare
working papers and draft resolutions after sufficient lobbying.To hold a caucus, a delegate must
make a motion and the committee must pass the motion.Example: Senegal moves for an
unmoderated caucus for 10 minutes to complete draft resolutions.It’s importantto find a group to
work with that will allow you to contribute your ideas to the resolution and whereeverybody can
work together fairly to write a great resolution, rather than a group where people may bebullies
or trying to dominate all the conversation for themselves. Also, if any delegates are sitting
aloneduring unmoderated caucus, invite them to work with your group! They may have great
ideas, and it’s agreat way to win more support for your resolution.

Tips for an Effective Unmoderated Caucus:

1. Enter the caucus with a plan in mind: Decide what your country hopes to achieve off the
resolution. Always have ideas you are ready to negotiate on; and those you aren’t.
2. Find delegates in your regional bloc: This is the most ideal way to find allies. However, not
every delegate from the same bloc would have similar wishes. Switch groups if necessary.

22
 3. Provide ideas: Share with fellow delegates your hopes from the resolution. If you don’t
agree with something someone else says, you can always say it’s against your country’s
policy.
4. Negotiate: While it is often necessary to give up something that you want, make sure that
you are not giving up anything too important.
5. Listen: Respectfully listening to what others are saying will able you to build on other
people’s ideas and add more to the discussion.
6. Do not interrupt: NEVER interrupt when another delegate is speaking. Wait for your turn
and right down your ideas to state after the delegate has finished speaking.
7. Record ideas: Start to formulate a resolution in writing. Rather than waiting until the last
minute, begin recording fellow delegates’ ideas right away.
8. Be resourceful: Provide fellow delegates with resolution text, maps or information as and
when they need it, showing that you are valuable to the group.
9. Have one-on-one conversations: Speaking with an individual or in a small group is the best
way to find out a delegate’s position on an issue. Larger groups are better suited to
brainstorming.
10. Stay calm: In caucuses, delegates can sometimes “lose their cool.” Always keep your voice
at a normal level. If you see that you are becoming upset or raising your voice, excuse
yourself from the group for a few minutes. Staying calm would help you function better as a
unit besides impressing the conference staff.
11. Use time effectively: Make sure you have enough time to hear everyone’s ideas so that you
can discuss them during formal debate. Try not to waste time arguing over small details
that do not seriously affect the draft resolution.
12. Show respect: Remain polite and treat all your fellow delegates with respect. Never order
fellow delegates to perform tasks at your bidding.
13. Provide constructive critique: If you dislike an idea, try to offer an alternative. Critique
ideas, not people.
14. Establish connections with other delegates: Although it can be tempting to call a fellow
delegate “Pakistan,” “Brazil” or “Sweden”, you can form a better connection with a delegate
by learning his or her name and where he or she comes from. Ask the delegate about his or
her ideas and impressions of the debate. Showing interest in your fellow delegates at the
beginning of the conference will help you gain more support later on and can help you to
form lasting friendships.

Some General Tips for MUN Success

• Speak loud and proud. You want your speech to send a message to your audience. However, if your audience cannot
hear you, the message is not likely to be received by your audience.
• Dress appropriately, and comfortably. Make sure that you not only look good, but feel good and confident in the
Western Business attire you choose to sport.
• Make sure to speak at a good pace and enunciate your words. This will make it easier for your audience to grasp
the point of your speech.
• Tone is an important tool one can use to make speeches more enjoyable to listen to. Have the right kind of tone
when giving speeches, and always remember to have a kind and courteous tone when addressing a fellow delegate.
• Sending your own message across the room is important. But what is arguably more important, is listening and
comprehending the ideas of your fellow delegates. This is important for fostering good debate, that will move your
committee forward.

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Flow chart continues on the next page …

24
G. Debate On Resolutions
Submitter of the Resolution gives the First “For Speech” (for 2 to 3 minutes maximum) by reading
out the Operative Clauses. Points of Information will immediately follow and the main submitter
answers the Point of Information. Then the Floor is open to any delegate wishing to give a speech,
regardless of their stance on the resolution. The Points of Information will immediately follow and
the respective delegate answers them. Instead of an alternation of for and against speeches, the
floor will be opened after every speech to delegates wishing to speak for or against the resolution
being debated. Amendments can also be proposed by the delegates during the debate. After
elaborative debate, a motion is moved for closure of debate and to proceed for voting.The
procedure on resolution debate is given below.

Some basic tips for debating on resolution

State whether you are in favor or against the resolution.

In 1 sentence or 1 word, explain why you do or do not favor the resolution.
Pick 3 operative clauses to support your argument.
Encourage the committee to vote in favor or against the resolution.

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Flow chart continues on the next page …

26
H. Voting for Amendments and Resolutions
Once the body is satisfied all documents have been thoroughly debated, the committee moves
from Debate into Voting Procedure. Voting Procedure is governed by a different ruleset than
Causus. By rule, all substantive debate must occur during Causus; no substantive debate occurs
during Voting Procedure. Voting can be made for amendments in resolutions and upon
resolutions.

Voting for Amendments

Once the chair or the house feels like the amendment is ready to be voted upon,the chair will
move into voting procedures for the amendment. If the delegate is in favorof the amendment
passing, simply raise the placard when the chair requests it. If thedelegate is against a resolution
passing, simply raise the placard when the chairrequests it. Note that abstentions are not in order
for amendments.

27
Voting for Resolutions
Once the chair or the house feels like the resolution is ready to be voted upon,the chair will move
the committee into voting procedures. If the delegate is in favor of aresolution passing, simply
raise the placard when the chair addresses delegateswishing to vote in favor of the resolution.
Similarly, if the delegate is against a resolution,the placard should be raised when the chairs
request for delegates wishing to voteagainst the resolution. If the delegate does not want to vote
for or against a resolution,the delegate can abstain from voting. To do so, simply raise the placard
when the chaircalls for abstentions.

