Encyclopedia of Opinion
Question
What's the best debate format?
Position‹3 of 4›

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.

Supporting arguments · 2

  1. Policy debate is the most relevant format
    Policy debate typically focuses on the same resolution for an entire month or even an entire season, which allows for the most pertinent and current issues to be selected for debate. Therefore, the ideas that are being presented and forwarded will always be the most relevant and updated.
  2. Policy debate requires extensive use of evidence
    Research and evidence should be an important part of debating because it cultivates the critical skills needed to make a convincing argument. Arguments should always be about real-life impacts, and only policy debate's research-heavy format ensures that.