Writing a Topic Overview, EYP

WRITING AN OVERVIEW

1. What is an overview?

- a short objective introduction of the topic, the background and the context of the problem that it refers to

- orientation for further research - written by the chairpersons for the use of delegates 2. What should it contain?  a. b. c.

The overview should give a response to three questions: Why is the topic relevant? (putting it into a context and the ‘bigger picture’) What is the key problem inherent in the question that is asked?

Who are the key actors and what are their positions? o Key words – making it easier for delegates to research the topic and ensuring that if those suggestions are covered, the research would be as close to complete as possible o Useful links ---- > The International office is in charge with adding the key words and the links, but the chairs are encouraged to help

3. Length and structure -

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CAT Lviv IS

Between 300 – 500 words (less than an A4 page) Short introduction preferably to catch the reader’s attention e.g. by citing a recent situation/event, stating an enlightening example or pointing to some interesting statistics/figures The problem (la problématique) –for the overview to reach its aim, it is crucial that it presents both sides of the subject, without supporting a certain point of view on it; it is to remain neutral and objective and point out the problem area that the question refers to Conclusion – there are different ways of ending the overview. It is usually aimed to give food for thought to delegates. o Questions – one needs to make sure the questions don’t complicate the question even more, divert attention from the key problem or run contrary o Listing terms or events (such as Conferences) or important relevant documents adopted (e.g. ‘In the light of the Lisbon Treaty, the EU…’) Maria Manolescu – October 2010

4. Writing an overview a. Research! (obviously…) - the internet offers a multitude of sources for research on a topic b. Make sure you check information so that it is accurate (especially figures, years, statistics) c. Define terms if needed d. Get the official situation – documents, papers, press releases (www.europa.eu often comes in handy with this; also, one can always google: name of commissioner + ‘press release’ + key word) e. Get both sides of the story – check newspaper articles for more points of view f. Check institutions, organizations, agencies and so on that have power in the matter (if not worth mentioning in the overview, it will definitely be useful during CW) g. If you came across certain websites that were useful, make sure you include them in the list of links to be suggested for the delegates

5. Overview no no’s -

No ‘copy - paste’ straight from websites to the overview No uncertain and vague information Not too complex, technical or formal – it should be comprehensible and adapted to high-school students No subjectivity No info you yourself don’t understand or couldn’t explain (make sure you have enough background information for further assistance and explanations for delegates)

6. From nothing to Preparation Kit a. The chairs send the overviews to the President who is in charge with editing both the content and the language b. The President sends the overviews to the GB who has full right to edit them c. Once approved by the GB, the overviews are sent to the International Office which adds key words and links and assembles the Preparation Kit that is sent to teachers, delegates and NCs

CAT Lviv IS

Maria Manolescu – October 2010