Oxford-Style Debate Series

A c tiv ity s u m m a ry
Teams engage in an extended debate about an important topic in order to persuade audience members to agree
with their viewpoint. Teams present a slate of coordinated, yet individual, statements in defense of their position
and respond to questions submitted by the audience. The side that sees the greatest increase in votes is declared
the winner.

E x p e c ta tio n s fo r p r e p a ra tio n
To successfully prepare for the debate, you must:
a.

research your topic, find and use reliable sources to learn about the issue and your position,

b.

write an argumentative essay supporting your position,

c.

meet with your group to review and practice personal statements (see the debate outline below),

d. create an annotated bibliography for your team using Chicago Manual of Style citations. All sources must
be reliable. Each team must utilize a minimum of eight sources.

G u id e lin e s f o r D e b a te rs
1.

Each member of the team must participate equally, both in the debate and in debate preparation.

2.

Bibliographies, statements, and team responses must demonstrate thorough research.

3.

Sources referenced must be cited during the debate.

4.

Each team must adhere to the format and guidelines as described below.

5.

Teams will be judged on understanding of topic, quality of evidence, and persuasiveness.

6.

The total time allowance for each debate is 45 minutes.

7.

The winning team will be determined by the results of the vote on the motion.

8.

Team bibliography and individual essays are due at the conclusion of the debate.

G u id e lin e s fo r A u d ie n c e
1.

Audience members must prepare for each debate (Written Assignments M and N). To prepare you must
find, read, and annotate an article from a reliable source on the debate topic. This preparatory article is
due at the conclusion of the debate.

2.

The audience must participate in the debate by asking questions (see the debate outline below). While
the debate itself will help the audience generate questions, it is recommended that some questions be
prepared in advance.

Oxford-Style Debate Format

I.
II.

The audience casts initial votes on the motion. Votes are tallied, but results are not revealed.
First supporting speaker (for the motion): 2 minutes
a. Deliver a statement in support of the motion that introduces the topic and attracts the audiences
attention and interest.
b. Make use of facts, statistics, and anecdotes as supporting evidence.

III.

First opposing speaker (against the motion): 2 minutes

a. Deliver a statement in opposition to the motion that introduces the topic and attracts the audiences
attention and interest.
b. Make use of facts, statistics, and anecdotes as supporting evidence.

IV.

Second supporting speaker (for): 2 minutes

a. Deliver a complete response in support of the motion that provides a different angle than the first
speaker, or that serves as an elaboration on the first speakers statement. For example, if the first
speaker primarily made logical appeals, the second speaker may make ethical or emotional appeals.
b. Make use of facts, statistics, and anecdotes as supporting evidence.

V.

Second opposing speaker (against): 2 minutes

a. Deliver a complete response in opposition to the motion that provides a different angle than the first
speaker, or that serves as an elaboration on the first speakers statement. For example, if the first
speaker primarily made logical appeals, the second speaker may make ethical or emotional appeals.
b. Make use of facts, statistics, and anecdotes as supporting evidence.

VI.

Third supporting speaker (for): 2 minutes

a. Deliver a complete response in support of the motion that provides a different angle than the first
and second speakers, or serve as an elaboration on their statements. For example, if an earlier speaker
primarily made logical appeals, the third speaker may make ethical or emotional appeals.
b. Make use of facts, statistics, and anecdotes as supporting evidence.

VII.

Third opposing speaker (against): 2 minutes

a. Deliver a complete response in opposition to the motion that provides a different angle than the first
and second speakers, or serve as an elaboration on their statements. For example, if an earlier speaker
primarily made logical appeals, the third speaker may make ethical or emotional appeals.
b. Make use of facts, statistics, and anecdotes as supporting evidence.

VIII.

Questions from the audience 28 minutes

a. Audience members must ask questions that either:
i. Serve to gather more information for making their decision on the motion, or
ii. Challenge the arguments of one side.
b. Questions must be addressed to an individual on a team, although other team members may add to
the response.

IX.

The audience casts final votes on the motion. Votes are tallied. The side that achieves the largest increase in
the vote count (i.e. changes the most minds) is declared the winner.