What is High School Debate?

Important debates occur every day in all walks of life. Scientists and politicians, for example, debate solutions to our most serious problems. There is no doubt that good debates help us to better understand issues and to arrive at well-reasoned decisions.

High school debates have set formats to create a fair and challenging contest for both sides. Debates are centered on a resolution (a controversial statement). Resolutions are about a variety of topics pulled from current events and policies.

In every debate the affirmative side speaks in favor of the resolution and the negative side speaks against it. A debate takes about an hour and consists of a series of speeches for and against the resolution. There is also cross-examination where debaters ask questions.

Each debate has a judge who listens carefully to the arguments presented and chooses a winner. Most debate competitions take place at tournaments held from September-January. Many schools attend each tournament. The debaters who compile the best won-lost record are usually recognized and awarded trophies. The season ends with a state tournament and qualifier tournaments to nationals. Sheboygan North has a history of success in debate, at both the state and national level.

Why Join the Debate Team?

Debate offers a wide range of benefits and appeals to many students. The best way to know if you’ll like it is to try it. Here are some benefits that current and former debaters often mention:

  • Build Friendships—Debate is a great chance to meet people with common interests.
  • Develop Self-Confidence—As debaters learn to defend their arguments and to persuade the audience, their confidence soars.
  • Public Speaking—Public speaking is both highly feared by many people and highly valued by employers. Debate helps students to become comfortable and effective public speakers.
  • Research Skills—Do you ever get frustrated and confused with a research assignment? You’ll learn to master the research process in debate.
  • Note-taking & Listening Skills—Former debaters have a big advantage in college because they can quickly identify and record key information from lectures.
  • Teamwork—Being part of a team is rewarding by itself. Through debate you can letter and represent Eastview High School in competition.
  • Fun—The bottom line for most members of the debate team is that it’s fun. When you win your first debate, you’ll understand why!

How Much Time Does Debate Take?

Like other sports and activities, high school debate has regular practices and competitions. Because debate is more individually based, there is more flexibility in scheduling. Time commitment depends on the student. If you want to debate, we want to make that opportunity available.

Typically, debaters practice two days per week. Practices usually run from 3:30-4:30, but alternate practice times are sometimes arranged. At practice, debaters learn more about the debate topic through research and discussion, work on their speaking and arguments, and have a little fun in the process.

Debaters choose which tournaments to attend. Highly involved team members will usually go to about 10-12 weekend tournaments. Tournaments are held during the day on Saturdays September-January. Some tournaments also include Friday afternoon and evenings.

Overall, most students find that their time in debate is well invested. Spend some time to find out more about the debate team—attend a meeting or talk to a team member or coach. Don’t miss a golden opportunity.

COVID Update: Due to the restrictions in place, the 2020-2021 debate season is completely virtual. Practices are held on google meets and tournaments are run through their own software, Tabroom. Students can still experience the full debate experience, only now virtually.

Debate Website

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