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 4. COMMUNICATION IN MUN

A. Personal Pronouns
In MUN debate, delegates should refrain from using personal pronouns such as“I”, “you” and “we”.
Instead they should refer to themselves and other delegate as “Thedelegate of (country name). For
example, one can say “The delegate of Canada wishesto support the delegate of South Korea in this
decision.” The delegates should only referto the chair as “chair”.

B. Addressing the Committee

Before addressing the committee in any speeches at the podium, it is protocol forthe delegates to
begin with “Esteemed chairs and honorable delegates”, or something tothe same effect. Both the
house and the chairs must be addressed formally.

C. Cross-Talk
As part of MUN protocol, delegates should refrain from cross-talk, also known asdirect speech,
with other delegates during debate. After asking a point of information, ifa delegate is not satisfied
with the speaker’s reply or wishes to ask another question,the asking delegate should request the
chair for a follow-up and not address thespeaker directly. If the speaker cannot understand a
point of information from anotherdelegate, the speaker should request the chair to ask the
delegate to rephrase theirquestion and not the delegate directly.
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D. Official Notepaper

During debating time, conversation between

delegates is not allowed. You should focus your
attention on the different interventions within
the House. You should also be well ready to
intervene in the debate at any times. However,
it is instrumental that you should remain,
during this period, in contact with your fellow
delegates in order to establish a common
strategy. The notepaper (sometimes referred as
chit paper) is the perfect way to communicate.
On your notepaper, write the delegation name
of your addressee. Write in English, and English
only, what you want to say to the other
delegate. Then raise your hand with the
notepaper. A member of the Admin Staff or a
volunteer from the Organising Committee will
collect your note and deliver it to your
addressee. A sample notepaper is provided
adjacent.

E. Point of Order
This is a point used when the delegate wants to bring the Chair’s attention to thecurrent speaker’s
or another delegate’s mistake in or violation of parliamentaryprocedure. In order to voice a point
of order, the delegate should wait for the speaker tofinish his or her speech and then raise their
placard while saying “Point of Order”. Thechair will ask the delegate to rise and state his or her
point, after which the delegateshould explain what the problem is. The chair may determine
whether this is appropriateor not, and address it accordingly.

F. Point of Personal Privilege

This is a motion used to let the chair and the speaker know that something isuncomfortable. This
could be related to the speaker (too loud/quiet, too fast/slow, toounclear) or the conditions in the
room (too cold/hot). When wishing to bring across apoint of personal privilege, simply raise the
placard and say “Point of PersonalPrivilege”. These points will only be entertained while a speaker
is talking if it affects thehouse’s ability to comprehend - in this case, the speaker need only state
the following:“Point of Personal Privilege, audibility”. The chair will automatically request the
speakerto speak louder.

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G. Point of Information
This is a question a delegate might have for the speaker after he/she has finishedhis/her speech. A
Point of Information can only be brought forth once the chair hasasked for them, and can never
interrupt a speaker. When the chair has authorizedpoints of information, raise the placard and
wait to be called on. When recognized, riseand ask ONE question to the delegate about the content
of their speech. Be respectfuland follow delegate conduct while asking a question. If the delegate
has not answeredthe question or the delegate wishes to ask another question, the delegate may
requesta follow-up. To do so, simply ask the chair by saying “Request a follow-up”, after
thespeaker has finished answering the first question. It is at the chair’s discretion torecognize this
and if he/she does, state the new question following the aboveprocedure.

H. Point of Parliamentary Inquiry

This is a question directed to the chair concerning parliamentary procedures withregards to time
and related issues. This cannot interrupt a speaker, and may be askedby stating “Point of
Parliamentary Inquiry” after the floor has been yielded to the chair.Avoid asking questions about
procedures that are obvious, unless there is reason tobelieve that the chair has made a mistake.
Remember to be respectful and continue touse formal register.

I. Motion to Move into Previous Question

This motion is directed to the chair. If whatever is being debated appearsredundant or pointless
to entertain, such as highly obvious statements, a delegate cancall out the following: “Motion to
Move into Previous Question”. This is the delegate’sway of stating that the house should move
directly into voting procedure on either theamendment or the resolution as a whole, If the house
agrees, at least one otherdelegate must second this motion. If someone disagrees, just one
objection is enoughto overrule the motion. If there are no objections, the chair can move into
votingprocedures unless they wish to prolong debate time.

J. Motion to Approach the Head Table

This motion is directed to the chair. If the delegate would like to approach thechairs for
clarification of content or procedure, they may raise their placard when thefloor has been yielded
to the chair. If the chair finds this appropriate, the delegate mayapproach the table and speak with
the chair. This motion does not need to seconded bythe house.

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K. Yielding
Once any speaker is finished speaking at the podium, he/she must yield the floor.If the speaker
would like to yield the floor to another delegate, when the chair asks thedelegate if they yield the
floor back to the chair, the speaker must then say that he/shewould like to yield the floor to
another delegate. The floor can only be yielded to anotherdelegate once. Once the speaker has
finished, before leaving the podium they mustyield the floor to the chair.

L. Modes of Address during Formal Debates

Some common phrases to be used by delegates of the house
 “Mr./Madam Chairman…”.
 “The delegate of … requests the floor” or “wishes the floor”.
 “The delegate of … would like to rise a point of information/ point of order”.
 “The delegate of … wishes to speak in favor of/against this motion/resolution/amendmentbecause…”.
 “Is the chair /the speaker (not) aware that…”.
 “Does the speaker (not) agree with me that…”.
 “The speaker stated in his/her speech… Doe he/she (not) realize that…”.
 “The delegate of … moves to amend the resolution by striking/inserting/adding thewords…”.
 “The delegate of … urges the house to give its support by voting for/against thismotion/resolution/amendment”.

