A Debate at the Union Club, Public Domain

Introduction to World Schools Debating Championship

WSDC Format is used in the WSDC (duh) and involves two teams of three members. The Proposition argues for the motion, and the Opposition argues against the motion. There will be three constructive speeches and two reply speeches.

Speech Length: 08:00 mins (+30 sec Grace)
Reply Length: 04:00 mins (+30 sec Grace)

Team Lineup

Speaker Order & Roles

  1. Prime Minister (PM): The Prime Minister introduces the motion, defines the key terms, and characterises the context of the debate. Sometimes, the Prime Minister would introduce a module if it is a practical or actor motion. They are expected to present the greater portion of the government case, often at least two constructives. Their definitions hold for the Closing Bench as well.
  2. Leader of Opposition: The Leader of Opposition defines any further key terms (if need be), challenges government definitions (if need be), and characterises their context for the debate. The Leader of Opposition may choose to introduce a counter-module if it is a practical or actor motion. They are also expected to present the greater portion of the opposition case. They are not expected to rebut the government case.
  3. Deputy Prime Minister (DPM): The Deputy Prime Minister supports the case presented by the Prime Minister, extends any left out parts, and presents new constructives. They are not expected to present more than one constructive. However, the Deputy Prime Minister is expected to present rebuttals against the Opposition case. They are often advised to maintain a balance between the amount of constructives and rebuttals in their speeches.
  4. Deputy Leader of Opposition (DLO): The Deputy Leader of Opposition supports the case presented by the Leader of Opposition extends any left out parts, and presents new constructives. They are also not expected to present more than one constructive but expected to present rebuttals against the government case. They are also advised to maintain a balance between the amount of constructives and rebuttals in their speeches.
  5. Government Whip (GW): The Government Whip carries the main responsibility of analysing common themes and clashpoints within the whole debate. They are expected to share how the government case is more justifed and stands victorious over the Opposition case. They are also not expected to rebut, but may find it useful as part of their clashpoint analysis. The Whip is not allowed to produce new constructives. However, it is possible to shed clarity over and further substantiate existing constructives. They must defend and analyse the cases of both the opening and closing benches.
  6. Opposition Whip (OW): The Opposition Whip also carries the main responsibility of analysing common themes and clashpoints within the whole debate. They are expected to share how the Opposition case is more justifed and stands victorious over the government case. They are also not expected to rebut, but may find it useful as part of their clashpoint analysis. The Whip is not allowed to produce new constructives. However, it is possible to shed clarity over and further substantiate existing constructives. They must defend and analyse the cases of both the opening and closing benches.

How to Win

Government vs. Opposition: The side that presents the best case would be favoured. Teams must attack their opposing team and produce a case that can withstand the rebuttals.

Adjudication Outcome

The result will be a ranked list. The best team gets ranked first and so on...