Share Debate Terms
Save to Folder
Barrack
To offer points of information too quickly in succession and be disruptive.
Definition
interpretation of the motion created by the opening government team in the debate
Draw
The announcement of team positions, judges and the motion before a debate
Knife
When a closing team implicitly or explicitly contradicts the opening team on the same side
Motion
The statement of the debate
Proposition
The side in favour of the motion. Also known as the government
Opposition
The side against the motion.
Protected Time
The first and last minute of a speech during which points of information cannot be offered.
Rebuttal
The explanation of why the arguments made by the other side is wrong.
Squirrel
An illegitimate and unreasonable attempt by opening government to restrict or shift a motion.
Wing
A person who assists the chair judge in adjudicating the debate
Swing Team
A reserve team put into the competition to ensure a multiple of 4 teams or when a team is absent
Summation
The concluding speech on each side, providing a biased summary of the debate (British Parliamentary format)
Prep time
The fifteen minutes between the draw and the start of the debate during which teams prepare for a debate
Preliminary round
A debating round where all the teams take part before the knockout outround
Counterproposal
An alternative policy to that of the definition advocated by the opposition
