Background Paper Process 2013-2014

To learn and write about your topic, you will experience the following stages: I. COLLECT information about your topic (articles, videos, interviews, etc.). II. COMPRESS the large quantity of information you collected into a more limited, useful amount by selecting the facts, examples, data, statistics, and resources that are most relevant to your topic. III. CREATE drafts of a paper that provides extensive background information on the topic. IV. COMMUNICATE sufficient background information on the topic in writing so that delegates assigned to the topic can use your paper as a starting point from which to direct and focus their own research.

Position Paper Rubric: Committee Topic Delegate Country School Paragraph 1: Committee/Topic Info Paragraph 2: Countrys position or committee position Paragraph 3: Solutions or conclusion to topic

2013 Background Paper Template Name: Group: Committee: Director: Moderator: Secretary: Topic A:

I. COLLECT Collect information about your topic (articles, videos, interviews, etc.). A. Guiding Questions: What do you need to know about your topic? Develop at least two questions about your topic for every question word below. Who? What? Where? When? Why? How?

B. Scan the information sources that your teacher provides and/or that you find on your topic. Select at least 5 sources that will probably answer all or most of your inquiry questions. Write the titles and links to those sources below. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. C. To find answers to your guiding questions, read/view/listen to your information sources. Highlight the answers, sticky note them, or write the answers as notes. Be sure to keep a record of the source of each answer.

(Optional) Ask 1 or more follow-up questions based on your search for answers to your guiding questions. (Optional) To find the answers to your follow-up questions, read/view/listen to more information sources. Highlight the answers, sticky note them, or write the answers as notes. Be sure to keep a record of the source of each answer. If you use a new source, write the titles and links to those sources below.

II. COMPRESS Below are the requirements for each section of your background paper. Return to your sources of information and examine your highlights, sticky notes or recorded notes. Copypaste the facts, examples, data, and statistics that are relevant to each paragraph in the space below it. Paste the information below its source. PARAGRAPH 1 Writer provides: Historical background on the committee Date established Objective Regions of interest to committee Achievements Current information on the committee Current goals Regions of interest PARAGRAPH 2 Writer provides: Historical background on the topic Date(s) of initial concern Past actions taken by countries Past actions taken by committee and/or other UN agencies Results of past actions Current information on the topic and its importance Present status of issue Countries/groups most closely involved Positions of these countries/groups Actions these countries/groups have taken or expect to take

PARAGRAPH 3 Writer provides: UN position on the topic Statements, resolutions or actions that reflect UN position on topic

PARAGRAPH 4 Writer provides: Conclusion that remains objective regarding topic Expected outcome of issue without UN intervention Expected outcome of issue with UN intervention RESEARCH QUESTIONS Writer provides: 10 key questions that delegates can use to guide their research Questions reflect all levels of Blooms Revised Taxonomy Sequence of questions leads to coherent search for information

BIBLIOGRAPHY Writer provides: Resources that delegates can use to research topic Includes print, online, and video/audio Includes UN sources and news sources Reflects all positions on topic to ensure objectivity

III. CREATE Using the information you collected for Paragraphs 1, 2 and 3, write your first draft for each paragraph, complying with its criteria. Paraphrase the information that you use. You can word process your draft here below or in a separate document. PARAGRAPH 1

PARAGRAPH 2

PARAGRAPH 3

PARAGRAPH 4

RESEARCH QUESTIONS

BIBLIOGRAPHY

IV. COMMUNICATE Using your teachers feedback on your background paper draft, edit and revise your draft to correct errors and to improve its organization and clarity.