1. Debate Competition There will be 2 teams of three students The side arguing in favor of the topic is proposition The side arguing against the topic statement is opposition

2. Debate Format  First Proposition: 5 minute speech  First Opposition: 5 minute speech  Second Proposition: 5 minute speech  Second Opposition: 5 minute speech  Opposition Rebuttalist: 4 minute speech  Proposition Reubttalist: 4 minute speech

3. Timing  First and last minute of the first four speeches are “Protected Time”. No POI’s (points of information) may be given at any point.  Slap the table at 4 minutes, slap the table at 1 minute.  Hold up a “C” to indicate 30 second left.  Count down from 10 seconds.  Double slap the table when time is up.

4. AREI  Assertion: Assertion is the argument you are going to make.  Reasoning: Reasoning is the ‘because’ statement. It explains why your assertion is true.  Evidence: Evidence is the example and statistic that proves your argument is valid  Impact: Impact explains why the Assertion, Reasoning, and Evidence are important for people. As you judge, determine if each team member is effectively following AREI

5. Example: Video games should be banned for Middle Schoolers.  A: Most video games are not age appropriate.  R: Video games show excessive violence.  E: Popular games such as Grand Theft Auto, Postal, Manhunt and Thrill Kill all have very violent plots to the game’s story. Findings by the University of Missouri suggest that violent video games reduce the brain’s response to violence and horror and increase spontaneous violence in juveniles.  I: Newton Middle School, Aurora, Columbine, and the Virginia Tech shooters were all recorded as having played video games with violent plots. With the ever increasing diagnosis of mental illness, middle schoolers do not need to be exposed to such violence, and potentially become the next mass murderer.

6. POI’s  Points of Information:  The opposing team can ask to be recognized by the speaker. No POI during “protected time” which is the first and last minute of the speaker’s time.  Does NOT have to be in the form of a question.  No longer than 15 seconds.  Usually directed towards the judge to make them aware of a specific point to aid their side.

7. Refutation  Refutation is arguably the most important part of a debate.  All students should be refuting the previous speaker’s points.  Speaker points should be deducted if student is not refuting.

8. Speaker Points  Scale says 1-100.  Really 55-90  Average is 65-80  Anybody below a 65 needs a thoroughly explained reason, anybody above 80 needs a thoroughly explained reason. When you get to the room you fill in the names of each team member at the top of the judges ballot. As they debate, take notes on strengths and weaknesses at the bottom of the ballot (being kind as possible, they do get to see the comments). When they are finished put the score next to their name. After the debate is finished, you can finish up any notes then discuss the results with both teams.