Formal Debate1
It is possible to find detailed rules for formal debates. But here are some brief
guidelines:
- A formal debate has strict rules about the time that each person can speak.
- Choose the question for debate. It should have a for side and an against side.
- For example:
- For: Life was easier in traditional times; communities worked together and
shared what they had; people knew their roles and were happier then.
- Against: People’s lives were harder in traditional times; there were often
food shortages; now people have more resources and more choices and
are happier.
- Several topics and teams could be chosen. Debates may be spread over a
period of time or held all in one day.
- Choose two teams, a timekeeper, a chair and judges. The rest of the literacy
group is the audience.
- The teams meet together before the debate to plan and write up the
arguments for their team. They should make sure they have proof for their
arguments – examples, specific situations or people that prove the point.
- The chair introduces the topic and the speakers on each team, states the time
limits and announces the judges’ decisions. It is the chair’s responsibility to
maintain order and help the audience participate in an orderly manner if
questions are allowed at the end of the debate.
- The time-keeper makes sure than the speakers keep to the time limit and
warns them when their time is up.
- Judges might be members of the literacy group or include invited guests as
well. They decide how clear and convincing each argument is. At the end of
the debate they decide which team had the best arguments.
- First speaker on the ‘for’ team introduces the topic, explains any unfamiliar
ideas, and states the arguments for their team clearly and briefly. (time limit:
four minutes maximum)
- First speaker on the ‘against’ team states in what ways their team agrees and
disagrees with the explanation of the topic by the ‘for’ team. She or he gives
the arguments for their side and argues against the points of the other team
with proof. (time limit: four minutes maximum)
- Second speaker on the ‘for’ team argues against the points of the ‘against’
team, states the arguments of the ‘for’ team and their proof. (three minutes
maximum)
- Second speaker on the ‘against’ team argues against any new points from the
‘for’ team, makes new points for the ‘against’ team with proof. (three minutes
maximum)
- First speaker on the ‘for’ team doesn’t make any new arguments; argues
against arguments already made and summarizes the ‘for’ team’s points.
(one minute maximum)
- The judges meet to discuss which team has the most convincing arguments. Or
the audience could vote on which team they felt had the best points.
- Again, the literacy group could write opinion pieces based on what they heard
in the debates.