DEBATE

 Debate of a new format- Oxford-Oregon Style of Debating with modifications

to suit the institutional requirements.
 Registration in team of 3- Online Registrations, Only 10 slots Available.
 Registration Fee: Rs. 500/- per team.
 An event with 3 rounds, each round having its own new topic and preparation
time.
 Top 4 teams will qualify for the second round and top 2 rounds will qualify for
the final round.
 Prizes: Rs. 6000/- (1st Prize), Rs. 3000/- (2nd Prize).

Detailed rules of the competition are as follows:

The style of debating is called the Oxford- Oregon Style. This form is not to be confused with
the traditional debate format used (Harvard style) and is not similar to Oxford Style of
Debate.

The rules of the Oxford-Oregon Style have been interpreted to suit the competition and are
not an exact replica of the Rules established globally.

Format of Debate - Oxford-Oregon Type

Definitions:

 Proposition: The motion assigned to be debated on. This will be given by the
University prior to each round and will be the topic for the debate.
 Interpellation period: The time period to be given to the Negative Speaker to question
the points raised by the affirmative speakers. This is not to be confused with the
rebuttal time. Refer to the Section provided on “Interpellation” on Page Number 3.

RULES:

There are 2 sides in this format: the Affirmative (for the motion) and the Negative (against
the motion). The Affirmative proves the validity of the issue or topic called the Proposition
(to be called “The Motion”) while the Negative disproves it.
There will be 3 rounds of debate. The first will be the Preliminary Round. The Second will be
the Semi-Final Round comprising only 4 teams and the Third Round as the Finals. Each
round will have a 20 minute preparation time.

Teams:

Each team must assign a Debate Captain who will carry out the functions to be performed by
them as mentioned. Each team has three speakers.

These are:
First Affirmative – Introducing the Motion
First Negative – Opposing the motion
Captain of the Negative - Interpellation of the affirmative speakers
Second Affirmative – Main Constructive Speech
Captain of the Affirmative - Interpellation of the negative speakers
Second Negative – Main Arguments
Third Affirmative - Concluding Speech
Third Negative - Concluding Speech

Flow of Debate:

The flow of speeches follows the order as above. Thus, after the first affirmative introduces
the arguments to be made for the motion, including the objectives of their arguments, the first
negative introduces the arguments to be made against. After, the Captain of the Negative
must raise questions through interpellation regarding the validity/value of the arguments to be
made by the opposition (affirmative) side, which would have been introduced by the first
affirmative. The second affirmative must then use his time to constructively put forth the
main arguments and justifications for the motion while using these points to answer the
questions raised by the Captain of the Negative.
The opposite side captain does the same on the introduction of the first negative. These
questions must then be answered through the main speech of the Second Negative while
opposing the motion and arguing against it.
The third affirmative and third negative must simply focus on concluding why their side
believes they hold the House.
The individual speeches and demarcation as mentioned above must be strictly followed.
The speakers must not trespass into the job of the other teammate.
Example: The introduction speaker must only introduce their side’s perspective and not
add any details from the main body.

This will lead to cutting off points which could drastically affect chances of winning.

The Debate Organizers will announce 5 topics one week prior to the first round of debate.
The topic for all the rounds shall be announced 20 minutes prior to each round. The topic for
each round shall be selected from the 5 announced.
However, the teams will not be aware of the proposition until the day of the debate.
Along with this, at the time of release of the motion for a round, the teams shall be told
whether they are affirmative or negative to the proposition. Thus, teams will not be aware of
whether they will go for or against a motion until announced 20 minutes prior. The teams will
thus also be told when they are to speak on the spot.

Example, “The House selects Motion 1 as the Proposition for Round 1. Team A shall be
Negative while Team D shall be Affirmative. Team A will battle Team E first. Begin
Preparations.”

Duration:

Before the commencement of each round, the teams will be given 20 minutes to prepare.
Each team will be given a maximum of 10 minutes to put forth their points. The time can be
divided as follows:

Introduction/Opposition Speech: Maximum of two minutes (2).

Main Speech: Maximum of four (4) minutes
Concluding Speech: Maximum of two (2) minutes
Interpellation: Maximum of 2 minutes.

The teams may vary this time as they decide necessary. However, exceeding the 10
minutes limit will lead to penalization.
Interpellation:

The act of interpellation (questioning) is the period in which speakers are questioned about
and explain a point raised during a debate.
The interpellation period of a debate is a time when a person questions the person who has
just finished speaking.
The team must choose to use this period to:
1. To clarify points
2. To expose errors
3. To setup arguments

Remember:

Most debaters tend to ignore the value of good questioning. Remember, 30% of the entire
debate is spent in this, and thus, it should be a meaningful and made an essential part of the
debate. Interpellation will indicate to the judge just how sharp and spontaneous the debaters
are.

Be dynamic. Have questions and be ready to go, answer questions actively and with
confidence whenever you can. This is the one opportunity the audience/judge has to compare
you with opponents side-by-side.

Rules on Interpellation:

1. Questioning can only be done by the Captain of the Team. Questions should primarily
focus on arguments developed in the speech of your opponent. However, matters relevant and
material to the proposition are admissible.
2. Questioner and opponent should treat each other with courtesy.
3. Both speakers stand and face the audience during the question or Interpellation period.
4. Once the questioning has begun, neither the questioner nor his opponent may consult a
colleague. Consultation should be done before but as quietly as possible.
5. Questioners should ask brief and easily understandable question. Answers should equally
be brief. Categorical questions answerable by yes or no is allowed, however, opponent if he
choose, may qualify his answer why yes or why no.
6. A questioner should not comment on the response of his opponent. Thus, each speaker will
only get one chance to ask/answer during interpellation.
7. Your opponent may refuse to answer ambiguous, irrelevant or loaded questions by asking
the questioner to rephrase or reform his question.

Issues to Be Answered in the Interpellation Period:

The teams can use these three questions as a base to prepare for the interpellation period.
Questioning the opposite side on the basis of these will help the debate proceed.
 Whether or not it is Necessary? (Necessity)
 Whether or not it is Beneficial?
 Whether or not it is practical? (Practicability)

Criteria for Judging

A. Content - 40%
B. Delivery - 30%
C. Interpellation - 30%.

The judges, based on their discretion, shall have the authority to determine who will be the
“Best Speaker” and Best “Runner-Up Speaker”. The winning team shall be determined by the
majority decision of the Board of Judges.

Poise, gestures, audience contact and voice projection are highly recommended.