Every common Model UN (MUN) point and motion in one searchable list: 5 points and 17 motions, each with what it does, when to use it, the exact words to say, the vote it typically needs, whether it is debatable, whether it can interrupt a speaker, and where it sits in the order of precedence. Search by the name you hear in committee (“unmod”, “cloture”, “POI”) and filter by vote or by when it comes up. Each entry also notes how US-style procedure differs from THIMUN-style. Free, no signup.
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Typical, not universal. Vote thresholds, debate rules and precedence are typical — check your conference's rules of procedure.
#1PointAny time
Point of personal privilege
Also: personal privilege, PPP, POPP
Raises something that stops you from taking part: you can't hear the speaker, the room is too cold, the projector is off, you need to step out.
Typical vote
No vote
The chair deals with it directly.
Debatable
No
Interrupts a speaker
Yes
Only when the problem is audibility, meaning you can't hear the speech itself.
When to use it
Only for your own ability to participate. It is not a way to comment on what someone said or to ask about the rules.
What to say
“Point of personal privilege: the delegate from Brazil is hard to hear at the back of the room.”
Precedence: Heard before anything else on the floor, including other points.
US-style vs THIMUN-style
THIMUN-style rules have the same point and draw the same line: it is the one point that may interrupt a speaker, and only because of audibility.
#2PointAny time
Point of order
Also: order, POO
Tells the chair that the rules of procedure are not being followed: a motion was taken out of order, a vote was miscounted, the wrong rule was applied.
Typical vote
No vote
The chair rules on it. If you disagree with the ruling, you can appeal it.
Debatable
No
Interrupts a speaker
No
Wait for a pause. A few rule sets allow it to interrupt a speech that is itself out of order.
When to use it
When you can name the procedural mistake. It can't be used to dispute what another delegate said, only how the committee is running.
What to say
“Point of order: the motion to close debate should have been voted on before the unmoderated caucus.”
Precedence: Taken before any motion, right after a point of personal privilege.
US-style vs THIMUN-style
THIMUN-style rules also have a point of order, limited to procedural matters, and it does not interrupt a speaker.
#3PointAny time
Point of parliamentary inquiry
Also: parliamentary inquiry, point of inquiry, PPI, point of parliamentary procedure, question to the chair
Asks the chair a question about the rules of procedure or what happens next.
Typical vote
No vote
The chair answers it.
Debatable
No
Interrupts a speaker
No
When to use it
Whenever you are unsure of a rule: how many speakers a motion gets, whether a working paper needs signatories, what the vote on a motion is. It is the safest point to use in your first committee.
What to say
“Point of parliamentary inquiry: does a moderated caucus need a sub-topic at this conference?”
Precedence: Taken when the floor is open, before motions.
US-style vs THIMUN-style
In THIMUN-style rules, a question to the chair can be raised as a point of information directed to the chair.
#4PointFormal debate
Point of information
Also: POI, question to the speaker, questions
A question to a delegate who has just spoken, asked through the chair.
Typical vote
No vote
The chair decides how many questions to take.
Debatable
No
Interrupts a speaker
No
When to use it
Only after a speaker yields their remaining time to questions (or says they will accept points of information) and the chair recognizes you. Phrase it as a question, not a second speech.
What to say
“Would the delegate of Kenya explain how the fund in clause 3 would be paid for without new contributions from member states?”
Precedence: Only in order when the speaker has opened the floor to questions.
US-style vs THIMUN-style
In US-style general speakers' list debate, a speaker usually yields leftover time to another delegate, to questions or to the chair, so questions happen only after that yield. In THIMUN-style debate, points of information are a regular part of every speech: the speaker says whether they will take them, and each must be phrased as a question.
#5PointFormal debate
Right of reply
Also: reply, insult, national integrity
Asks the chair for a short chance to respond when another delegate's speech has insulted your country or delegation.
Typical vote
No vote
Granted or refused at the chair's discretion.
Debatable
No
Interrupts a speaker
No
Requested after the speech ends, aloud or in a note to the dais.
