Our Debate Formats

International Public Debate Association (IPDA)

IPDA debate is a one-on-one debate style in which you will argue for either the Affirmative or the Negative side. Unlike other forms of debate, there is no preparing or research done weeks in advance; you receive the five potential resolutions just 30 minutes before the round, when you and your opponent will take turns striking them until there is only one left. You then complete your research and argument construction for your chosen resolution within the following 30-minute period, before the round begins.

Below is an overview of the layout of a standard IPDA round.

British Parliamentary (BP)

British Parliamentary debate is a popular format among collegiate teams. It is done in teams of two, which are grouped into "Opening Government," "Opening Opposition," "Closing Government," and "Closing Opposition" teams. Like IPDA, you are not able to prepare in advance; you only get 15 minutes of preparation time after receiving the resolution, and you are not allowed to access the Internet during that time. For this reason, teams usually compile pre-printed materials and information before the round.

Below are charts of the speech times and speaking order of British Parliamentary debate rounds.