A guide to competitive debate formats for your club or classroom| ESU

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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

 

 

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Opposition 2nd speaker delivering her speech at an ESU debating competition

Schools’ Mace

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