Asian Debate Rules Members in the debate Government Prime Minister Deputy Prime Minister Government Whip Opposition

Opposition Leader Deputy Opposition Leader Opposition Whip

Debate structure Government 1 Prime Minister 3 Deputy Prime Minister 5 Government Whip 8 Government Reply Opposition 2 Opposition Leader 4 Deputy Opposition Leader 6 Opposition Whip 7 Opposition Reply

Types of speeches Each team is composed of 3 speakers. Each substantive speech lasts for 7 minutes. They should not exceed 7 minutes and 20 seconds. Reply speeches are 5 minutes, conducted by either team leader or deputy. Reply speeches should not exceed 5 minutes and 20 seconds. No POINTS OF INFORMATION (POIs) are allowed during these reply speeches.

Point of Information (POIs) Can be offered during the substantive speeches. The first and last minute of the speeches must be uninterrupted. In the remaining 5 minutes (ie. between the 1st and 6th minute), members from the opposing team can raise POINTS OF INFORMATION (POIs).
In the remaining 5 minutes members from the opposing teams can raise POINTS OF INFORMATION

The first and last minutes must be uninterrupted.

You cannot POI your own team member. You have to wait until accepted, and you have 15 seconds to ask. After you ask your question, you have to wait at least 30 seconds to offer the next POI. If the speaker does not give you a sign of acceptance or rejection, you must sit down. The speaker can either accept or reject POIs, but he/she should accept at least one POI during the course of his/her speech.

You cannot open your POI with statements. (It must be with Point of Information, at that point.) Defining the motion Each definition must

Have a direct link to the motion Be in spirit of the motion or theme Be fair and debatable
Unfair definitions: (Which Opposition Leader can challenge)

Time/Place Sets Challenging Definitions

TRUISM TAUTOLOGY SQUIRRELS

Team roles Government Support the motion and give a definition Distinguish the problem and propose a solution/change Provide a model or mechanism (the detailed implementation process) Engage with the Opposition Opposition Argue against the motion Distinguish the problem, and argue against Governments proposal Provide counter-model or alternative Or Stick with status-quo Engage with the Government

Speaker roles 1 Prime Minister State Context Set the Definition Provide Team Stance / Explain the Model (policy debate) Present Split Develop Arguments 2 Opposition Leader [Accept/Reject the definition] Rebut the Prime Ministers arguments Explain the Counter-Model or Status quo (policy debate) Provide Team Stance Present Splits Develop Argument 3 Deputy Prime Minister - 4 Deputy Opposition Leader Rebut the Opposition Leaders/Deputy Prime Ministers argument and defend your own case Present own argument(s) which is different from the 1st speaker Develop your argument [Recap the 1st speaker] 5 Government Whip 6 Opposition Whip Rebut the points of the opposing team Summarise the debate- define the CLASHES and MAIN ISSUE of the debate Support and Defend the points of your side Summarise your teams case Cannot bring new matter/new arguments Can give deeper analysis and bring in new examples (not new matter) 7 Opposition Reply 8 Government Reply Given by the 1st or 2nd speaker, NOT the WHIP Summarise the entire debate, looking at the arguments, role fulfilment, main questions, which need to be answered to win; main principle, actual outcome of Models, comparing Models, higher moral, benefit to the majority etc. The Teams last opportunity to persuade their main points to the adjudicators and focus on the key issues of the debate Summarise your teams case shortly No new matter/new arguments, No example analysis

Marking scheme

The adjudicators will be assessing the debate, looking at the Matter, Manner and Method. Matter 40 points The content of the speech The arguments a debater uses to further his/her case and persuade the audience Includes arguments, reasoning, and examples Includes substantive material and rebuttal Includes Points of Information Manner 30 points The presentation of the speech. The style a member uses to further his/her case and persuade the audience Comprise of many separate elements There is no correct style of debating Method 30 points There are three major elements in the context of debating Method which include 1. Individual Method speech organization 2. Team Method case structure and team consistency 3. Dynamics POIs, interjections and the effectiveness, currency and relevance of rebuttals