M. Equipment
It is essential to carry a few basic equipments to MUN conferences. However, it is important to
check with the respective MUN organizers or your MUN Faculty Advisors regarding what and
what not to carry for the conferences. Below are some of the basic equipments that are required
for the student delegates.
 Conference Folderis used because one would need to have a way of holding all of their
documents that have been accumulated during the conference. A complimentary folder
maybe provided by the Conference Organisers on the Day One of the conference. However,
it is better to carry one.
 The Notepad is necessary during an MUN conference as one would write down notes and
pointsmentioned by other delegates for the purpose of contributing to the debate and to
refer back to whenmaking a speech on the resolution or asking a question to another
delegate. A complimentary notepad maybe provided by the Conference Organisers on the
Day One of the conference. However, it is better to carry one.
 Pens are an obvious essential tool to write with, however, several pens are good to bring,
as duringthe course of the lobbying process, when signing onto other resolutions, having
pens available speedthe process and help to get more signatures as you show yourself as a
resourceful delegate to others. A complimentary pen maybe provided by the Conference
Organisers on the Day One of the conference. However, it is better to carry your own pen.

32
  Notepaperis needed during the conference, as it is a way for delegates to communicate to
oneanother privately during debate and allows each other to exchange views on the issue
and gain anunderstanding from the standpoint of others. A complimentary notepaper
maybe provided by the Conference Organisers on the Day One of the conference. However,
it is better to carry one.

 The USB Stick is necessary during the lobbying stage. When it would come to merging
resolutions,there is not enough time to retype a whole clause, but rather copy it from one
soft copy resolution andpaste it into the other and then make the required changes. The
same reasoning applies when one isa main submitter as the majority of the resolution
comes from the main submitter’s own resolution. You need to carry your own pen drive
and use at your own risk.

 A Laptop is a good piece of equipment to bring, as you can store your information, speeches
andsuggestive clauses on it. Many conferences provided wireless internet, which allows
you to refer toyour research or websites during debate to enhance your contributions for
debate. Although conferenceshave computers for you to work on, where you can merge
resolutions together, by bringingyour own laptop it can speed that process as you won’t
need to wait for an available computer whenyou are in a rush or if the computer room is
busy. Carry your laptop at your own risk and use it wisely only for the conference purpose.

 DO NOT CARRY: Headphones, earphones, mobile phones, Wi-Fi modems, any other
gadgets which are not relating to the conference.

N. Attire

During an MUN Conference, one will be expected to dress in formal clothing and act
professionally, as though being a diplomat. The Dress code for MUN conferences are strictly
formal unless otherwise specified by the conference organizers. One will be expected to dress in
suits (if male) or in equally formal clothing (if female). Some conference organizers may allow the
students to wear their school uniforms. Sometimes traditional dress is also encouraged on anyone
day during the entire conference time. Please check with your conference organizers for the dress
code or contact your MUN Faculty Advisors for the details of the same.

33
During the Conference, male attendees are expected to dress in the clothing shown above. The
minimal requirement at a conference is to wear a pair formal pants and shirt, with dark shoes and
a blazer; however it is advised that male attendees dress in proper suits with a tie.As conference
attendees would receive a lot of paper due to notes, resolutions, conference manuals, program of
events booklets and the MUN conference’s newspaper, it is advised that attendees carry a bag or a
briefcase to the conference as that would allow one to carry all of the various documents
accumulated during the course of the conference.

During the Conference, female attendees are expected to dress in the clothing shown below. The
minimal requirement at a conference is to wear a pair formal pants or skirt and top, with dark
shoes. Female attendees are expected to respect that when wearing a skirt, the end of the skirt
should placed no higher than five inches above the knees due to need to keep a professional
atmosphere at the conference. In regard to the choice of shoes, female attendees are advised to
resist wearing high heels and choose flat heeled shoes as the course of the conference requires a
large amount of walking, but it is not discouraged, as the choice is for the attendee to make. As
conference attendees, you will receive a lot of paper due to notes, resolutions, conference
manuals, program of events booklets and theMUN conference’s newspaper, it is advised that
attendees carry a bag or a formal tote bag to the conference as that would allow one to carry all of
the various documents accumulated during the course of the conference.

Please Don’t: Dress in casual clothing. Have obscene facial and bodypiercing or tattoos that are
visible. Have unnatural coloured hair(dyed hair is allowed providedthat it’s of a natural colour).
Wear Military Clothing. Wear Sports/Active Clothing. Dress in National Costume.

34
Annexure 1: Country Research Template
(The Word doc of this template can be obtained from your Faculty Advisor)

Delegate Name:
School Name: TIPS Cambridge Erode

Allocated country
Official name of the country

I / Identity
A/ Geography
Surface
Population
Capital(s)
Demonym of country
Location:
On which continent?
Close to a sea, an ocean YES?
/NO? Name it/them?
Landlocked country YES?
/NO?
Relief of the country?
Is the relief an advantage or a
disadvantage YES? /NO?
Explain:
Name the
bordering/neighbouring
countries

B/ History and political life

Independent country YES?
/NO?
Former colony YES? /NO?
Independent since when?
A former colony of which
country?
Form of Government
Is there a monarchy?
If YES, does the monarchy
influence Politics?
Is the regime stable YES?
/NO?

35
Explain:
Current ruling parties
Name of the Head of State
Name of the Head of
Government?
What are the main events of
the last 5 years?

