TMF Guides · Model UN
MUN Points and Motions
There are four points and roughly eight motions you will actually use. Learn the exact phrasing for each and you will never be ruled out of order.
The four points
Points address the chair directly and are not debated.
- Point of Personal Privilege — discomfort, audibility, leaving the room. May interrupt a speaker if it concerns audibility.
- Point of Order — a procedural violation has occurred.
- Point of Parliamentary Inquiry — a question to the chair about procedure.
- Point of Information — a question to a speaker who has yielded to questions.
The motions you will use
Motions are voted on by the committee, generally in order of disruptiveness.
- Motion to open debate / set the agenda.
- Motion to open the general speakers' list.
- Motion for a moderated caucus (state total time, speaking time, topic).
- Motion for an unmoderated caucus (state total time).
- Motion to extend a caucus.
- Motion to introduce a draft resolution.
- Motion to move into voting procedure / close debate.
- Motion to adjourn or suspend the session.
Exact phrasing
Say "Motion for a moderated caucus of ten minutes with an individual speaking time of sixty seconds on the topic of enforcement mechanisms." Total time, then speaking time, then topic — in that order.
For points, simply say "Point of Parliamentary Inquiry" and wait to be recognised before asking.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a point and a motion?
A point addresses the chair and is not voted on. A motion proposes a change to proceedings and is voted on by the committee.
Which motion is voted on first?
Generally the most disruptive motion — unmoderated caucus before moderated, and closure of debate before both.
Can a point of information interrupt a speaker?
No. It is only allowed when the speaker has yielded their time to points of information.
Keep reading
MUN Rules of Procedure, In the Order You'll Use Them
The complete MUN rules of procedure in order of use — roll call, speakers' list, motions, points of order and inquiry, yields, and voting procedure.
Moderated Caucus: The Format That Decides Most MUN Committees
What a moderated caucus is, how to raise one, how speaking time and total time work, and how to actually dominate a moderated caucus as a delegate.
MUN Glossary: The Terms You'll Hear on Day One
A compact glossary of Model UN terminology — caucus, yield, dilatory, placard, dais, working paper, signatory, division of the question and more.
Put it into practice
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