Lincoln Douglas Debate Format

Affirmative Constructive 6 min State the issue, the reasons for adoption and evidence.

Negative Constructive 7 min Indict the issue, counter the evidence, show harms.

1^st Affirmative Rebuttal 4 min Responds to Negative indictment, shows why the issue still stands (no new arguments).

Negative Rebuttal 6 min Responds to Aff, clarifies harms and DAs (no new arguments).

2^nd Affirmative Rebuttal 3 min Final response, counters harms, restates Advantages (no new arguments).

Table One: U. S. Parliamentary Debate Format
Speech	Time	Contents
1st Affirmative Constructive	7 Minutes	Defines the motion and presents the case for the Government
1st Negative Constructive	8 Minutes	Accepts or rejects the Government's definition of the motion; refutes the Government's case, begins the Opposition's case against the motion, or both
2nd Affirative Constructive	8 Minutes	Reestablishes and expands the Government's case in light of the Opposition's arguments
2nd Negative Constructive	8 Minutes	Continues refuting the Government's case and/or constructing the Opposition's case against the motion
Negative Rebuttal	4 Minutes	Summarizes the main issues opposing the motion
Affirmative Rebuttal	5 Minutes	Summarizes the main issues supporting the motion

Cross Examination Debate

FIRST AFFIRMATIVE CONSTRUCTIVE SPEECH (1AC) 8 minutes

Establishes affirmatives advocacy of resolution.

There is a problem that could be solved - SIGNIFICANCE, HARM, ADVANTAGE

The status quo isn’t going to solve this problem without change - INHERENCY

Here is our specific proposal of what ought to be done - PLAN

Our plan will solve the problem/harm - SOLVENCY

SECOND NEGATIVE SPEAKER CROSS EXAMINES 1AC 3 minutes

1. Ask question to help you understand their arguments. GET INFORMATION

1. Ask questions to set up your arguments to come. USE ANSWERS AGAINST THEM LATER

1. Show the judge what a wonderful person you are. ACT LIKE A POLITE, FRIENDLY PERSON.

FIRST NEGATIVE CONSTRUCTIVE SPEECH (1NC) 8 minutes

Attacks affirmative and begins laying out additional issues negative

Make arguments against the specifics of the aff case. CASE ARGUMENTS.

Argue that if the plan is adopted bad things will happen. DISADVANTAGES.

Argue that the fundamental assumptions of the affirmative are flawed/incorrect. CRITIQUE.

Argue that the plan is not a representation of the topic. TOPICALITY.

Argue that there would be a better alternative to the plan. COUNTERPLAN

FIRST AFFIRMATIVE SPEAKER CROSS EXAMINES 1NC 3 minutes

SECOND AFFIRMATIVE CONSTRUCTIVE SPEECH (2AC) 8 minutes

Defend aff positions, attack negative positions, last chance to introduce new issues for aff.

Argue that the disadvantages are really reasons to vote affirmative. TURNS.

Argue that the counterplan and the affirmative plan can co-exist.

PERMUTATIONS.

FIRST NEGATIVE SPEAKER CROSS EXAMINES 2AC 3 minutes

SECOND NEGATIVE CONSTRUCTIVE SPEECH (2NC) 8 minutes

Attack aff positions, defend negative positions, last chance to introduce new issues for the neg.

2NC and 1NR should cover different issues. DIVISION OF LABOR.

SECOND AFFIRMATIVE SPEAKER CROSS EXAMINES 2NC 3 minutes

FIRST NEGATIVE REBUTTAL (1NR) 4 minutes

Attack aff positions, defend neg positions. . DIVISION OF LABOR.

FIRST AFFIRMATIVE REBUTTAL (1AR) 4 minutes

Answer all neg issues, defend aff positions.

SECOND NEGATIVE REBUTTAL (2NR) 4 minutes

Select winning issues and sell them to critic. WEIGH THE ISSUES.

SECOND AFFIRMATIVE REBUTTAL (2AR) 4 minutes

Select winning issues and sell them to critic. WEIGH THE ISSUES.

Teams are given a total of 5-10 minutes prep time to use before their speeches. It is different at different tournaments.

Shake Hands. See if the judge has any comments.

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