When to use it
For a personal or national insult, not a policy disagreement. Disagreeing with your position is debate, and the answer to it is your next speech. Most chairs grant it rarely.
What to say
“Right of reply: the delegate of Atlantis called our government illegitimate, which impugns the integrity of our delegation.”
Precedence: Requested right after the speech it answers. There is usually no reply to a reply.
US-style vs THIMUN-style
THIMUN-style rules also provide for a right of reply, but it is limited and given at the chair's discretion. Check your handbook for when it is in order.
#6MotionAny time
Appeal the decision of the chair
Also: appeal, challenge the chair, overrule the chair
Asks the committee to overturn a ruling the chair has just made.
Typical vote
Two-thirds
Typically two-thirds against the chair to overturn the ruling.
Debatable
No
Some rules let the appealing delegate and the chair each explain.
Interrupts a speaker
No
When to use it
Rarely, and only on a clear procedural ruling right after it is made. Many conferences don't allow appeals of the chair's discretionary decisions, such as ruling a motion dilatory.
What to say
“Motion to appeal the chair's decision to rule the moderated caucus out of order.”
Precedence: Taken immediately after the ruling it challenges.
US-style vs THIMUN-style
THIMUN-style rules also allow appeals, and normally require a two-thirds vote against the chair's decision for the appeal to succeed.
#7MotionAny time
Adjourn the meeting
Also: adjourn, adjournment, end the conference
Ends the committee's work for the rest of the conference.
Typical vote
Simple majority
Debatable
No
Interrupts a speaker
No
When to use it
At the end of the final session, usually when the chair asks for it. Before then, the chair will rule it out of order.
What to say
“Motion to adjourn the meeting.”
Precedence: The most disruptive motion, so it is voted on before all other motions.
US-style vs THIMUN-style
The name and effect vary between rule sets. Check your handbook for how a session and the conference are formally closed.
#8MotionAny time
Suspend the meeting
Also: suspend, suspension, recess, lunch, break
Pauses the committee until the next session: lunch, dinner, the end of the day.
Typical vote
Simple majority
Debatable
No
Interrupts a speaker
No
When to use it
At the scheduled end of a session. The chair will usually prompt it.
What to say
“Motion to suspend the meeting until the next committee session.”
Precedence: Voted on before every motion except adjournment.
US-style vs THIMUN-style
Some US rule sets treat caucuses as short suspensions of the meeting. Check your handbook for the exact wording your chair expects.
Sets aside debate on the current topic or draft resolution without voting on it. It can usually be resumed later by another motion.
Typical vote
Two-thirds
Some conferences use a simple majority.
Debatable
Yes
Often two speakers for and two against.
Interrupts a speaker
No
When to use it
When the committee is deadlocked on a topic and would get more done on the other one, or to stop a draft you oppose from reaching a vote. Chairs treat it as a serious move.
What to say
“Motion to table debate on the topic of water security.”
Precedence: Voted on before closing debate and before any caucus.
US-style vs THIMUN-style
Tabling exists in THIMUN-style rules too, where it temporarily sets a resolution aside.
#10MotionFormal debate
Close debate (cloture)
Also: cloture, closure, closure of debate, previous question, move into voting procedure, move to voting
Ends debate on the topic or draft and moves the committee straight into voting procedure.
Typical vote
Two-thirds
Some conferences use a simple majority.
Debatable
Yes
Often two speakers against only.
Interrupts a speaker
No
When to use it
When the drafts you support are on the floor and have the votes. If your side's resolution is not ready, vote against it.
What to say
“Motion to close debate and move into voting procedure.”
Precedence: Voted on before any caucus motion, so it can cut a caucus proposal off.
US-style vs THIMUN-style
The THIMUN-style equivalent is the motion to move to the previous question. In closed debate it moves the house from time in favour to time against, or from time against into voting.
Suspends formal debate so delegates can leave their seats, form blocs, and write working papers and draft resolutions.
