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Senior · Grades 8–10
Debate Challenge
Think Critically • Speak Confidently • Debate Respectfully
Entry limit: 1 team of 2 per school
What this event involves
Two speakers per school take opposite sides of a given topic. One speaks For, the other Against, across opening arguments, a rebuttal round and a conclusion.
Conducted entirely in English, with a moderator managing each round.
The key facts
- Date
- Thursday, 3rd September 2026
- Time slot
- Slot 1 · 10:00 AM
- Studio
- Nova
- Team
- 2 participants — one for the topic, one against the topic
- Duration
- 3 rounds
- Entry limit
- 1 team of 2 per school
Format and rounds
- 1Round 1 — opening arguments2 minutes per speaker
- 2Round 2 — rebuttal1 minute per speaker
- 3Round 3 — conclusion1 minute per speaker
Key rules
- 1Each school nominates exactly two participants — one speaking for the topic and one against the topic.
- 2In the rebuttal round, speakers must respond only to the opposing speaker's arguments.
- 3Personal remarks, offensive language or disrespectful behaviour are prohibited.
- 4No books, notes, mobile phones or electronic devices during the debate.
- 5Speakers must keep to the allotted time.
Judges' decisions shall be final and binding. See general rules
Judging criteria
- Content & logical arguments30
- Rebuttal & critical thinking20
- Confidence & delivery20
- Clarity & communication20
- Time management10
- Total100
Entering this event?
Each registration form covers up to three events. Entries close 29th August 2026.