Debate Format
The proposition side is called the Affirmative and the opposition side is called the Negative. Each side is a team composed of two
debaters, so that there are four people participating in the debate.
Format. A round of debate consists of six speeches. The first 2 speeches are called constructive speeches, because the teams are
laying out their most important arguments during these speeches. The next 2 speeches are called rebuttals, because the teams
refute the arguments made by the other team. The final 2 are called rejoinders because speakers are expected to extend and apply
the arguments they have already been made.
Table of the six speeches and time limits:
A stands for Affirmative, O for Opposition, C for Constructive, R for Rebuttal
Speech:
Time:
1AC
1OC
2AR
2OR
1A-rejoinder
2O-rejoinder
2 min.
2 min.
1 min.
1 min.
1 min.
1 min.
*The affirmative team begins the debate.
*Members of each team alternate giving speeches, so that the same person gives, both the 1AC and the 1ARejoinder (2NC and the
2NRejoinder).
Resolutions:
*The affirmative team defends the resolution by means of a particular example, if they can show the example to be true, then the general
proposition is also shown to be true.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Debate Format
The proposition side is called the Affirmative and the opposition side is called the Negative. Each side is a team composed of two
debaters, so that there are four people participating in the debate.
Format. A round of debate consists of six speeches. The first 2 speeches are called constructive speeches, because the teams are
laying out their most important arguments during these speeches. The next 2 speeches are called rebuttals, because the teams
refute the arguments made by the other team. The final 2 are called rejoinders because speakers are expected to extend and apply
the arguments they have already been made.
Table of the six speeches and time limits:
A stands for Affirmative, O for Opposition, C for Constructive, R for Rebuttal
Speech:
Time:
1AC
1OC
2AR
2OR
1A-rejoinder
2O-rejoinder
2 min.
2 min.
1 min.
1 min.
1 min.
1 min.
*The affirmative team begins the debate.
*Members of each team alternate giving speeches, so that the same person gives, both the 1AC and the 1ARejoinder (2NC and the
2NRejoinder).
Resolutions:
*The affirmative team defends the resolution by means of a particular example, if they can show the example to be true, then the general
proposition is also shown to be true.
DEBATE GRADING RUBRIC
Levels of Performance for AFFIRMATIVE Team
Criteria
1. Organization &
Clarity:
Main arguments and
responses are outlined
in a clear and orderly
way.
2. Use of Argument:
Reasons are given to
support the resolution
3. Use of crossexamination and
rebuttal:
Identification of
weakness in Negative
team’s arguments and
ability to defend itself
against attack.
4. Presentation
Style:
Tone of voice, clarity
of expression,
precision of arguments
all contribute to
keeping audience’s
attention and
persuading them of
the team’s case.
4
Completely
clear and
orderly
presentation
3
Mostly clear
and orderly in
all parts
2
Clear in some
parts but not
overall
1
Unclear and
disorganized
throughout
Very strong
and persuasive
arguments
given
throughout
Many good
arguments
given, with
only minor
problems
Some decent
arguments, but
some
significant
problems
Excellent
cross-exam
and defense
against
Negative
team’s
objections
Good crossexam and
rebuttals, with
only minor
slip-ups
Decent crossexam and/or
rebuttals, but
with some
significant
problems
Few or no real
arguments given,
or all arguments
given had
significant
problems
Poor cross-exam
or rebuttals,
failure to point
out problems in
Negative team’s
position or
failure to defend
itself against
attack.
All style
features were
used
convincingly
Most style
features were
used
convincingly
Few style
features were
used
convincingly
Grade:
Very few style
features were
used, none of
them
convincingly
TOTAL
SCORE:
_____
DEBATE GRADING RUBRIC
Levels of Performance for OPPOSITION Team
Criteria
1. Organization &
Clarity:
Main arguments and
responses are outlined
in a clear and orderly
way.
2. Use of Argument:
Reasons are given
against the resolution
3. Use of crossexamination and
rebuttal:
Identification of
weakness in
Affirmative team’s
arguments and ability
to defend itself against
attack.
4. Presentation
Style:
Tone of voice, clarity
of expression,
precision of arguments
all contribute to
keeping audience’s
attention and
persuading them of
the team’s case.
4
Completely
clear and
orderly
presentation
3
Mostly clear
and orderly in
all parts
2
Clear in some
parts but not
overall
1
Unclear and
disorganized
throughout
Very strong
and persuasive
arguments
given
throughout
Many good
arguments
given, with
only minor
problems
Some decent
arguments, but
some
significant
problems
Excellent
cross-exam
and defense
against
Affirmative
team’s
objections
Good crossexam and
rebuttal, with
only minor
slip-ups
Decent crossexam and/or
rebuttal, but
with some
significant
problems
Few or no real
arguments given,
or all arguments
given had
significant
problems
Poor cross-exam
or rebuttal,
failure to point
out problems in
Affirmative
team’s position
or failure to
defend itself
against attack.
All style
features were
used
convincingly
Most style
features were
used
convincingly
Few style
features were
used
convincingly
Grade:
Very few style
features were
used, none of
them
convincingly
TOTAL
SCORE:
_______