Typical vote
Simple majority
Debatable
No
Interrupts a speaker
No
When to use it
When the committee needs to negotiate and draft. Propose a total time, and a purpose if your conference asks for one.
What to say
“Motion for a 15-minute unmoderated caucus to begin drafting working papers.”
Precedence: At many conferences an unmoderated caucus is voted on before any moderated caucus; among several, the longest goes first.
US-style vs THIMUN-style
The THIMUN-style counterpart is lobbying: unmoderated time before formal debate in which delegates merge their draft resolutions and look for consensus.
#12MotionCaucusing
Moderated caucus
Also: mod, mod caucus, moderated, moderated debate
A timed discussion on one sub-topic. The chair calls on delegates one at a time for short speeches instead of using the speakers' list.
Typical vote
Simple majority
The motion must state a total time, a speaking time and a topic; the chair can rule an incomplete motion out of order.
Debatable
No
Interrupts a speaker
No
When to use it
To focus debate on a specific issue, test ideas quickly, or get more speaking time than the speakers' list gives you. The delegate who proposes it often speaks first.
What to say
“Motion for a nine-minute moderated caucus with a 45-second speaking time on financing climate adaptation.”
Precedence: Among several moderated caucus motions, many chairs vote on the longest total time first.
US-style vs THIMUN-style
Caucus motions are a US-style convention. THIMUN-style committees debate one draft resolution at a time, with the chair setting debate time.
#13MotionCaucusing
Extend the caucus
Also: extension, extend unmod, extend mod, extend the unmod
Adds time to a moderated or unmoderated caucus that has just ended.
Typical vote
Simple majority
Some conferences allow only one extension, or cap it at the length of the original caucus.
Debatable
No
Interrupts a speaker
No
When to use it
When a caucus ends and the work is not finished: a working paper needs its last clauses, or the discussion is still productive.
What to say
“Motion to extend the unmoderated caucus by five minutes.”
Precedence: Made as soon as the caucus expires, before the chair returns to other business.
US-style vs THIMUN-style
Tied to caucuses, which are a US-style convention. In THIMUN-style debate the chair may propose extending debate time instead.
#14MotionWorking papers and drafts
Introduce a working paper or draft resolution
Also: introduce, working paper, draft resolution, present a draft, introduce working paper
Brings a working paper or a draft resolution that the dais has approved onto the floor so the committee can debate it. Sponsors usually read the operative clauses and answer questions.
Typical vote
Simple majority
At some conferences the chair introduces an approved document without a vote.
Debatable
No
Interrupts a speaker
No
When to use it
Once the document has the required sponsors and signatories and the dais has approved and numbered it.
What to say
“Motion to introduce Draft Resolution 1.2.”
Precedence: Ranked below caucus motions; drafts are usually introduced in the order they were approved.
US-style vs THIMUN-style
In THIMUN-style committees, drafts are merged during lobbying and then debated one resolution at a time, so there is no separate working-paper stage. Check your handbook for how a resolution reaches the floor.
Proposes adding, deleting or changing an operative clause of a draft resolution already on the floor.
Typical vote
Simple majority
Applies to unfriendly amendments. Friendly amendments are usually added without a vote.
Debatable
Yes
Often speakers for and against before the vote.
Interrupts a speaker
No
When to use it
A friendly amendment has the agreement of every sponsor and is usually added without a vote. An unfriendly amendment lacks it, needs a set number of signatories, and is voted on, often at the start of voting procedure.
What to say
“Motion to introduce an unfriendly amendment to Draft Resolution 1.1 striking operative clause 4.”
Precedence: Only in order once a draft resolution is on the floor.
US-style vs THIMUN-style
Many US conferences don't allow amendments to amendments. THIMUN-style rules do, as amendments to the second degree.
#16MotionFormal debate
Set or change the speaking time
Also: speaking time, speech time, extend speaking time, set speaking time
Sets how long each speech on the general speakers' list lasts, or changes it later.