C/ Cultural aspects
What is/are the official
language(s)?
Are there different ethnic
groups YES?/NO?
If YES, name them
What is/are the main
religion(s)?
Have these elements an
influence on:
The society YES? /NO?
The political life YES?/NO?
The economy YES? /NO?
Explain about the above
influence

D/ Economic aspects
Currency (name)
US Dollar exchange value
Indian Rupees exchange
value
GDP?
GNP Per capita
Dependency and debt
Resources:
Energy
Mines
Agriculture
Fishing
Industry
Major Exports
Major Imports
Percentage of unemployed

36
Human development
Index
Literacy Rate
Poverty rate
Average life span
Services (trade, transport,
tourism):
Is it an MEDC YES?/NO?
Is it an LEDC YES? /NO?
Member of an economic
organisation YES? /NO?
Name it:

E/ Environment
Energy consumption:
Renewable/ Non
Renewable
Over-usage of natural
resources
Types of alternative energy
used
How much your country
recycle?
Affiliated with
Environmental
organization YES/NO
If Yes, has your country
signed and ratified any
agreements/protocols?

II/ International Position

A/ Defence
Military independence
YES? /NO?
Explain:
Member of a military
alliance YES? /NO?
Name it:
Nuclear weapon YES? /NO?
Allies
Enemies
Is your country
part/member of a Bloc.
YES/NO
Does your country hold
similar views to other Bloc
members?
Currently in war/ In
danger of war?
37
B/ Influential position
Member of the United
Nations since when?
Regularly member of the
Security Council YES? /NO?
Last times member?
Regularly member of
ECOSOC YES? /NO?
Last time member?
Name the important
international organisations
in which your country is a
member
Relationship with the
bordering countries:
Write a brief note on
country’s foreign policy

C/ Any other useful and complementary information:

Note: Print the political map of the allocated country and attach it to your country research task.
Additionally, you may also include a map of the continent in which your country is located.

38
Annexure 2: Committee Research Template
(The Word doc of this template can be obtained from your Faculty Advisor)

Delegate Name:
School Name: TIPS Cambridge Erode

Name of the
committee/organizationallocated
(givethefull name and also
theacronym):

I/ Identity
Location of the Head Office
Year of establishment
Background or aims of the organization or
why was the organization created?
Are the aims of the organization are
compatible with those of the United Nations?
Budget of the organization

II/ Purpose of the Organization

What are the purposes or different actions
led by the organization? (try to be specific on
the different fields of the actions)
Has your Organization signed onto any
Documents? Which ones?
Has your Organization actively involved in
this issue (related to the documents signed)?
Is your Organization: For or Against?

III/ Needs of the Organization

What are the financial needs of the
organization?
What are the material needs of the
organization?

IV/ Any other useful and complementary information:

39
Annexure 3: Sample Position Paper
Committee: General Assembly Third Committee
Topic: Gender Equality
Country: Russian Federation
School: Best Delegate High School
Delegation: Represented by [Student A] and [Student B]

According to UN Women, gender equality refers to “the equal rights, responsibilities and
opportunities of women and men and girls and boys.” Gender inequality is a global issue: many
women lack adequate access to healthcare, are underrepresented in political arenas (women hold
only 22% of parliamentary seats worldwide), are victims of gender-based violence
(approximately one in three women worldwide have experienced physical or sexual violence),
face discrimination in the workplace and in wages, and lack equal access to education (two-thirds
of illiterate adults are women). These issues have myriad causes, including cultural beliefs about
gender and marital roles, and legal regulation. These detrimental inequalities are cyclical and
complex: a female’s educational career, for example, is affected by pregnancy, household work,
access to sanitation facilities at school, and the danger of physical and sexual assault.

The creation of United Nations Women in 2010 through resolution A/64/588 was a “historic step”
in achieving gender equality, by “bringing together resources and mandates for greater impact”. In
addition to UN Women, the main mechanism to promote gender equality worldwide is the legally
binding Convention of the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW),
adopted in 1979 with nearly universal participation. The UN General Assembly has also recently
adopted A/RES/69/149 on combatting trafficking of women and girls, A/RES/69/147 to
eliminate violence against women, and A/RES/69/236 to emphasize the role of women in
development. Through these resolutions, organisms, and NGO partners, the UN and Member
States work to invest in women, provide legal protections, and educate women to accomplish
these goals and achieve gender equality.

Given the integral role of women’s economic equality and independence in achieving gender
equality, the Russian Federation strives to ensure that women had equal access to education and
employment in order to achieve their potential, as Russian President Vladimir Putin has stated to
the UN General Assembly. Russia encourages cooperation between UN Women and Developing
Countries, not just Developed Countries. Because of the importance of economic development in
empowering women, Russia would like cooperation between UN Women and the International
Labor Organization as well as other UN bodies to craft plans for equality based in each nation’s
traditional values and norms. Russia also feels it is critical that the United States ratifies CEDAW,
as it is the largest nation not to do so.

The Russian Federation feels that important subtopics that must be addressed are gender-based
violence, women’s lack of access to education and jobs, and women’s lack of representation in
politics and political decision-making. To address women’s lack of representation in politics,
countries can be encouraged to ensure inclusion of women candidates and create recruitment and
training programs to introduce young women to politics. In order to combat and prevent gender
based violence, countries can develop crisis centers and hotlines for women and develop
rehabilitation programs for victims of violence. Also, Russia believes countries should ensure the
safe transport of girls and women to and from schools, invest in hiring female teachers, provide
adequate sanitation facilities at schools, and emphasize skill-based hiring programs in all
industries, including those normally reserved for men.

