ELECTIVE ENGLISH

CLASSROOM DEBATE HANDOUT

BY MS IMA NURSITA

1. Format
The forthcoming classroom debate follows the Australasian model. Each competing team, the
affirmative and negative consist of 3 members. They are referred to as first, second, and third
speaker.

2. Speech
There are 2 types of speech in Australasian format namely substantive and reply speech. The
substantive speech is the main speech delivered by all speakers. Meanwhile, it’s either first or
second speaker who gives the reply speech.

3. Speaking Duration
Each speaker is highly encouraged to make the most of his/her speaking time.

Substantive Speech 3 min.

Reply Speech 2 min.

4. Speech Sequence

Positive Negative

1st Speaker 1st Speaker

2nd Speaker 2nd Speaker

3rd Speaker 3rd Speaker

Reply speaker Reply Speaker

5. Speaker’s Roles

1st Affirmative Speaker

He/She is responsible for setting the debate (incl. background, definition and limitation) and giving
arguments.
Background: What events in the society that underlie the motion (problem stated in the motion)
Definition: What the motion means that both teams should debate upon
Limitation: Focus of the debate, for example where the motion applies
Argument: Use of AREL to provide thorough explanation of value(s) related to the motion

1st Negative Speaker

He/She delivers clarification, rejection of the definition, rebuttal for the 1st affirmative speaker and
argument.
Clarification: Given if necessary esp. when the 1st affirmative speaker bring wrong background or
lack important details in his/her background
Rejection: Only done when the 1st affirmative speaker is being unfair in defining the motion,
although it rarely happens

1
 Rebuttal: Explanation of irrelevant/illogical reasoning, or any flaws found in the 1st affirmative
speaker’s case; Delivered in the sequence of They say.., But I disagree.., Because.., Therefore…
Argument: Use of AREL to provide thorough explanation of value(s) related to the motion

2nd Affirmative Speaker

He/ She is to deal with rebuttal, argument, and team’s enhancement. He rebuts the 1st negative
speaker.
Team’s enhancement: Briefly review the case of the 1st affirmative and explain why it still stands
even though the 1st negative speaker rebuts it; In other words, the 2 nd affirmative speaker rebuilds
the case.

2nd Negative Speaker

He/ She delivers rebuttal, argument, and team’s enhancement. He/ She mainly rebuts the 2nd
affirmative speaker. Also, he/ she can still rebut the 1 st affirmative speaker.

3rd Affirmative Speaker

He/ She gives rebuttal and team’s enhancement. He/ She rebuts overall arguments of the negative
team.

3rd Negative Speaker

He/ She covers rebuttal and team’s enhancement. He/ She rebuts overall arguments of the
affirmative team.

Reply Speaker

He/ She reviews the opponent’s case, points out how the case has been ruined by restating the
rebuttal and highlights how his/her team’s case deserves credit from the judges; therefore his/ her
team should win the debate.

6. Rubric

Score Description
87-90 Incredibly strong speaker, powerful and memorable arguments for which you can
barely think of additional feedback to improve the speech. Worthy of
championing a classic national’s tournament.
83-86 Very complete speech/case with no logic left unexplained. Brought creative or
unorthodox ideas and explanations.
79-82 Went above required speaker role by providing persuasive analysis and useful
examples.
78 Average speaker, fulfilled speaker role sufficiently, logical conclusions.

73-77 Understandable assertions, but logical links are poorly explained.

71-72 Vague assertions, you can decipher some bits of logic, minimum contribution to
the round.
69-70 Standing statue, only greetings, hard to express his/her thoughts in English

7. Prepared Motions
(1) TH would not inform students prior to bag checking
(2) THBT counselling is more effective to fix students’ behaviour than giving punishment
(3) As parents of Karangturi students, THBT it is compulsory to attend parenting classes
(4) As Karangturi students, THW demand more periods for entrepreneurship
(5) THW stop selling soft drinks in schools