Typical vote
Simple majority
Debatable
No
A few conferences allow one speaker for and one against.
Interrupts a speaker
No
When to use it
Usually right after the speakers' list opens. Move to shorten it when many delegates want to speak, or to lengthen it for opening speeches.
What to say
“Motion to set the speaking time to 60 seconds.”
Precedence: Ranked below caucus and document motions.
US-style vs THIMUN-style
In THIMUN-style debate the chair sets debate time for each resolution and amendment and may propose extending it.
#17MotionOpening the session
Open debate (open the speakers' list)
Also: open the speakers list, speakers list, general speakers list, GSL, open debate
Starts formal debate on the topic by opening the general speakers' list (GSL). Delegates who want to give a speech are added to the list.
Typical vote
Simple majority
At some conferences the chair opens the list without a vote.
Debatable
No
Interrupts a speaker
No
When to use it
At the start of committee, right after roll call and setting the agenda. The chair usually prompts it.
What to say
“Motion to open debate and open the general speakers' list.”
Precedence: Made once at the start of a topic, so it rarely competes with other motions.
US-style vs THIMUN-style
THIMUN-style committees don't run a general speakers' list in the same way; debate is on one draft resolution at a time.
#18MotionOpening the session
Set the agenda
Also: agenda, topic order, choose the topic
Decides which of the committee's topics is debated first when there are two or more.
Typical vote
Simple majority
If it fails, the committee usually takes up a motion for the other order.
Debatable
Yes
Often two speakers for and two against.
Interrupts a speaker
No
When to use it
At the first session, before debate opens. Propose the topic your country's policy and your research are strongest on.
What to say
“Motion to set the agenda to Topic A, the protection of migrant workers.”
Precedence: The first substantive business of the conference, so nothing competes with it.
US-style vs THIMUN-style
Setting the agenda by motion is a US-style convention. Check your handbook for how topic order is decided in a THIMUN-style committee.
#19MotionFormal debate
Close or reopen the speakers' list
Also: close the speakers list, reopen the speakers list, close GSL
Stops new names from being added to the speakers' list (or lets them be added again). When a closed list runs out, debate on the topic ends and the committee moves to voting.
Typical vote
Simple majority
Debatable
No
Interrupts a speaker
No
When to use it
Rarely, and late in debate, when the committee is close to voting and wants a set end point.
What to say
“Motion to close the speakers' list.”
Precedence: Not every conference uses this motion.
US-style vs THIMUN-style
Tied to the general speakers' list, which is a US-style convention.
#20MotionVoting procedure
Divide the question
Also: division, division of the question, divide, clause by clause
Splits a draft resolution so some operative clauses are voted on separately. Clauses that fail are removed; the rest are then voted on as a whole.
Typical vote
Simple majority
The motion itself is procedural. Each divided part is then voted on as a substantive question.
Debatable
Yes
Often two speakers for and two against.
Interrupts a speaker
No
When to use it
During voting procedure, when a draft you could support has one or two clauses you can't.
What to say
“Motion to divide the question so that operative clauses 3 and 5 of Draft Resolution 1.1 are voted on separately.”
Precedence: Made at the start of voting procedure. When several division motions are made, many chairs take the one that divides the draft most first.
US-style vs THIMUN-style
Not every rule set allows division of the question. Check your handbook before relying on it.
#21MotionVoting procedure
Roll-call vote
Also: roll call, vote by roll call, roll-call
Asks for a draft resolution to be voted on by calling each country in turn, instead of by a show of placards.
Typical vote
No vote
Usually granted by the chair; some conferences vote on it by simple majority.
Debatable
No
Interrupts a speaker
No
When to use it
When the vote will be close and you want every delegation on the record. Delegations answer yes, no, abstain or pass; those who answered 'present and voting' at roll call can't abstain.
What to say
“Motion for a roll-call vote on Draft Resolution 1.2.”
Precedence: Made in voting procedure, before the vote on the draft it applies to.