40
Annexure 4: Sample Resolution

Resolution GA/3/1.1
General Assembly Third Committee
Sponsors: United States, Austria and Italy
Signatories: Greece, Tajikistan, Japan, Canada, Mali, the Netherlands and Gabon
Topic: “Strengthening UN coordination of humanitarian assistance in complex emergencies”

The General Assembly,

Remindingall nations of the celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of
Human Rights, whichrecognizes the inherent dignity, equality and inalienable rights of all global
citizens,[use commas to separate preambulatory clauses]

Reaffirmingits Resolution 33/1996 of 25 July 1996, which encourages Governments to work with
UN bodies aimed atimproving the coordination and effectiveness of humanitarian assistance,

Notingwith satisfaction the past efforts of various relevant UN bodies and non-governmental
organizations,

Stressingthe fact that the United Nations faces significant financial obstacles and is in need of
reform, particularly inthe humanitarian realm,

1. Encourages all relevant agencies of the United Nations to collaborate more closely with
countries at the grassroots level to enhance the carrying out of relief efforts; [use
semicolons to separate operative clauses]
2. Urges member states to comply with the goals of the UN Department of Humanitarian
Affairs to streamline efforts of humanitarian aid;
3. Requests that all nations develop rapid deployment forces to better enhance the
coordination of relief efforts of humanitarian assistance in complex emergencies;
4. Calls for the development of a United Nations Trust Fund that encourages voluntary
donations from the private transnational sector to aid in funding the implementation of
rapid deployment forces;
5. Stresses the continuing need for impartial and objective information on the political,
economic and social situations and events of all countries;
6. Calls upon states to respond quickly and generously to consolidated appeals for
humanitarian assistance; and
7. Requests the expansion of preventive actions and assurance of post-conflict assistance
through reconstruction and development.

41
Annexure 5: A Sample Opening Speech

“Honourable President, Esteemed Fellow Delegates,

The Delegation of Japan would like to stress that we live in exponential times. The world
hasgrown so large that as we all live within a little distance from one another; and with the
societythat we have today, weare constantly in demand of progress and development. Japan
wouldlike to ask the house, where is the limit to this growth? How will we be able to sustain
thisdevelopment and not overuse our sources provided for us? Japan hopes that at this
MUNConference, we will all be able to establish agreement and not simply fail resolutions, but
considerthe creation of productive amendments to amend resolutions in order to help the
world,not only for us at the United Nations, but to set a general example for the future, so that
weare able to distinguish our limits to growth.
Thank you, Japan would like to yield the floor back to the chair.”

42
Annexure 6: Guide to Structure the Opening Speech
One of the easiest ways to organize your speeches in Model UN, especially for opening speeches, is
touse the following three-part formula:

Hook: An engaging way to grab your audience’s attention

Point: Your country policy on the topic
Call to Action: Your possible solutions to the topic

1. Hook
The beginning of a speech should grab your audience’s attention. It should give your audience a
reasonto listen to you – otherwise they won’t. An attention-grabbing introduction is often called a
“hook.” Thereare many different types of hooks, but here are a few common ones that work well
in Model UN.

Question: Asking the audience aquestion is often an easy way to gettheir attention.
Example: “Do you think it is possiblefor us to live in a world withoutpoverty? The people of my
countrythink so. We believe we can achievethe end of poverty.”

Quote: A quote engages the audiencewhen they recognize the figure you’requoting.
Example: “Fifty years ago, UnitedStates President John F. Kennedysaid, ‘Ask not what your country
can do for you, but what you can do for your country.’Today, ask not what the world can do for
you, but what you can do for the world.”

Statistic: A statistic can grab an audience’s attention if it is surprising or interesting.

Example: “Over 1 billion people around the world live on less than US$1.25 a day. Over 1
billionpeople live in extreme poverty.”

Story: A story is the oldest form of communication and if told well, can certainly grab
anaudience’s attention. But speeches in MUN are typically very short, so keep the story
brief!
Example: “Several years ago, in rural Pakistan, a girl was walking to school when a gunshot
rangout – and she was shot in the head. The Taliban does not want any girls to go to school. But
thatgirl survived, and today she fights for girls’ right to education around the world. That girl’s
namewas Malala.”

2. Point
The point is the purpose of your speech. It is the reason why you’re speaking. Once you have
youraudience’s attention, you should deliver your point. In opening speeches in MUN, the “point”
is tostate your country policy on the topic. Then offer 2-3 reasons explaining why your country
had adoptedthis policy.

Example: “The Republic of Korea believes that education is a human right. All people should
haveaccess to education. Education is a pathway out of poverty for millions in developing
countries,like Korea was just a few decades ago. Education is the driver of change and
development in thisworld, and education is critical for the human race to continue to thrive and
grow.

3. Call to Action
Good speeches end with a “call to action,” which is when you tell your audience to go and
dosomething. Your call to action is your specific solution to the problem.
Example: “To provide universal access to education, Korea proposes the creation of
aninternational fund called ‘Education For All’ that will support 3 programs in developing
countries:building more schools, training new teachers, and preventing girls from dropping out of
school.We call upon the international community to create and donate to this fund, so we can
guaranteeeducation as a right globally.”

