Oxford-style Debate

Roles
a) Chair runs the proceedings, collects ballots, announces winner
b) Affirmative team (A) defends the motion: burdens of the proof, has to prove all aspects of the
case, and cannot win on the inability of the negative side
c) Negative team (N) argues against the motion: burdens of the rebuttal, must either the necessity,
beneficiality, and practicality of the affirmative team, and cannot discuss anything the affirmative
didn’t discuss
d) Each team chooses a Captain
e) Audience asks questions to both sides and votes on the motion

Role of the Moderator

a) To reveal the issue involve the debate;
b) To rule on points of clarification about the issues or questions and answers made during the
Interpellation; and
c) To see to it that the debate is orderly and follows the rules of parliamentary procedures.

Role of the Timer

a) To time the speakers and debaters accurately;
b) To give the speakers a one-minute warning with the ringing of the bell once before his/her time is
up.
c) To prevent the debaters from exceeding the time allotted to them by ringing the bell twice
Rules on Interpellation
a) Questions should primarily focused on arguments developed in the speech of your opponent.
However, matters relevant and material to the proposition are admissible.
b) Questioner and opponent should treat each other with courtesy.
c) Both speakers stand and face the audience during the question or interpellation period.
d) 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 .
e) Questioners should ask brief and easily understandable question. Answers should equally be brief.
Categorical questions answerable by “yes” or “no” are allowed, however, opponent if he/she choose,
may qualify his answer “why yes” or “why no.”
f) Questioner may not cut off a reasonable and qualifying answer, but he may cut off a nervous
response with a statement such as a “thank you,” “that is enough information,” “your point is quite
clear,” or “I’m satisfied.”
g) Questioner should not comment on the response of his/her opponent.
h) Your opponent may refuse to answer ambiguous, irrelevant, or loaded questions by asking the
questioner to rephrase or reform his/her question

Rules on Rebuttal Speech

a) Rebuttal speaker should point out clearly the fallacies committed by his opponent stating clearly
what particularly statement or argument constitute said fallacy.
b) If not familiar with the fallacies of logic, the debater may counter arguments directly by stating
what arguments or statement is incorrect or false.
 Rules and Regulations of Asian Parliamentary Debating Format

1. Three speakers for each team.

2. For substantive speeches, 5 minutes. One knock at the 1st and 4th minute, two knocks at the 5th
minute and continuous knocks after 5.20. POIs allowed during substantive speeches.
3. For reply, 3 minutes. One knock at the 2nd minute, two knocks at the 3rd minute and continuous
knock after 3.20. No POIs allowed during reply speeches.
4. Speaker’s role attached.
5. Adjudication functions are also attached.
6. Motions are all prepared and 30 minutes for case building.
7. There will be a preliminary round and followed by semi final and grand final.
8. Match up for preliminary will be made based on random order.
9. Team ranks will be made with the priorities as follows:
• Victory Point: Each win +1, each loss +0
• Team Score: The average score of the team, including dissenting adjudicators
• Margin: The subs traction of score team and their opponent’s
10. In the preliminary and elimination round, sides (government or opposition) will be determined by
coin toss
11. Adjudicators’ decision cannot be cancelled, but we can seek for responsibility.
12. Case-building may not involve anyone other than the three team members.
13. During case building, team members may not communicate with anyone other than their
teammates. The uses of cell phones are strictly prohibited. Urgent usage for personal matters would
require approval of the Liaison Officer.
14. “Three knocks out” apply. Teams will be given two warnings due to violations of rule number 12
and 13. Third violations will be sanctioned disqualification from the entire competition.
15. Teams may use printed materials during case building time. The uses of electronic dictionaries are
allowed, but laptops are strictly prohibited.
16. Printed materials may not be brought to the speaker’s podium.
17. Speakers may bring stopwatches to the podium.
18. Time signals given by audience, coaches, or anyone are allowed as long as it does not disturb the
debate.
19. A team member is coming late during case building time will not be a reason for case building
time extension

Name: Joe Brean B. Silva Date: 05/03/2024

Course & Year: AB Polsci 2nd year Schedule: T/TH 12-1:30pm
 Rules of Oxford Oregon Debate

Format: The debate typically follows a formal structure with clear rules and procedures.

Teams: There are two teams: the Proposition and the Opposition. Each team consists of three
speakers.

Resolution: The debate centers around a resolution, which is a statement or proposition that is to be
affirmed or negated by the respective teams. For example, "Resolved: The death penalty should be
abolished."

Speeches: Each speaker delivers a speech with a specified time limit. The speeches are typically
structured as follows:

First Speaker (Proposition): Presents the team's arguments in favor of the resolution.
First Speaker (Opposition): Presents the team's arguments against the resolution and may also offer
rebuttals to the Proposition's arguments.
Second Speaker (Proposition): Further develops the team's arguments and may respond to the
Opposition's points.
Second Speaker (Opposition): Continues to develop the Opposition's arguments and may respond to
the Proposition's points.
Third Speaker (Proposition): Summarizes the Proposition's case, reinforces key arguments, and
responds to any remaining Opposition points.
Third Speaker (Opposition): Summarizes the Opposition's case, reinforces key arguments, and
responds to any remaining Proposition points.

Rebuttals and Cross-Examination: After the first four speeches, there may be a period of rebuttals
and cross-examination. During this time:

 Speakers may offer rebuttals to arguments made by the opposing team.

 Cross-examination may occur, where a member of one team questions a member of the
opposing team to clarify or challenge their arguments.

Audience Participation: The audience may also have a role in the debate. They may be allowed to ask
questions or make comments during designated periods.

Judging: The debate is typically judged by a panel of judges who evaluate the quality of arguments,
presentation skills, and overall persuasiveness of each team.

Winner Determination: The winning team is determined based on the judgment of the panel of
judges. The team that effectively argues their position and persuades the judges of the validity of their
arguments typically wins.