Debate Format
We will have a few formal debates throughout the remainder of the semester. In
order to guarantee that all students have the opportunity to participate and earn a good
grade, I use a format that is very detailed. Please read it and understand you will be held
to the time limits and procedures described. Not doing so will cost your “team” points,
and get you removed from the debate.
3-5 10 3-5 10 3-5 3-5 Scoring
minutes minutes minutes minutes minutes minutes
Pro Opens Pro Pro Pro closes You can’t win unless everyon
(1 person) answers question (1 Disruptions count as negatives
(everyone) (everyone) different unanswered, strong debate cou
person)
Con Con Con Con closes The winning group earns an A
question Opens answers (1 while the losers earn a B or be
(everyone) (1 person) (everyone) different on the quality of their efforts.
person) get a B.)
Pro is the side that agrees with the statement written on the board.
Con is the side that disagrees with the statement written on the board.
If sides are about even when students choose them, great! If they are lopsided, I will
place you on a side. (A good debater can argue either side of a position!)