43
 Annexure 7: Recommended Research Resources
GENERAL NEWS GENERAL RESEARCH SITES
BBC: www.bcc.co.uk (there are good region-specific Council on Foreign Relations: www.cfr.org
subcategories of BBC coverage) Brookings Institute: http://www.brookings.edu/research/topics/international-
The Economist: www.economist.com affairs (there are good region-specific subcategories of Brookings analysis)
CNN: www.cnn.com Carnegie Endowment for Peace: http://carnegieendowment.org/publications/
Reuters: http://www.reuters.com/ Atlantic Council: http://www.atlanticcouncil.org/
New York Times: www.nytimes.com Wilson Center: http://www.wilsoncenter.org/
The Guardian: www.guardian.co.uk Lowy Institute for International Policy: http://www.lowyinstitute.org/
Telegraph: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/ Chatham House: http://www.chathamhouse.org/
International IDEA: http://www.idea.int/index.cfm
GENERAL INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS NEWS European Council on Foreign Relations: http://www.ecfr.eu/publications
Foreign Policy: http://www.foreignpolicy.com UN News: http://www.un.org/news/
The Washington Post: http://www.washingtonpost.com/ Google Scholar: http://scholar.google.com/
Council on Foreign Relations: www.cfr.org JSTOR: http://www.jstor.org/
Brookings Institute: UN International Law Library:
http://www.brookings.edu/research/topics/international- http://legal.un.org/avl/intro/introduction.html?tab=2
affairs Colombia International Affairs Online: https://www.ciaonet.org/
SmallWorld: http://mmelcher-news.tumblr.com/
European Council on Foreign Relations: http://www.ecfr.eu/ COUNTRY RESEARCH
Foreign Affairs: http://www.foreignaffairs.com CIA World Factbook: https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-
Carnegie Endowment for Peace: factbook/
http://carnegieendowment.org/publications/ International Crisis Group: http://www.crisisgroup.org/en.aspx
Open Democracy: http://www.opendemocracy.net/ (need Council on Foreign Relations: www.cfr.org
VPN) The Economist: www.economist.com
UN News: http://www.un.org/news/ BBC: www.bcc.co.uk
World Affairs Journal: http://www.worldaffairsjournal.org/ International IDEA: http://www.idea.int/index.cfm the Country
Profile section is especially useful: http://www.idea.int/sod/profiles/index.cfm
NEWS LETTERS
Council on Foreign Relations: www.cfr.org SECURITY RESEARCH
Foreign Policy: http://www.foreignpolicy.com International Crisis Group: http://www.crisisgroup.org/en.aspx
Al-Monitor: http://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/home.html Providing for Peacekeeping: http://www.providingforpeacekeeping.org/
International Crisis Group: http://www.crisisgroup.org/en.aspx Fund for Peace: http://global.fundforpeace.org/index.php
Sinocism (China-specific): https://sinocism.com/ International Peace Institute: http://www.ipinst.org/
Foreign Affairs: http://www.foreignaffairs.com/ UNSC: http://www.un.org/en/sc/
United States Institute of Peace: http://www.usip.org/ Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI): http://www.sipri.org/
UN News: http://www.un.org/apps/news/email/ Center for New American Security: http://www.cnas.org/
World Affairs Journal: http://www.worldaffairsjournal.org/ Stimson Center: http://www.stimson.org/
International Rescue Committee: http://www.rescue.org/ Colombia International Affairs Online: https://www.ciaonet.org/
You should set Google News Alerts for specific countries
and/or topics relevant to your committee
www.google.com/alerts ECOSOC RESEARCH
Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre: http://www.internal-displacement.org/
World Bank: http://www.worldbank.org/
ECONOMICS NEWS International Monetary Fund: http://www.imf.org/external/index.htm
Financial Times: http://www.ft.com/home/us UN organisations:
Wall Street Journal: http://online.wsj.com/home-page UNICEF: http://www.unicef.org/
Bloomberg: http://www.businessweek.com/ WHO: http://www.who.int/en/
UNHRC: http://www.ohchr.org/en/hrbodies/hrc/pages/hrcindex.aspx
CHINA/ASIA NEWS UNEP: http://www.unep.org/
Caixin Media: http://english.caixin.com/ UNDP: http://www.us.undp.org/content/washington/en/home.html
China File: http://www.chinafile.com/ UNHCR: http://www.unhcr.org/cgi-bin/texis/vtx/home
Tea Leaf Nation: http://www.tealeafnation.com/ IMO: http://www.imo.org/Pages/home.aspx
The Diplomat: http://thediplomat.com/ IL O: http://www.ilo.org/global/lang--en/index.htm
South China Morning Post: Non-governmental organisations (NGOs):
http://www.scmp.com/frontpage/international Doctors Without Borders (MSF): http://www.doctorswithoutborders.org/
Channel News Asia: http://www.channelnewsasia.com/ Transparency International: http://www.transparency.org/country
Human Rights Watch: http://www.hrw.org/
Amnesty International: http://www.amnesty.org/
MIDDLE EAST NEWS Nature Conservancy: http://www.nature.org/
Al-Monitor: http://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/home.html Sierra Club: http://www.sierraclub.org/
Institute of the Study of War: Environmental Defense Fund: http://www.edf.org/
http://www.understandingwar.org/ OPEC: http://www.opec.org/opec_web/en/
Al Jazeera: www.aljazeera.com OECD: http://www.oecd.org/
Al Arabiya: http://english.alarabiya.net/ Colombia International Affairs Online: https://www.ciaonet.org/
Science Daily:
AFRICA NEWS http://www.sciencedaily.com/news/earth_climate/environmental_science/
IRIN: http://www.irinnews.org/ National Geographic News:
All Africa: http://allafrica.com/ http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/archives/environment/

44
 Annexure 8: Glossary
Abstain: During a vote on a substantive matter, delegates may
abstain rather than vote yes or no. This generally signals that a Operative clause: The part of a resolution which describes
country does not support the resolution being voted on, but does how the UN will address a problem. It begins with an action
not oppose it enough to vote no. verb (decides, establishes, recommends, etc.).

