Debate Exam

Lincoln-Douglas (LD) Debate

• Format: 1-on-1

• Total Time (including prep): 40 minutes

• Prep Time: 4 minutes per side

Time Limits & Speaker Duties

• Affirmative Constructive (AFF):

  • Time: 6 min

  • Duties: Presents aff’s case

• Negative Cross-Examination (NEG):

  • Time: 3 min

  • Duties: Questions AFF

• Negative Constructive (NEG):

  • Time: 7 min

  • Duties: Attacks AFF’s case, provides NEG case (definitions, value clash, etc.)

• Affirmative Cross-Examination (AFF):

  • Time: 3 min

  • Duties: Questions NEG

• First Affirmative Rebuttal (AFF):

  • Time: 4 min

  • Duties: Responds to NEG’s attacks, points out drops, attacks NEG case

• Negative Rebuttal (NEG):

  • Time: 6 min

  • Duties: Responds to AFF rebuttal, attacks AFF case, presents voting issues

• Second Affirmative Rebuttal (AFF):

  • Time: 3 min

  • Duties: Responds to NEG voting issues, rebuilds case, final voters

Public Forum (PF) Debate

• Format: 2-on-2

• Total Time: 41 minutes

• Prep Time: 3 minutes per team

Time Limits & Speaker Duties

• Team A Constructive:

  • Time: 5 min (official: 4)

  • Duties: Each partner presents half of the case

• Team B Constructive:

  • Time: 5 min (official: 4)

  • Duties: Each partner presents half of the case

• Crossfire (A2 vs B2):

  • Time: 2 min (official: 3)

  • Duties: First Q from Team A's last speaker, Q&A follows

• Team A Rebuttal:

  • Time: 4 min

  • Duties: Each partner attacks specific points

• Team B Rebuttal:

  • Time: 6 min (official: 4)

  • Duties: Each partner attacks and rebuilds own case

• Crossfire (A1 vs B1):

  • Time: 2 min (official: 3)

  • Duties: First Q from Team A's first speaker, Q&A follows

• Team A Summary:

  • Time: 2 min (official: 3)

  • Duties: One partner summarizes & refocuses

• Team B Summary:

  • Time: 2 min (official: 3)

  • Duties: Same as Team A

• Grand Crossfire:

  • Time: 3 min

  • Duties: All 4 debaters participate, final Q&A

• Team A Final Focus:

  • Time: 2 min

  • Duties: Other partner explains why their team wins

• Team B Final Focus:

  • Time: 2 min

  • Duties: Same as Team A

Extemporaneous (EX) Debate

• Format: 1-on-1

• Total Time: 16 minutes

• Prep Time: 1 minute before and between rebuttals

Time Limits & Speaker Duties

• Proposition Constructive:

  • Time: 2 min

  • Duties: Presents proposition case

• Cross-Ex of Prop.:

  • Time: 1 min

  • Duties: Opponent questions proposition

• Opposition Constructive:

  • Time: 2 min

  • Duties: Presents opposition case

• Cross-Ex of Opp.:

  • Time: 1 min

  • Duties: Proposition questions opponent

• Mandatory Prep Time:

  • Time: 1 min

  • Duties: Used before rebuttals

• Proposition Rebuttal:

  • Time: 2 min

  • Duties: Responds to opposition, rebuilds case

• Opposition Rebuttal:

  • Time: 2 min

  • Duties: Responds to proposition, rebuilds case

• Mandatory Prep Time:

  • Time: 1 min

  • Duties: Second prep break

• Proposition Rebuttal:

  • Time: 2 min

  • Duties: Final response, key arguments

• Opposition Rebuttal:

  • Time: 2 min

  • Duties: Final response, key arguments

Key Terms

• Constructive: Initial case presentation

• Cross-Examination: Questioning period after constructive

• Rebuttal: Response to opponent’s case; includes rebuilding your own

• Drops: Unanswered arguments—can be used to your advantage

• Voting Issues (Voters): Reasons judges should vote for your side

PF Debate Structure:

-Shorter speeches designed for clarity and persuasion.

-Incorporates "crossfire" sessions where debaters directly question each other.

-Emphasizes clear communication and logical reasoning.

LD Debate Structure:

-Longer speeches that allow for in-depth exploration of philosophical arguments.

-Includes cross-examinations to challenge opponents' positions.

-Demands a strong understanding of ethical frameworks and the ability to apply them effectively.

Extemporaneous Debate Structure:

-Format: One vs. one (individual)

-Focus: Varied topics presented shortly before the round

-Preparation: Limited (typically 30 minutes)

-Judging: Assesses quick thinking and clarity

-Style: Impromptu speeches with concise arguments