DEBATE PROTOCOLS

Grade 11
UCSP
 Debate Protocols
• A debate is a discussion or structured contest about an issue or
a resolution. A formal debate involves two sides: one
supporting a resolution (Affirmative Side) and one opposing it
(Negative Side). Such a debate is bound by rules previously
agreed upon. Debates may be judged in order to declare a
winning side.
• The Rebuttal Type of debate is a kind of debate where each
team from the affirmative and the negative side is composed
of about two or three members. As the debate starts, the
affirmative speaker opens the constructive speech and the
negative speaker starts the rebuttal. Every speaker is allowed
to deliver a rebuttal speech. Each side will have a team captain.
 The Benefits of Learning How to Debate
There are many benefits to learning how to debate that can help you in
high school, college and in the work force.
The benefits of learning how to debate properly include the following:
• The ability to gain broad knowledge of both sides of a subject.
• Increase your knowledge on many subjects before entering into a debate.
• The ability to negotiate with intelligence.
• Improving your critical thinking skills.
• Teach you how to organize and structure your thoughts before you speak.
• Enhance your analytical thinking, research and note taking skills.
• You will also learn how to deliver a speech composition delivery.
• Develop teamwork.
• Learn how to form balanced and informed arguments by using evidence
and reasoning skills.
 DEBATE RUBRIC
1. Organization & Clarity: 
• Main arguments and responses are outlined in a clear and orderly way. (5)
• Completely clear and orderly presentation (4)
• Mostly clear and orderly in all parts (3)
• Clear in some parts but not overall (2)
2. Use of Argument: 
• Reasons are given to support the resolution (5)
• Very strong and persuasive arguments given throughout (4)
• Many good arguments given, with only minor problems (3)
• Some decent arguments, but some significant problems (2)
3. Use of cross-examination and rebuttal: 
• Identification of weakness in the team’s arguments and ability to defend itself against attack (5) 
• Excellent cross-exam and defense (4)
• Good cross-exam and rebuttals, with only minor slip-ups (3)
• Decent cross-exam and/or rebuttals, but with some significant problems (2) 
4. Presentation Style: 
• Tone of voice, clarity of expression, precision of arguments to keep audience’s attention and persuade
them of the team’s case. (5)
• All style features were used convincingly (4)
• Most style features were used convincingly (3)
• Few style features were used convincingly (1)