US-style vs THIMUN-style
Voting methods differ from one rule set to the next. Check your handbook for how roll-call votes work there.
#22MotionVoting procedure
Reconsider a vote
Also: reconsideration, revote, re-vote
Reopens a vote the committee has already taken on a draft resolution, so it can be voted on again.
Typical vote
Two-thirds
Debatable
Yes
Often two speakers against.
Interrupts a speaker
No
When to use it
Rarely. It is usually made by a delegation that voted on the winning side, soon after the vote.
What to say
“Motion to reconsider the vote on Draft Resolution 1.1.”
Precedence: Outside the normal flow; in order only after the vote it targets.
US-style vs THIMUN-style
Not every rule set allows reconsideration. Check your handbook.
Points versus motions
Points: a request to the chair
A point is about you or about the rules: you can't hear, the rules were broken, you have a question about procedure, or you have a question for a speaker who yielded to questions. The chair answers or rules on it directly. Nobody votes, and apart from a point of personal privilege about audibility, a point never interrupts a speaker.
Motions: a proposal to the room
A motion asks the whole committee to do something: open a caucus, change the speaking time, close debate. The committee votes on it, and on these procedural votes everyone present votes yes or no. Most motions pass with a simple majority; the ones that cut debate short typically need two thirds.
How to make a motion
1
Wait for the chair to open the floor
Between speeches, or when a caucus ends, the chair asks whether there are any points or motions on the floor. That is your cue. Apart from a point of personal privilege about hearing the speaker, nothing is raised while someone is speaking.
2
Raise your placard and wait to be recognized
The chair calls on delegations by country name. Several delegates may raise motions at once; the chair collects them all before voting.
3
Say the motion in full, in one sentence
Name the motion and every detail it needs. A moderated caucus needs a total time, a speaking time and a topic: “Motion for a nine-minute moderated caucus with a 45-second speaking time on financing climate adaptation.” A motion missing a detail can be ruled out of order.
4
Let the chair order the motions and call the votes
The chair votes on the motions on the floor from most disruptive to least. The first one that passes is carried out and the rest are dropped, so a motion to close debate can cut off every caucus proposal behind it.
5
Vote, and speak if the motion is debatable
On procedural motions, everyone present votes yes or no. If the motion is debatable, the chair takes the speakers for and against first, often two of each.
A committee session, motion by motion
At most US high-school conferences, a topic moves through the same stages. Knowing which motion belongs to which stage is most of what procedure asks of you.
Roll call
The chair calls each delegation, which answers “present” or “present and voting”. A delegation that answers “present and voting” can't abstain on draft resolutions later.
Setting the agenda
If the committee has two topics, a motion to set the agenda decides which comes first.
A motion opens the general speakers' list and usually sets the speaking time. Delegates give their opening speeches, then yield leftover time to another delegate, to questions or to the chair.
Most of the committee's real work happens here. Moderated caucuses focus debate on one sub-topic; unmoderated caucuses let delegates form blocs and write working papers.
Blocs turn working papers into draft resolutions with enough sponsors and signatories, the dais approves them, and they are introduced for debate. Amendments change their operative clauses.
A motion to close debate moves the committee into voting procedure. Delegates can ask to divide the question or for a roll-call vote before amendments and drafts are voted on.
When several motions are on the floor, the chair votes on them from the most disruptive to the least, and the first to pass wins. Points come before all of them. This is the order most US conferences teach; yours may rank some motions differently.
Most US high-school conferences run caucus-based procedure. Conferences that follow The Hague International Model United Nations (THIMUN) run resolution-by-resolution debate. If you move between the two, these are the differences that trip delegates up. Some things are shared: in both, only a point of personal privilege about audibility can interrupt a speaker, and a resolution passes when more delegations vote in favour than against, with abstentions left out.
Where negotiation happens
US-style
In moderated and unmoderated caucuses, called by motion during debate.
THIMUN-style
In lobbying: unmoderated time before formal debate, in which delegates merge their draft resolutions and look for consensus.
