Debates
What is a debate?
A debate is a formal
discussion of a resolution or proposal with arguments
for and against.
You find debates in many forums including parliaments,
councils, universities and assemblies. In the United
Nations Assembly, for example, you have debates before
formal votes on resolutions.
What is the difference between a debate and a
discussion?
A
debate is a formal discussion with prepared speeches.
It starts with formal speeches and is followed by a
discussion.
A discussion is more informal.
You can find more technical details about
debates here
What
is the best format for a debate?
There many different ways to debate. The most famous
debating society is the Oxford Union and their rules provide
a good
What
happens in a debate?
Arguments for and against are presented. There is a
discussion and then a vote. For audio examples of how
it works try here.
What
do you need for a class or group debate?
You need the following:
- a motion or resolution
- a moderator
- someone to speak for the motion
- someone to speak against
- someone to second the motion
- someone to second the argument against the motion
- questions from the audience
- answers from at least one person for & against
- a clock or timer for the moderator. It's very important to control the time allowed to each speaker.
How do you organise the debate?
- Moderator presents the statement or motion: e.g 'Dogs are the perfect pet'.
- Before the debate starts there should be a secret vote for or against the motion. The results are counted for/against/undecided and announce the results.
- The debate begins with the proposer speaking for the motion (2 minutes).
- The opposer speaks against the motion (2 minutes)
- The seconder speaks for the motion (1 minute)
- The opposing seconder speaks against the motion (2 minute)
- Questions come from the floor. Equal response time should be given to both sides. (10-15 minutes)
- Proposer concludes for the motion (1 minute maximum)
- Opposer concludes against the motion (1 minute maximum)
- Opposer concludes against
- There is a second vote.
- The winner is the side which changes the most votes. If the vote is 70:20 with the 10 abstentions at the the start and then 72:28
- at the end - the opposing team wins
