A formal debate actually has quite a lot of structure.  Certain time is considered “Protected Time” – this means that NO ONE is allowed to interrupt the speaker at all.  When you look at the format below, when points are being read or during Rebuttal = Protected Time.

The timing is also very important; you must speak for the whole time, no more and no less, and the time will be paused until the speaking continues.  You will be allowed to “tag team,” that is, tag someone to help you speak, but that will be very limited, and you will be given more details about this in class on Monday.

The only other rule is that you MUST STAND WHILE YOU ARE SPEAKING.  This is particularly important when the floor is open (or, what many like to refer to as the “free for all”) in order to determine the order of arguments.

You will be given time after being put into your teams and given your topic to research and prepare your arguments – a maximum of 20 minutes.  For the debate you will require:
1. Opening Statement.
2. Point #1 and Evidence.
3. Point #2 and Evidence.
4. A “big idea” type of question for the opposing side.
5. Closing Statement.

Though the times might change for our debate, here is a general idea or outline of how the debate will work.

1. Teacher: Reads out the topic statement that is to be debated.
2. Side #1: Opening statement is read. (2 minutes)
3. Side #2: Opening statement is read. (2 minutes)
4. Side #1: Point #1 is read aloud, along with the research example that supports it. Don’t forget to tell the audience the source of the research (website, article, research, etc).  (3 minutes)
5. Side #2: Rebuttal.  This means they have the opportunity to respond to Point #1 only (as presented by side #1 only).  (2 minutes).
6. Open Floor for Point #1 by Side #1.  (structured “free for all”). (4 minutes).
7. Side #2: Point #1 is read aloud, along with the research example that supports is. (3 minutes).
8. Side #1: Rebuttal.  This means they have the opportunity to respond to Point #1 only (as presented by Side #2).  (2 minutes).
9. Open Floor for Point #1 Side #2. (4 minutes).
10. Side #1: Point #2 is read aloud, along with the research example that supports it. (3 minutes).
11. Side #2: Rebuttal.  (2 minutes).
12. Open Floor. (4 minutes).
13. Side #2: Point #2 is read aloud, along with the research example that supports it. (3 minutes).
14. Side #1: Rebuttal.  (2 minutes).
15. Open Floor. (4 minutes).
16. Extension of Open Floor if Required.
17. Closing Statements.

START THINKING ABOUT WHAT IN THE HEALTHY RELATIONSHIPS UNIT YOU WOULD LIKE TO DEBATE BEFORE YOU COME TO CLASS!

Very likely we will have two teams.  However, depending on the topic we choose, we may also split up into four teams.

Sharpen your wit, boys and girls!  =D