What is debated
US-style
The topic as a whole, through the general speakers' list and caucuses, until drafts are introduced.
THIMUN-style
One draft resolution at a time, either in closed debate (time in favour, then time against) or open debate, with the chair setting debate time.
Questions to a speaker
US-style
Only if the speaker yields their remaining time to questions.
THIMUN-style
Points of information are a regular part of debate. The speaker says whether they will accept them, and each must be phrased as a question.
Ending debate
US-style
A motion to close debate (cloture), typically needing two thirds.
THIMUN-style
A motion to move to the previous question. In closed debate it moves from time in favour to time against, or from time against into voting.
Amendments
US-style
Friendly and unfriendly amendments; many conferences don't allow amendments to amendments.
THIMUN-style
Amendments to the second degree, an amendment to an amendment, are allowed.
There is no single Model UN rulebook. Every conference publishes its own rules of procedure, and they differ on which motions need two thirds, how many speakers a debatable motion gets, whether caucuses need a topic, and which motions exist at all. This cheat sheet shows the conventions most US high-school conferences teach and marks every threshold as typical. Before your first session, read the points and motions section of your delegate handbook, and when it disagrees with this page, the handbook and the chair win.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a point and a motion in Model UN?
A point is a request to the chair about you or about the rules: you can't hear, the rules were broken, you have a question about procedure, or you have a question for a speaker who yielded to questions. The chair deals with a point directly and nobody votes on it. A motion is a proposal for the whole committee to do something, such as open a caucus, close debate or suspend the meeting, and the committee votes on it.
Which motions need a two-thirds vote?
At most US conferences, the motions that cut debate short: closing debate (cloture), tabling or postponing debate, and reconsidering a vote. Overturning the chair on appeal typically needs two thirds as well. Most other motions, including caucuses, speaking time and setting the agenda, need a simple majority. Some conferences close debate by simple majority, so check your rules of procedure.
Can a point interrupt a speaker?
Almost never. A point of personal privilege may interrupt a speaker when the problem is audibility, because the speech is pointless if you can't hear it. Every other point waits until the speaker has finished and the chair opens the floor. THIMUN-style rules draw the same line.
How do I word a motion for a moderated caucus?
Give the total time, the speaking time per delegate and the topic in one sentence: “Motion for a nine-minute moderated caucus with a 45-second speaking time on financing climate adaptation.” Pick a total that divides evenly by the speaking time, and a topic narrow enough that speeches respond to each other. A motion missing one of the three can be ruled out of order.
When several motions are on the floor, which is voted on first?
The most disruptive. Under the order most US conferences use, adjourning and suspending the meeting come first, then tabling debate, then closing debate, then caucuses. At many conferences an unmoderated caucus is voted on before a moderated one, and among moderated caucuses the longest goes first. Once one motion passes, the others are dropped.
What is the difference between a point of order and a point of parliamentary inquiry?
A point of order says the rules are being broken, for example a motion was taken out of order or a vote was miscounted. A point of parliamentary inquiry asks a question about the rules without claiming anything went wrong. If you are unsure whether a mistake happened, ask with a point of parliamentary inquiry.
How is US-style Model UN procedure different from THIMUN-style?
US-style committees debate a topic through a general speakers' list and negotiate in moderated and unmoderated caucuses. THIMUN-style committees negotiate in lobbying before formal debate, then debate one draft resolution at a time, with points of information to speakers as a regular part of debate, and end debate with a motion to move to the previous question. Many conferences mix elements of both, so your conference's rules of procedure decide.
Is this Model UN motions cheat sheet free?
Yes, and it needs no account. The research link at the bottom opens Model Diplomat search, where each question uses one search; a free account includes 200 searches on day one, then 50 a day.
A well-timed motion gets you the floor; what you say with it wins the committee. Model Diplomat can walk you through a specific conference's rules of procedure, suggest moderated caucus topics that play to your country's position, and draft the speech you give when the caucus opens, with sources. A free account includes 200 searches on day one, then 50 a day.