Adjourn: All UN or Model UN sessions end with a vote to Page: A delegate in a Model UN committee that has
adjourn. This means that the debate is suspended until the next volunteered to pass notes from one delegate to another, or
meeting. This can be a short time (e.g., overnight) or a long time from a delegate to the dais, for a short period of time.
(until next year's conference).
Placard: A piece of card-stock with a country's name on it that
Agenda: The order in which the issues before a committee will a delegate raises in the air to signal to the Chair that he or she
be discussed. The first duty of a committee following the roll call is wishes to speak.
usually to set the agenda.
Point: A request raised by a delegate for information or for an
Amendment: A change to a draft resolution on the floor. Can be action relating to that delegate. Examples include a point of
of two types: a "friendly amendment" is order, a point of inquiry, and a point of personal privilege.
supported by the original draft resolution's sponsors, and is passed
automatically, while an "unfriendly amendment" Position paper: A summary of a country's position on a topic,
is not supported by the original sponsors and must be voted on by written by a delegate before a Model UN conference.
the committee as a whole.
Preambulatory Clause: The part of a resolution that
Background guide: A guide to a topic being discussed in a describes previous actions taken on the topic and reasons why
Model UN committee usually written by conference organizers the resolution is necessary. It begins with a participle or
and distributed to delegates before the conference. The starting adjective (noting, concerned, regretting, aware of, recalling)
point for any research before a Model UN conference.
Procedural: Having to do with the way a committee is run, as
Binding: Having legal force in UN member states. Security opposed to the topic being discussed. All delegates present
Council resolutions are binding, as are decisions of the must vote on procedural matters and may not abstain.
International Court of Justice; resolutions of the General Assembly
and Economic and Social Council are not. Quorum: The minimum number of delegates needed to be
present for a committee to meet. In the General Assembly,
Bloc: A group of countries in a similar geographical region or with a quorum consists of one third of the members to begin
a similar opinion on a particular topic. Blocs typically vote debate, and a majority of members to pass a resolution. In the
together. Security Council, no quorum exists for the body to debate, but
nine members must be present to pass a resolution.
Caucus: A break in formal debate in which countries can more
easily and informally discuss a topic. There are two types: Rapporteur: A member of the dais whose duties include
moderated caucus and unmoderated caucus. keeping the speakers' list and taking the roll call, as well as
assisting in and keeping track of administrative duties in the
Chair: A member of the dais that moderates debate, keeps time, committee room.
rules on points and motions, and enforces the rules of procedure.
Resolution: A document that has been passed by an organ of
Dais: The group of people, usually high school orcollege students, the UN that aims to address a particular problem or issue.
in charge of a Model UN committee. It generally consists of a
Chair, a Director, and a Rapporteur. The dais is also the raised Right of Reply: A right to speak in reply to a previous
platform on which the chair traditionally sits. speaker's comment, invoked when a delegate feels personally
insulted by another's speech. Generally requires a written note
Decorum: The order and respect for others that all delegates at a to the Chair to be invoked.
Model UN conference must exhibit. The Chair will call for decorum
when he or she feels that the committee is not being respectful of Roll Call: The first order of business in a Model UN
a speaker, of the dais, or of their roles as ambassadors. committee, during which the Rapporteur reads aloud the
names of each member state in the committee and respective
Delegate: A student acting as a representative of a member state delegate may respond "present" or "present and voting".
or observer in a Model UN committee.
Rules of Procedure: The rules by which a Model UN
Delegation: The entire group of people representing a member committee is run.
state or observer in all committees at a particular Model UN
conference. They are usually all from the same school. Secretariat: The staff of a Model UN conference.

Director: A member of the dais that oversees the creation of Secretary-General: The leader of a Model UN conference.
working papers and draft resolutions, acts as an expert on the
topic, makes sure delegates accurately reflect the policy of their Signatory: A country that wishes a draft resolution to be put

45
countries, and ensures that decorum is maintained during on the floor and signs the draft resolution to accomplish this. A
caucuses. signatory need not support a resolution; it only wants it to be
discussed. Usually, Model UN conferences require some
Division of the Question: During voting bloc, delegates may minimum number of sponsors and signatories for a draft
motion to vote on certain clauses of a resolution separately, so resolution to beapproved.
that only the clauses that are passed become part of the final
resolution. This is known as division of the question. Simple majority: 50% plus one vote of the number of
delegates in a committee. The amount needed to pass most
Draft resolution: A document that seeks to fix the problems votes.
addressed by a Model UN committee. If passed by the committee,
the draft resolution will become into a resolution. Speakers' List: A list that determines the order in which
delegates will speak. Whenever a new topic is opened for
Faculty Advisor: The faculty member in charge of a Model UN discussion, the Chair will create a speakers' list by asking all
team, class or club. delegates wishing to speak to raise their placards and calling on
them one at a time. During debate, a delegate may indicate
Flow of debate: The order in which events proceed during a that he or she wishes to be added to the speakers' list by
Model UN conference. This usually indicates the movement sending a note to the dais.
between formal and informal debate and the process of drafting,
debating and voting on resolutions. Sponsor: One of the writers of a draft resolution. A friendly
amendment can only be created if all sponsors agree.
Gavel: The tool, shaped like a small wooden hammer, which the
Chair uses to keep order within a Model UN committee. Many Substantive: Having to do with the topic being discussed. A
conferences give the gavel used in a committee to the delegate substantive vote is a vote on a draft resolution or amendment
recognized by the dais as the best in that committee; therefore, already on the floor during voting bloc. Only member states
the term is frequently used to refer to the award given to the best (not observer states or nongovernmental
delegate, even in cases where no actual gavel is given. organizations) may vote on substantive issues.

Formal debate: The "standard" type of debate at a Model UN Unmoderated Caucus: A type of caucus in which delegates
conference, in which delegates speak for a certain time in an order leave their seats to mingle and speak freely. Enables the free
based on a speakers' list. sharing of ideas to an extent not possible in formal debate or
even a moderated caucus. Frequently used to sort countries
Head Delegate: The student leader of a Model UN club or team. into blocs and to write working papers and draft resolutions.

