DEBATE GUIDELINES

MODIFIED OREGON-OXFORD DEBATE

 There are 2 sides in this format : the Affirmative and the Negative. The Affirmative proves the
validity of the issue or topic called the Proposition while the Negative disproves it.
 The affirmative and negative side must have three members each. These members are the
designated speakers of whom shall have three specific speech roles: Practicability, Benificiality,
and Constitutionality
 Each debater is given four (4) minutes to deliver a constructive speech. After which the
opposition will be given exactly two (2) minutes to cross-examine/interpolate the speech. (Note:
Only categorical questions may be asked.)
 Bear in mind that, the speakers must only focus on the motion rather than imposing personal
biases and must behave in terms of manner, matter, and method.
 MODIFIED OREGON-OXFORD DEBATE

 Speakers are only allowed to bring written notes in the debate proper. Printed copies are not
allowed.
 Speakers are also encouraged to silence and put away all mobile devices, so as to avoid any
cheating by use of mobile phones or smart phones.
DEBATE FLOW
 TIME

• A timer shall start the moment each speaker begins their

constructive speech or interpellation.
• As stated before, constructive speeches shall be 4 minutes in
length, while interpellation is 2 minutes.
• We will only ring the bell twice to signify that their four
minutes is up, and will no linger notify them of how many
minutes is left for their speech. This is done to aid the
debaters in focusing on their speech.
 THE ADJUDICATOR AND SCORE
SYSTEM

• The role of the adjudicator is to judge the debate based on the following
criteria: Evidence, Speech Delivery, and Interpellation.
• Comments and reactions of the two adjudicators is to be given after the
third speaker’s interpellation.
• For the sake of expediency, the score system shall be on a scale of one to
five, five being the best possible score you can achieve in any criteria
while one is the worst possible score.
• At the end of each debate, the scores shall be tallied and the team with
the highest cumulative score shall be awarded victory.