SECTION WARS 2024

DEBATE RULES

• There will be 2 members from each team, one speaking for the
motion and the other speaking against the motion

• Duration of speech: For: 2 mins, Against: 2 mins

• Other section teams will counter question or present rebuttals to the
speaking team. A separate rebuttal time would be given post the
speech of each team
• Cumulative scores of both the team members will be considered
based on how well they present their ideas and answer the rebuttals
• We also have audience rebuttal points so bring along friends from
your section to question other sections.
• Please see next page for detailed rebuttal rules
 REBUTTAL RULES

• Rebuttal questions should not be open-ended.

• Rebuttals need to be close ended and should highlight a flaw in the other
team’s argument
Eg: Topic: “Censorship of media is necessary”
Rebuttals like “Don’t you think censorship will restrict our freedom of speech?”
Open ended and will fetch no or minimal points
Speaking team argument: “Less censorship of media means a healthier democracy”
Valid Rebuttal: “Acc. To Freedom of Press Index, Norway is ranked 1. However, they only have 2 main
news outlets and a healthy democracy should allow presence of more privately held news networks.
Thus, how is your argument that less censorship leads to healthier democracy valid? “
References:
https://www.yourdictionary.com/articles/rebuttal-examples
https://helpfulprofessor.com/rebuttal-examples/
 Topic:
“Can Exes be friends”
Topic is open to interpretation. Feel free to explore in any direction.

Date: 20th Jan, 2024

Time: 9pm onwards
Venue: Acad block