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Different Types of Debates

The document discusses different types of debates: 1) Team policy debates involve two teams of two debaters each presenting evidence over eight speeches and four periods of cross-examination. 2) Cross-examination debates allow opponents to ask questions of each other between speeches to clarify points on resolutions not related to policy. 3) Lincoln-Douglas debates focus on arguing one side of a predetermined topic between one-on-one participants. The document provides brief descriptions of the structures and purposes of these and other debate types including spontaneous argumentation, public forum, and parliamentary debates.

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Marinel Remollo
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41 views

Different Types of Debates

The document discusses different types of debates: 1) Team policy debates involve two teams of two debaters each presenting evidence over eight speeches and four periods of cross-examination. 2) Cross-examination debates allow opponents to ask questions of each other between speeches to clarify points on resolutions not related to policy. 3) Lincoln-Douglas debates focus on arguing one side of a predetermined topic between one-on-one participants. The document provides brief descriptions of the structures and purposes of these and other debate types including spontaneous argumentation, public forum, and parliamentary debates.

Uploaded by

Marinel Remollo
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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MARINEL M.

REMOLLO
BSED 2D
TL 103

Different types of debates

 Team Policy Debate


Team policy debates consist of two teams, each with two debaters. Here, the structure
includes the following elements.
o Eight speeches
o Four constructive speeches
o Four rebuttals
o Four periods of cross-examination

The primary objective of team policy debate is to present a huge amount of evidence quickly
and coherently. Moreover, these are most commonly used in middle school or high school
debates.

 Cross-Examination Debate
Cross-examination is a new type of two-on-two college debate. It is mainly defined as a
period between speeches. Here, the opponent debaters ask questions to clarify and understand
each other’s points of information.
It consists of resolutions that are not related to policy. Similarly, this kind of debate is based on
values where evidence can be presented.
Moreover, a cross-examination debate provides you with an opportunity to engage with your
opponent. It further demonstrates your confidence to become a persuasive speaker that helps
you win more points.
 Lincoln-Douglas Debate
Lincoln-Douglas is an open style of debate. It is mainly inspired by the debates between
Abraham Lincoln and Stephen A. Douglas in the 1850s.
Moreover, this is a one-on-one debate that focuses on arguing for or against a topic. Here, the
participants agree on the time limits and topics beforehand.
For example, in the United States presidential debates, one debate is entirely focused on
domestic policy. At the same time, the other one is devoted to foreign policy.
The main purpose of the Lincoln-Douglas debates is to speak persuasively, clearly, and logically.
Similarly, it is very structured in nature and allows people to express their viewpoints openly.

 Spontaneous Argumentation
Spontaneous argumentation includes two debaters that argue on a particular topic. Firstly,
they take enough prep time for a debate topic and then present the argument.
These types of debate essays are often used in college and university classrooms. Moreover, it
also helps in decreasing the anxiety of a speaker by building confidence.
However, it does not require detailed research work. Thus, the writer focuses more on
presentation and style rather than the content.

 Public Forum Debate


Public forum debate is considered as audience friendly and a current events debate. It
includes two teams of debaters that argue on monthly controversial topics.
The round begins with a coin toss between the competing debate teams. It is required to
determine which side, either Pro or Con, will present their argument first. Each debate team will
be given 3 minutes to prepare the topic.
Furthermore, it consists of eight speeches and three crossfires but each with a time limit. The
winner is further decided by a judge who serves as a referee.
Lastly, this type of debate is used to test the students’ argumentation, cross-examination, and
refutation skills.
 Parliamentary Debate
Similar to the spontaneous types of debate arguments, parliamentary debates do not require
thorough research. The resolutions are decided only 10 minutes before a round of debate
starts. Similarly, it greatly emphasized logic and persuasiveness.
They are referred to as “parliamentary” because of their similar nature to the debates that
occur in the British parliament. Thus, such types of debates are mainly used in parliaments and
assemblies.
Moreover, it consists of the following elements.
o Two teams, each with two debaters
o Six speeches
o Four constructive speeches
o Two rebuttal speeches

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