Debate Guidelines

Master the art of competitive debate with our comprehensive guidelines covering British Parliamentary and Asian Parliamentary formats

General Debate Rules

Fundamental principles that govern all debate formats and practice sessions

Respect & Professionalism

  • Maintain respectful discourse at all times
  • No personal attacks or discriminatory language
  • Focus on ideas, not individuals
  • Professional attire required for formal debates

Time Management

  • Strictly adhere to allocated speaking times
  • Respect protected time periods
  • Observe preparation time limits
  • Late arrivals may result in penalties

Research & Evidence

  • All sources must be credible and verifiable
  • Fabricated evidence leads to disqualification
  • Provide citations when requested
  • Follow tournament technology guidelines

Debate Formats

Comprehensive guide to British Parliamentary and Asian Parliamentary debate formats

🏛

British Parliamentary (BP)

4 teams, complex structure, extensions required

Format Structure

8 speakers 4 teams 7 minutes
OG: PM + DPM
OO: LO + DLO
CG: MG + GW
CO: MO + OW

Scoring (WUDC)

Matter: 40%
Manner: 40%
Method: 20%

Key Rules

  • Extensions required for closing teams
  • Whips cannot introduce new arguments
  • Teams ranked 1st to 4th
  • POIs: 1st-6th minute
🏯

Asian Parliamentary (AP)

2 teams, simpler structure, no extensions

Format Structure

6 speakers 2 teams 7 minutes
Gov: PM + DPM + GW
Opp: LO + DLO + OW

Scoring (100 points)

Matter: 40%
Manner: 40%
Method: 20%

Key Rules

  • No extensions or new arguments in final speech
  • Direct clash encouraged
  • Simpler scoring system
  • POIs: 1st-6th minute
🏛

British Parliamentary (BP)

4 teams, complex structure, extensions required

Format Structure

8 speakers 4 teams 7 minutes
OGOpening Government: PMPrime Minister + DPMDeputy Prime Minister
OOOpening Opposition: LOLeader of Opposition + DLODeputy Leader of Opposition
CGClosing Government: MGMember of Government + GWGovernment Whip
COClosing Opposition: MOMember of Opposition + OWOpposition Whip

Scoring (WUDCWorld Universities Debating Championship)

Matter
40%
Manner
40%
Method
20%

Key Rules

  • Extensions required for closing teams
  • Whips cannot introduce new arguments
  • Teams ranked 1st to 4th
  • POIsPoints of Information: 1st-6th minute
🏯

Asian Parliamentary (AP)

2 teams, simpler structure, no extensions

Format Structure

6 speakers 2 teams 7 minutes
Gov: PMPrime Minister + DPMDeputy Prime Minister + GWGovernment Whip
Opp: LOLeader of Opposition + DLODeputy Leader of Opposition + OWOpposition Whip

Scoring (100 points)

Matter
40%
Manner
40%
Method
20%

Key Rules

  • No extension requirement
  • Whips can bring new rebuttals
  • Win/Loss result system
  • POIsPoints of Information: 1st minute to last minute

Speaker Roles Breakdown

🏛 British Parliamentary Roles

PMPrime Minister: Define motion, present case
DPMDeputy Prime Minister: Support PM, defend, rebut
LOLeader of Opposition: Respond to PM, present Opposition
DLODeputy Leader of Opposition: Support LO, rebut Government
MGMember of Government: Add new extension
GWGovernment Whip: Summarize, no new arguments
MOMember of Opposition: Add Opposition extension
OWOpposition Whip: Summarize Opposition

🏯 Asian Parliamentary Roles

PMPrime Minister: Define motion, present case
DPMDeputy Prime Minister: Support, add arguments, rebut
GWGovernment Whip: Summarize Government case
LOLeader of Opposition: Respond to PM, present Opposition
DLODeputy Leader of Opposition: Support LO, add arguments
OWOpposition Whip: Summarize Opposition case
PMPrime Minister: Define motion, present case
DPMDeputy Prime Minister: Support PM, defend, rebut
LOLeader of Opposition: Respond to PM, present Opposition
DLODeputy Leader of Opposition: Support LO, rebut Government
MGMember of Government: Add new extension
GWGovernment Whip: Summarize, no new arguments
MOMember of Opposition: Add Opposition extension
OWOpposition Whip: Summarize Opposition
PMPrime Minister: Define motion, present case
DPMDeputy Prime Minister: Support, add arguments, rebut
GWGovernment Whip: Summarize Government case
LOLeader of Opposition: Respond to PM, present Opposition
DLODeputy Leader of Opposition: Support LO, add arguments
OWOpposition Whip: Summarize Opposition case

Judging Criteria

Comprehensive evaluation framework for competitive debate assessment

Matter

40%
  • Logical reasoning and argument structure
  • Quality and relevance of evidence
  • Depth of analysis and critical thinking
  • Effective refutation of opposing arguments

Manner

40%
  • Clarity and eloquence of delivery
  • Appropriate use of rhetoric and persuasion
  • Confidence and stage presence
  • Effective use of voice and gesture

Method

20%
  • Time management and pacing
  • Tactical awareness and adaptability
  • Team coordination and consistency
  • Overall debate strategy execution