Member State: A country that has ratified the Charter of the Working Paper: A document in which the ideas of some
United Nations and whose application to join has been accepted delegates on how to resolve an issue are proposed. Frequently
by the General Assembly and Security Council. Currently, there are the precursor to a draft resolution.
193 member states.
Vet: The ability, held by China, France, the Russian Federation,
Moderated Caucus: A type of caucus in which delegates remain the United Kingdom, and the United States to prevent any draft
seated and the Chair calls on them one at a time to speak for a resolution in the Security Council from passing by voting no.
short period of time, enabling a freer exchange of opinions than
would be possible in formal debate. Vote: A time at which delegates indicate whether they do or
do not support a proposed action for the committee. There are
Motion: A request made by a delegate that the committee as a two types: procedural and substantive.
whole to do something. Some motions might be to go into a
caucus, to adjourn, to introduce a draft resolution, or to move into Voting procedure: The period at the end of a committee
voting procedure. session during which delegates vote on proposed amendments
and draft resolutions. Nobody may enter or leave the room.
Observer: A state, national organization, regional organization,
or non-governmental organization that is not a member of the UN Yield: A delegate surrendering the time remaining after
but participates in its debates. Observers can vote on procedural finishing a speech from the Speaker’s List. This is when a
matters but not substantive matters. (An example is the Holy See.) speaker decides to give up the remaining time in his or her
speech.
On the floor: At a Model UN conference, when a working paper
or draft resolution is first written, it may not be discussed in
debate. After it is approved by the Director and introduced by the
committee, it is put "on the floor" and may be discussed.

46
 Annexure 9: Model Rubrics for Successful Participation
Level 2: Level 3: Level 4:
Criteria Level 1: Insufficient Level 5: Exceptional
Limited Adequate Proficient

Content Country The delegate does The delegate makes The delegate makes one The delegate makes The delegate always
policy not follow their several major errors in major or several minor one or two minor sticks to their country
country policy. their country policy. errors in their country errors in their country policy.
policy. policy.
Background The delegate does The delegate The delegate demonstrates The delegate The delegate
knowledge not understand the consistently makes adequate awareness of the demonstrates consistently
issue. errors in their topic, making occasional proficient awareness demonstrates a
understanding of the errors. of the topic, making nuanced awareness of
topic. one or no mistakes. the topic at hand.

Solutions The delegate Solutions proposed are

Solutions proposed are Solutions proposed Solutions proposed
proposes no extremely flawed. flawed or idealistic. are slightly flawed or are realistic and
solutions. Addresses some sub-issue idealistic. Provides effective. Provides
to the topic. some long and short both long and short
term solution to the term solution to the
topic. Addresses topic.
some sub-issues to Comprehensively
the topic. addresses sub-issues
to the topic.
Delivery Audibility and The delegate is The delegate is usually The delegate is sometimes The delegate usually The delegate is loud
clarity completely inaudible. hard to hear and inaudible or unclear, speaks loudly and and clear, always at
and unclear, and speaks too sometimes speaking too clearly, usually appropriate speed,
fast or too slow. fast or slow. speaking at an They can be heard
style
appropriate speed. from the back.

Fluency The delegate The delegate is The delegate oftentimes The delegate speaks The consistently
consistently speaks sometimes speaks fluently, but fluently, only delegate speaks in
without fluency. unintelligible, speaking sometimes stops or occasionally pausing coherent, full
in jumbled spurts. fumbles. or stuttering. sentences.

Response The delegate does The delegate usually The delegate sometimes The delegate The delegate
not respond to POIs answers questions fails to answer questions responds to questions consistently
or does not open inaccurately and/or accurately, sometimes posed, usually demonstrates
themselves to POIs. consistently fails to reply failing to reply to POIs. demonstrating on- exceptional on-the-
to POIs. the-spot thinking spot thinking skills,
skills. They always, always replying to
apart from once or POIs.
twice, reply to POIs.
Body language The speech is read off Body language is Body language is Body language does Body language adds
and eye paper or a screen. distracting. Eye contact occasionally lacking. Eye not impair speech, to speech. Eye contact
contact Hands and feet are is seldom made. contact is sometimes eye contact usually is consistent and
not steady. maintained. maintained. effective.

Time limit The delegate's speech The delegate The delegate often finishes The delegate makes The delegate makes
is either too short or consistently fails to far before the allotted time use of most of the use of the time given.
too long. The pace speak for half the or is cut off by the chair. time given. The Speaker's pace made
makes the speaker allotted time or is Pace impacts clarify of the speaker's pace does the speech easy to
unintelligible nowhere near finished speaker. not harm clarity. understand and
when time is called. Pace remember.
often makes speeches
unclear.
Tone Diplomatic The delegate The delegate uses The delegate occasionally The delegate, with The delegate
tone consistently speaks personal pronouns and speaks inappropriately and few exceptions, consistently speaks
informally speaks informally informally speaks diplomatically formally and
and formally diplomatically.

Rubrics credit: CHEMUN XI – Nov 2017

47
 6. REFRENCES

1. Udai Rai Mehra, How to Help MUN Delegates Become Prepared: The MUN Guide,
International School of Amsterdam
2. THIMUN Conference, Basic Guidelines for New Delegates, 2014
3. Worldview, MUN Book for MUN For India: A Worldview Guide to Model United Nations, 2017
4. Best Delegate, The Complete Starter Kit to Preparing for Your First Model UN Conference,
Best Delegate LLC 2017
5. Ryan Villanueva and Kevin Felix Chan, How to Win Awards in Model United Nations, Best
Delegate LLC 2011
6. CHEMUN, CHEMUN Delegate Guide, American International School of Chennai
7. https://bestdelegate.com/
8. https://foundation.thimun.org/

48