THE SECRET ABOUT EFFECTIVE RESEARCH

KEEP UP WITH THE NEWS
Why?
- Gives you an idea of what topics are likely to come up at the tournaments.
- Gives you some background/context of current topics.
- Gives you some ideas of possible pro and cons arguments.
How?
- Read magazines and newspapers. Read several together to get different views!
- TV and radio. Especially shows like Today’s dialogue, etc.
- Discuss. People are a great source of ideas and information.

THE SECRET ABOUT EFFECTIVE RESEARCH
What to do before research?
- Ideally, you should already have some knowledge about the topic. This is why you need to keep up with the news!
- READ! Focus on understanding:
   * The controversy (pro/cons)
   * Theories/concepts related to the topic.
- Brainstorm for arguments.
- KNOW what data/facts/examples you need to support your arguments.
The secret
- Focus on getting supporting data/facts/examples that you need!
- Always update your data/facts!. Especially for on going political turmoil. The situation 3 days ago may be drasticallydifferent to the situation today.
- When coming across facts, think of how they can be used in a debate. Possibly add to your arguments.
- To observe a ‘trend’, read stuff published throughout a period of time.

What to do after research?
- Make a matter file for each topic!
- Compile your data/facts/arguments.
- Write down your arguments, and next to it, write down the relevant supporting data/facts/examples.
- Don’t just print out and highlight stuff. Not practical to use in a debate!

Sources
(these are just examples, plenty more great sources out there!)
- Know what you are looking for and where to get them!
- Always a good place to start: www.wikipedia.com
- Theories and concepts: books, journals, etc.
- Currents issue, national and international publications:
Kompas.com, MediaIndonesia.com, jawapos.com, detik.com, Jakartapost.com, the economist (www.economist.com), international herald tribune (www.iht.com), the guardian (www.guardian.co.uk), BBC (www.bbs.co.uk).