- Question
What's the best debate format?
Competitive debating has become one of the most popular extracurricular activities for both high school and university students. Around the world, people engage in many different formats of debating, from the formal, cooperate Model United Nations format to the rapid-fire, argumentative Policy format. Out of so many formats, what exactly is the best?
British Parliamentary is the best debate format
The British Parliamentary format is a form of debate that originated in Liverpool in the mid-1800s. The style of the format is meant to mimic the actual British Parliament, with four different teams of two competing against each other, with a proposition and opposition bench, as well as an opening and closing house.
Australasian Debating is the best format
The Australasian format is most commonly used in Australia at both the primary and secondary levels and the annual Australasian Debating Championships, a major debate tournament. The format involves two teams, one proposing and one opposing, with three speakers each.
Policy debating is the best format
In policy debate, two teams of two argue for or against a certain policy change by the United States federal government. This format is mainly used in American debating at both the high school and collegiate levels.
Model United Nations is the best debate format
In Model United Nations, participants are placed in the position of delegates or ambassadors in a committee of different countries. They are forced to collaborate to resolve a variety of international issues.