Hello! As an English and Business English teacher for secondary school students, you’ll find that clear structure is key to a successful debate. Here are the basic rules for secondary school debates, focused on a standard format often used in competitive and classroom settings.
🗣️ Essential Rules for Secondary School Debates
Debating provides an invaluable opportunity for students to develop critical thinking, public speaking, and persuasive skills.1 While specific rules can vary by competition, the following principles cover the most common and effective framework for secondary school debates.
1. Structure and Teams
- Two Sides: Every debate has two opposing teams: the Proposition (Affirmative), which supports the motion (or resolution), and the Opposition (Negative), which argues against it.2
- Team Size: Typically, teams consist of three speakers each. Each speaker has a defined role.
- The Motion: This is the topic being debated (e.g., “This House would ban fast fashion”). It must be a clear statement that invites a yes/no argument.
2. Speaker Roles and Timings
A key rule is adherence to defined roles and strict time limits, which teach speakers focus and discipline. A typical speech length is $5-8$ minutes, with short rebuttal/summary speeches of $3-4$ minutes.
| Speaker | Team | Role Focus |
| First Speaker | Proposition | Define the motion, introduce the team line/theme, present $2-3$ main arguments. |
| First Speaker | Opposition | Challenge the definition (if necessary), rebut the Proposition’s First Speaker, introduce the Opposition’s team line/theme, present $1-2$ new arguments. |
| Second Speaker | Proposition | Rebut the Opposition’s First Speaker, rebuild the Proposition’s case, present the remaining new arguments. |
| Second Speaker | Opposition | Rebut the Proposition’s entire case, rebuild the Opposition’s own arguments, present any final new arguments. |
| Third Speaker | Proposition & Opposition | No new arguments. Summarize the key clashes of the debate, rebut the opposing team’s core points, and powerfully conclude why their team should win. |
3. Argumentation
- Clarity and Relevance: All arguments must be clear, logically sound, and directly relevant to the motion.
- Case Line: Each team must have a consistent Case Line (or Theme) that runs through all their arguments. This is the central philosophy or main reason their side should win.
- Evidence: Arguments should be supported by evidence, examples, and logic (logos).
4. Interruptions and Points
This is where the excitement and challenge of live debate come in:
- Points of Information (POIs): A speaker from the opposing team can stand up and request a POI during the opponent’s main speech.3
- Timing: POIs are only allowed after the first minute and before the last minute of a main speech (this is the ‘protected time’).
- The Speaker’s Choice: The speaker on the floor has the absolute right to accept (by saying “Yes, please” or similar) or decline (by waving the opponent down or saying “No, thank you”).
- Delivery: If accepted, the POI must be delivered as a single, brief statement or question ($15$ seconds maximum). It’s a key part of interaction.
- Points of Order/Personal Privilege: These are reserved for procedural infractions (e.g., a speaker running out of time) or egregious behavior. They are rare and handled by the chairperson/judge.
5. Decorum and Etiquette
The foundation of any good debate is respect:
- Respectful Language: Speakers must address all arguments, not the personalities of the opposing speakers. Language must be formal, respectful, and free of personal attacks.
- Chairperson/Judge: All speakers must recognize and respect the authority of the Chairperson (who runs the debate) and the Judge (who scores the debate).
- No Heckling: While POIs are allowed, constant heckling, shouting, or distracting behavior is strictly forbidden.
6. Judging Criteria
Judges evaluate teams based on three main criteria:
- Matter (Content): The quality, relevance, and originality of the arguments and evidence presented.
- Manner (Presentation): The speaker’s style, voice projection, use of gestures, eye contact, and professional demeanor.
- Method (Strategy): The team’s structural organization, adherence to the motion/case line, timing, and effective handling of rebuttals and POIs.