We want this!
Rules of Debate
We don’t want this!
What is it?
• Structured discussion and contest
• Used in democratic societies to explore and resolve problems:
Board meetings
Public hearings
Legislative assemblies
Clubs and organizations
• Various structures:
Parliamentary
Robert’s Rules of Order
Our Structure
• Two sides: Affirmative (supporting the resolution) and
Opposition (against the resolution
• Four people per team:
First Speaker
Second Speaker
First Rebuttal Speaker
Second Rebuttal Speaker
• Only the first and second speakers may introduce new
material.
• Rebuttal speakers must re-phrase arguments to provide a
stronger argument
Strong arguments are based on evidence, not strength of
voice!
Debate will be judged.
Points of Order
• Debaters may make "Points of Order" during the other
team's presentation.
• To make a point of order, a debater stands up, puts out
their hand and says, "Point of order."
– The person who is speaking at the time may choose to
accept the point of order by saying, "Yes."
– Or, the person speaking may decline the point of order by
saying, "No, thank you."
• Points of order are made by the opposing team to
emphasize a point, counter what the speaker is saying,
or simply to throw the speaker off his or her stride.
Our Structure (cont’d.)
Order of Speaking:
First Speaker, Affirmative: 5 minutes
First Speaker, Opposition: 5 minutes
Second Speaker, Affirmative: 5 minutes
Second Speaker, Opposition: 5 minutes
First Rebuttal Speaker, Affirmative: 3 minutes
First Rebuttal Speaker, Opposition: 3 minutes
Second Rebuttal Speaker, Affirmative: 3 minutes (if used)
Second Rebuttal Speaker, Opposition: 3 minutes (if used)
First and Second Speakers research the topic and prepare
arguments (in writing) using facts. Their evidence should differ.
Rebuttal Speakers have 3 minutes to prepare rebuttals during the
debate and may not introduce new facts
Judges
• Judges will work with me to develop a judge’s scoring form.
• Judges will conduct research to determine the kinds of information
debaters should be presenting and sources.
Wrap-up
• The debate will be Sept. 27
• Our resolution is: “Schools should issue email accounts to
students.“
• Everyone will have a job.
• I will make assignments.
• Judges:
• Develop scoresheet
• Research: who should debaters be referencing? What
should they be talking about?
• Debaters:
• Research
• Write speakers’ speeches together
• REHEARSE! You must come close to your time allowances!