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Debate3v3 (squads up to 5)
World Schools Debate
3v3 international-format debate mixing prepared and impromptu motions. Judged on content, style, and strategy — rhetoric matters as much as the flow.
Time
8 min speeches · 4 min replies
Prep
Impromptu motions announced ~1 hour before round
Format
3v3 (squads up to 5)
Round structure
Substantive speeches (8 min × 6)
Prop and Opp alternate. Speakers 1–3 build the case, rebut, and crystallize. POIs may be offered between the first and last minute of each speech.
Reply speeches (4 min × 2)
Opposition replies first, Proposition closes. A 'biased adjudication' of the round — no new arguments, given by the first or second speaker.
Points of Information
Short interjections from the opposing team. Accept one or two per speech and answer with poise — POI handling is scored under strategy.
What judges look for
- Content: argument quality and evidence (40%)
- Style: persuasive, audience-centered delivery (40%)
- Strategy: prioritization, structure, POI handling (20%)
- Team cohesion — one case told by three voices
- Engagement with the strongest opposing material
Ballot criteria
Content40%
Argument quality, evidence, and rebuttal substance.
Style40%
Persuasive delivery for a general audience.
Strategy20%
Issue prioritization, timing, structure, POI use.
Practice tips
- Drill impromptu casebuilding: motion to full team case in 60 minutes.
- Practice offering and answering POIs in every practice speech.
- Assign speaker roles and rehearse handoffs so the case reads as one story.
- Watch WSDC finals and borrow their structural language.
Common mistakes
- Reading a speech instead of debating the room
- Ignoring POIs or accepting too many
- New arguments in reply speeches
- Three speakers running three different cases
Sample topics / sparks
- This House would ban targeted political advertising on social media.
- This House believes developing nations should prioritize growth over emissions cuts.
- This House regrets the rise of influencer culture.
Drills for this event
RhetoricTeamworkPOIsGlobal issuesCase building