World Schools debate

The Basics

Worlds Schools derives its name from the fact that it is the primary format of international debate competition between national teams. The format has two teams of 3-5 students debate against one another on a variety of different topics. There are 8 total speeches in the round, and only 3 students can debate per team in a given round. The first 6 speeches of the round are 8 minutes long, while the final 2 speeches are only 4 minutes. 8 minute speeches have a combined 2 minutes of protected time (the first and last minutes of the speech) and 4 minute speeches are entirely protected. The reply speech must be delivered by either the first or second speaker on a team. Debate rounds alternate between being prepared and impromptu motions, which will be explored in more detail later in the guide. The style emphasizes broad knowledge and an international context, and as such students must be more well rounded to successfully debate in this style.  

Worlds Schools Tournaments

Worlds Schools tournaments are held in various countries around the world and there are numerous opportunities to debate in this style. While debating at the Worlds Schools Debating Championships (WSDC) requires being selected by a national team, most other tournaments are open to students to attend. Popular North American WSS tournaments include the Harvard WS tournament and the Cornell WS tournament.   

Speaking Order

WSS has 8 distinct speeches, all of which have slightly different roles and responsibilities.

1. Proposition 1 - 8 Minutes

The first proposition speaker is responsible for setting up the round for the rest of the debate, as well as introducing the main substantive arguments on behalf of their side. The 1st prop speaker must define the terms of the debate, lay out the burdens their side must meet to win the debate, and present 2 to 3 substantive arguments. The speaker should present these parts of their speech in the previously described order. When the speaker is presenting their road map for their speech, they are also required to flag the title of the argument being given by their partner on 2nd prop. It is convention, but not always required that the first of these arguments is a principled argument. 

2. Opposition 1 - 8 Minutes
   The first opposition speaker is responsible for establishing the burdens they need to meet to win the debate, challenging definitions presented by gov if necessary, responding to the claims of the first proposition speaker, and presenting the majority of the substantive case for their side in the form of 2-3 substantive arguments. If as an opposition speaker you believe the definition is unfair then you are entitled to challenge the definition. You must explain why it is unfair and provide an alternative definition. This is rare and will often lead to a messy debate when it occurs, so be wary about doing this unless necessary. The speaker should present these parts of their speech in the previously described order. The majority of their time should be spent on substantive arguments. When the speaker is presenting their road map for their speech, they are also required to flag the title of the argument being given by their partner on 2nd opp. 

3. Proposition 2 - 8 Minutes
   The second proposition speaker is responsible for defending any potential critiques of their definition (if necessary), responding to the claims made by the opposition team, rebuilding the arguments made by the 1st proposition speaker, and presenting their sides final substantive argument. The addition of a new argument is required for second speakers in WSS. While a substantial portion of the speakers time should be dedicated to making their sides final argument, the majority of the speech should be dedicated to both refutation and rebuilding.
    

4. Opposition 2 - 8 Minutes
   The second opposition speaker is responsible for responding to the claims made by the first two proposition speakers, rebuilding the arguments made by the 1st opposition speaker, and presenting their sides final substantive argument. The addition of a new argument is required for second speakers in WSS. While a substantial portion of the speakers time should be dedicated to making their sides final argument, the majority of the speech should be dedicated to both refutation and rebuilding.
   
   

5. Proposition 3 - 8 Minutes
   The third proposition speaker is responsible for the bulk of their sides refutation and engagement with the main issues in the round. Similar to whip speeches in formats like British Parliamentary, 3rd speeches are often organized into major areas of clash or themes through which the round can be analyzed. The main job of the 3rd speaker is to engage with the opposite sides case, and to defend their case from attacks that have been levied against it. The 3rd proposition speaker should respond to any new claims in the 2nd opposition speech, as the reply will not be allowed to give any new responses in their speech. 
   
   

6. Opposition 3 - 8 Minutes
   The third opposition speaker is responsible for the bulk of their sides refutation and engagement with the main issues in the round. Similar to whip speeches in formats like British Parliamentary, 3rd speeches are often organized into major areas of clash or themes through which the round can be analyzed,. The main job of the 3rd speaker is to engage with the opposite sides case, and to defend their case from attacks that have been levied against it. The 3rd opposition speaker should respond to any new claims in the 2nd proposition speech, as the reply will not be allowed to give any new responses in their speech. 

7. Opposition Reply - 4 Minutes
   The opposition reply can be given by either the first or second opposition speaker. The speaker is responsible for showing how their side has fulfilled the burdens laid out at the beginning of the round, and conversely should show how the opposing side has not met set burdens. These speeches are often organized either by majour areas of clash, or analyzed under how their side met each independent burden. These speeches are disallowed any new content, which includes new refutation. The only exception to such a rule would be if the speaker could demonstrate that new material was given late enough in the round that it required a response in the reply. The most important objective of the reply speaker should be delivering a comparative round analysis that explains why their side won the debate. Good reply speeches will avoid merely repeating what has said and instead use the speech to provide necessary context and point out the relative strengths of their side and weaknesses of their opponents.
   
   

8. Proposition Reply - 4 Minutes
   The proposition reply can be given by either the first or second proposition speaker. The speaker is responsible for showing how their side has fulfilled the burdens laid out at the beginning of the round, and conversely should show how the opposing side has not met set burdens. These speeches are often organized either by majour areas of clash, or analyzed under how their side met each independent burden. These speeches are disallowed any new content, which includes new refutation. The only exception to such a rule would be if the speaker could demonstrate that new material was given late enough in the round that it required a response in the reply. The most important objective of the reply speaker should be delivering a comparative round analysis that explains why their side won the debate. Good reply speeches will avoid merely repeating what has said and instead use the speech to provide necessary context and point out the relative strengths of their side and weaknesses of their opponents.