Debate Format

Here’s the format our debates will take. Keep this format in mind as you and your group prepare to take part in your assigned debates. And be aware that John and Catherine will be strict about enforcing time limits.

• 5–minute position statement – first Debate Group
• 5–minute position statement – second Debate Group

(5–minute work period)

• 5–minute rebuttal – first Debate Group
• 5–minute rebuttal – second Debate Group

(5–minute work period)

• 2–minute response - first Debate Group
• 2–minute response - second Debate Group

• 15-minute Q & A with audience

(5–minute work period)

• 3–minute closing statement – second Debate Group
• 3–minute closing statement – second Debate Group

• Tallying of ballots and announcement of a winner.

• Whole class reflection on the debate.

On the day of your group’s debate, the group should know who’s going to make the opening position statement, who’s going to deliver the rebuttal, who’s going to give the response, and who’s going to make the closing statement. The person delivering the opening position statement should have composed their presentation in advance. The person making the closing statement should have a rough but flexible outline, ready to be revised on the fly, in response to what was said during the debate. And the folks handling the rebuttal and response should come ready to think quickly on their feet.