Beatriz Santos Mayo

From Basic to Boujee

How to Spice Up Your Study Guide

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Yesterday was the first time I actually went to sleep at a normal time. If you're like me, juggling a thesis, study guides, and regular readings, you know how impossible it can feel. But after eventually getting some sleep, I realized, Nele and I had actually made our study guide kind of spicy. So, if you're looking to level up yours, here are a few ideas that could make all the difference.

Country Matrix

Yeah, I know, sounds basic. But hear me out! A well-organised country matrix is a game-changer if your committee involves delegates representing heads of state instead of countries. 
What should you include?: Names of the delegates, their official positions, their government’s stance on key issues and any relevant past policies or alliances. To make it more legit, mention these articles of the Vienna Convention on the Representation of States in International Organizations (1975).
  • Article 5 – Defines how states send representatives to international organisations.
  • Article 45 – Protects state representatives from random expulsions or detentions (so don’t expect just to kick out someone mid-session).
  • Article 67 – Covers negotiation rules and decision-making processes.

Special Rules of Procedure (ROPs)

Are you running an unusual committee? Or do you just want to make yours stand out? Adding a special ROPs section is a must.
  • Motion to Invite a Guest Speaker – This can be a fictional historical figure, an expert, or even a surprise crisis update.
  • If, like me, you are chairing the BRICS or ASEAN, the Motion to "BRICS/ASEAN Sherpas Meeting” might be worthy of mention. It is basically like a P5 meeting (UNSC Rules of Procedure), but with the OG members of the BRICS or ASEAN, respectively.
  • Motion to Chill – If debates are getting too intense (or if you’re just running on two hours of sleep), introduce a break motion. Even diplomats need a breather.

Resolutions

Okay, maybe I’ve taken one law class, but that totally makes me a legal expert, right? (Just kidding… unless?). But seriously, if you want to help your delegates prepare stronger resolutions, include key legal references.  
On to always mention, the OG: Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties (1969)
  • Article 26 – Pacta sunt servanda (agreements must be kept). This is essential for showing that treaties are legally binding and not just suggestions.
  • Article 53 – Defines jus cogens norms, meaning rules that no state can break (e.g., no genocide, no slavery, no crimes against humanity).
  • Article 60 – What happens when a treaty is violated? This article covers the consequences, making it useful for enforcement clauses.
So yeah, now you know! Making a study guide spicy isn’t about stuffing it with endless legal jargon. Whether you’re chairing a Model UN or just flexing your inner Elle Woods in international law, these tips will help you (and your peers) stay organized while keeping things fun.
Because let’s be real—if Legally Blonde taught us anything, it’s that knowing your legal references (or in this case, Vienna Conventions) can and will win you the case… or at least the best delegate award. Now go forth and create the best study guide ever. And who knows? Maybe, just maybe, you’ll finally get to sleep at a normal hour too.