DEBATE FORMAT

DEBATE #1 (Neoliberalism) (January 21, Friday)

Eight students will prepare constructive and rebuttal materials for a four versus four debate on the following proposition: RESOLVED: That neoliberal policies present the best way for Latin America to develop.

On the Affirmative: TBA

On the Negative: TBA

Judges: Three students to be randomly selected from those not listed above. Random selection will occur just after the debate.

The Constructive Phase: Two students on each side will deliver constructive arguments in either affirmation or negation of the resolution. The two affirmative constructive speakers will discuss the main reasons why Chiapas is a justified response to the neoliberal agenda in Mexico. After the first affirmative speaker's arguments, we will hear from the first negative constructive speaker, followed by the second affirmative constructive, and the second negative constructive. Each speech after the first affirmative constructive must either rebut or reestablish new arguments presented in the debate.

Each constructive speaker will present for four minutes, for a total of 16 minutes for the constructive phase of the debate.

The Rebuttal Phase: Two students on each side will deliver rebuttal arguments in either affirmation or negation of the resolution. The prime directive of the rebuttal phase is that no new arguments (that is, arguments that have not been previously established in constructives) will be allowed. Debaters must rebut claims made by the opposition and reestablish their main points from the constructive period. This is the final opportunity debaters have to clarify the key points that they believe will win them the debate.

Each rebuttal speaker will present for three minutes, for a total of 12 minutes for the rebuttal phase of the debate.

Cross Examination: Between each constructive and rebuttal speech, the next speaker will have 2 minutes of preparation time. During this time, the last speaker will be cross-examined by the audience.

Debaters should attempt to use documentation, examples, and other types of evidence to support their claims.