Difference between revisions of "Resolution Writing Guide"

Revision as of 12:47, 4 October 2004

Everything You Ever Wanted To Know About Resolution Writing

(But Were Too Afraid To Ask)

Introduction

Resolutions are the primary tools of discussion in the United Nations. They form the basis for all UN debate, bringing one or several issues to the floor in a form that Representatives can discuss, amend, and reject or ratify as circumstances dictate. Resolutions usually state a policy that the UN will undertake, but they also may be in the form of treaties, conventions and declarations in some bodies. They range from very general to very specific in content. Depending on the body involved, they may call for or suggest of action, condemn an action, or require an action or impose sanctions on the part of the member states. All of these are viable options, so long as they don't conflict with the rules laid out by the moderation staff over the years.

Amendments to resolutions are the means by which resolutions may be altered by the body involved. Bear in mind, an amendment can only be made before a resolution is submitted as a proposal. If approved, amendments create additions, deletions, or changes to a resolution in order to increase its acceptability to all nations involved. Amendments are usually needed for a body to move towards consensus on a resolution, and is for this reason that nations are encouraged to take the idea for a resolution to the forums before submitting it as a proposal.

Language

No matter the topic your resolution addresses, it is important to respect the rules of the English language. Remember, the UN is a formal diplomatic body. Poorly written resolutions are often ignored by regional delegates or deleted outright by moderators, where a well written resolution can draw attention to an issue that might otherwise have been ignored. Some particular issues to watch out for include:

Contractions

While a useful linguistic tool, contractions are often referred to as the bane of the English language. Using the wrong contraction can distract the reader, changing the focus of his or her attention from a topic of international concern to your inability to write.

Note that "you're" and "your" mean different things. The former is the shortened phrase "you are," where the latter is a possessive adjective. Also, be wary of the difference between "its" and "it's." The first is a possessive adjective, the second is the shortened phrase "it is." While these mistakes won't make or break a resolution, they will most certainly earn you grief from some of the more attentive member nations. As for proper usage, here are some examples:

Your Possessive

Steve, if you don't stop waving your privates at the representative from Delaware, I'm going to throttle you.

You're Contractive

Frank, you're right. We should have never told him how to get to the liquor store.

Its Possessive

Easy there, Frank. That bear probably wants to keep its baby. Put it down.

It's Contractive

Wow, Steve, you weren't kidding, it's enormous!

Spelling

In a world filled with word processors and e-mail, poor spelling in a resolution is simply unacceptable. Take the time to put your resolution in Microsoft Word or any other program with a spellchecker and click the button. You'd be surprised how many typos will make it through a first draft, and the time you spend double-checking will spare you the embarrassment of having a good idea forever marred by missing space or commonly misspelled word.

General Rules

Please refer yourself to the deleted proposals guide offered by the moderators for a list of things that will cause your resolution to be eaten before it makes it to the floor. This lays out some very basic rules for resolutions, and any nation seeking to make policy within the UN would be wise to read it.

Format

Each resolution should be written using complete sentences and paragraphs, with commas and semicolons separating the various parts. The heading of a resolution should state the country sponsoring the resolution and the topic the resolution will be addressing. Fortunately, the process of submitting a resolution is largely automated, and UN scribes will take care of these details.

Following the heading section, resolutions are split into perambulatory and operative clauses. Perambulatory clauses are listed first, and the are used to justify action, denote past authorizations and precedents for action, and/or denote the purpose for the action. Operative clauses are the statement of policy in a resolution. They are numbered, begin with a verb to denote action (or suggest action), and each clause usually addresses no more than one specific aspect of action to be taken.

Bear in mind, the following clauses are only examples. While all are acceptable for use in legislation, this isn't to say that they are the only words you can use. The author of the resolution is ultimately responsible for the language presented, and any clauses that are within the themes represented are perfectly welcome.

Resolution Clauses

Perambulatory Clauses

Affirming, Alarmed by, Approving, Believing, Convinced, Declaring, Deeply disturbed, Deeply regretting, Desiring, Emphasizing, Expecting, Fully aware, Guided by, Having adopted, Having considered, Having examined, Keeping in mind, Noting with regret, Noting with satisfaction, Noting further, Observing, Realizing, Reaffirming, Recognizing, Seeking, Taking into account, Taking note, Welcoming

Operative Clauses

Accepts, Affirms, Approves, Authorizes, Calls upon, Condemns, Congratulates, Confirms, Declares accordingly, Designates, Emphasizes, Endorses, Further invites, Further reminds, Further requests, Notes, Proclaims, Reaffirms, Recommends, Regrets, Requests, Solemnly affirms, Supports, Trusts, Takes note of, Urges

Additional Information

• United Nations Policymaking
• UN Forum Posting Suggestions
• Proposal Categories
• A Case Study of Deleted Proposals