Worlds Schools Debate Format
Speech
First Government
Time
8 min
First Opposition
8 min
Second Government
8 min
Second Opposition
8 min
Third Government
8 min
Third Opposition
8 min
Opposition Reply
4 min
Government Reply
4 min
Points of Information
15
sec
Content
 Define and present the government interpretation of the
motion.
 Preview all of the government arguments.
 Announce how the case will be divided among the
speakers.
 Present sufficient arguments for a prima facie case.
 Deals with the definition—ordinarily accepting them so
the debate can proceed.
 Rebuts part of the opposition case.
 Previews the opposition position and arguments.
 Presents part of the opposition argument.
 Defend the interpretation of the motion if necessary.
 Defend the first part of the government case from any
attacks made by the opposition.
 Presents additional part of the government case.
 Defends the opposition arguments from any attacks
made by the second government speaker.
 Presents additional part of the opposition argument.
 Attacks the arguments presented by the opposition side.
 Defends government arguments made by the first and
second government speakers.
 May present a small addition to the government
argument (not obligatory).
 Attacks the arguments presented by the government
side.
 Defends opposition arguments made by the first and
second opposition speakers.
 May present a small addition to the opposition argument
(neither obligatory nor recommended).
 Summarize the debate from the opposition perspective.
 Ordinarily the summary is presented as an analysis of
the primary issues of the debate.
 Summarize the debate from the perspective.
 Ordinarily the summary is presented as an analysis of
the primary issues of the debate.
 Offered by member of the opposing team after the first
minute but prior to the last minute.
 Speaker can elect to accept or decline.