Unit 3: Filing and Research: Building Your Reading System

1. 1. What is the main purpose of a pre-built file system?

   To allow fast retrieval of pre-read evidence during the thirty-minute prepTo have reading material for funTo replace the need for a thesisTo avoid drawing questions

2. 2. True or False?

   "Relying solely on outlets from one political perspective is a recommended strategy."

   TrueFalse

3. 3. Which outlet type is best for straight factual reporting?

   Talk radio monologuesWire services like AP and ReutersPersonal opinion blogsSocial media posts

4. 4. What should be extracted from every article beyond a statistic?

   Only the titleOutlet, date, a quote, and an explanation of causeNothing furtherThe competitor's own opinion

5. 5. True or False?

   "A file note that explains why a statistic occurred is more useful than one that only states the number."

   TrueFalse

6. 6. What is the recommended filing habit across a season?

   No filing, just live researchRegular short weekly sessionsFiling only IX or only USX material, never bothOne long session before each tournament

7. 7. What should a competitor do when major news breaks the night before a tournament?

   Ignore it since the file is already builtWait until after the tournament to file itDo an emergency update to the relevant folderSwitch events

Design a one-week reading and filing plan for your specialty (USX or IX), naming specific outlets and a daily schedule.