’Explaining the game’
Debating is an argument that follows a certain form. The starting point is a topic that can be defended or
opposed. The best are topics where there is a lot to say both ways like homework in schools necessary or
unnecessary, but even topics like the pros and cons of terrorism work. It is just more demanding to think up
arguments to defend terrorism.
The formal debate is a tradition in universities and schools in the English-speaking world. Competitions are
organized.
A debate follows a certain format. Our format is one drawn up by the Finnish-British Federation and is linked to
this Moodle unit. The format determines the duration of speeches, the use of intervening questions, and the
like.
Debaters act as teams of two students. One team is for the motion and is called the proposition team; the other
one is against the motion and is called the opposition team. Thus, in one round, four debaters are involved.
In a competition there are usually several rounds. The following explains one round.
A DEBATE STEP BY STEP
NB. This outline doesn’t include the chairperson’s role. It will be dealt with in a separate document.
NB. The debaters are allowed to interrupt each other by asking short questions during the part before the floor debate. See Points of
information.
1. The topic is drawn / decided on. The topic is called a motion and usually starts with the phrase This house
would..
2. The teams for the motion (the proposition team) and against the motion (the opposition team) are chosen by
drawing lots.
3. The teams get 5 minutes to discuss the motion. During this time they decide their strategy, line of
argumentation and roles.
4. The debate starts.
5. The first speaker FOR the motion gives his opening speech.
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He has the specific duty to define the motion. This means clarifying and narrowing terms that are not
obvious. In the motion Advertising aimed at children should be banned what sort of advertising and
children of what age need to be defined.
The first speaker also outlines the arguments of the FOR team (the proposition case).
He can also announce the division of work for his team (I will discuss X and Y and my partner will speak
about Z).
He/she then presents his arguments.
6. The first speaker AGAINST the motion gives his opening speech.
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He can challenge the definition of the motion but usually accepts it, in which case this part is left out.
He responds to what has already been said and presents counterarguments (rebuttal).
He outlines the arguments of the AGAINST team (the opposition case)
He and announces the division of work in his team.
He then presents his case.
7. The second speaker FOR the motion responds to what was said by the previous speaker and continues the
proposition team’s argumentation as planned.
8. The second speaker AGAINST the motion responds to what was said by the previous speaker and continues
the proposition team’s argumentation as planned.
9. The floor debate
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This part of the debate allows the audience put questions to the debating teams. Questions should be
short, with an indication which team should answer, and addressed to the chairperson. The questions
should be mainly reactions to what has come up so far but new ideas may also be put forward.
10. Either member of the opposition team presents the team’s sum-up speech.
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He sums up the opposition’s case and responds to the proposition team’s overall case and winds up
with his own summary.
No new arguments are allowed. However, a new example of an existing argument is allowed.
11. Either member of the proposition team presents the team’s sum-up speech.
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He sums up the opposition’s case and responds to the proposition team’s overall case and winds up with
his own summary.
No new arguments are allowed. However, a new example of an existing argument is allowed.
12. The debate ends.