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Home > Debate formats

Learn more about some of the different formats for competitive debates

Competitive debates give your students the chance to meet debaters from other schools and from around the world, and to speak in exciting venues. Who knows – your class may contain the next member of your national World Schools’ Debating Team! Find out more about some of the formats here…

EXTENDED MACE

 

This is a simple format for teams of three (and structured audience participation) used both in the classroom and in our Schools’ Mace competition.

Download the guide

BRITISH PARLIAMENTARY

 

This is a competitive format commonly used in university-run competitions.

Download the guide

 

 

Related programmes

Competition
A picture of a young female debater standing in front of a fireplace inside the ESU London's office building at Dartmouth House.

Public Speaking Competition

Largest public speaking competition for schools in England and Wales, for students in Years 9 to 11
Competition
Opposition 2nd speaker delivering her speech

Schools’ Mace

The oldest and largest debating competition for schools, for students in Years 7 to 13
Programme
Two students reciting their speeches with one another

London Debate Challenge

Debating competition for Year 7, 8 & 9 students from London state/maintained schools


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