The Debate Prep
Format reference

Debate Formats Explained

Every format runs a different round, and the differences decide real debates — who speaks when, how long they get, when you can interrupt, and what the judge is allowed to reward. These are the ones we cover in full.

In-depth format guides

Public Forum

Two students on each side argue about something in the news. It is built to be judged by an ordinary adult with no debate background, so being clear and convincing matters more than being fast or technical.

11 speeches · 35:00 speaking · 3:00 prep

ESPDP

A first team-debate format for elementary students, run the same way as the middle school version but with a shorter last speech. Three students on each side. Elementary debate is organized by individual school districts rather than by one national office, so a few details can differ from place to place — check with your coach.

6 speeches · 26:00 speaking · 20:00 prep

MSPDP

A middle school format with three students on each side. While someone is speaking, the other team may stand up and ask to make a quick point. It is built to teach organized arguing and polite interrupting.

6 speeches · 28:00 speaking · 20:00 prep

HSPDP

The high school version of MSPDP, with longer speeches and more developed cases. Three students on each side, and the other team may stand up and ask to make a quick point while someone is speaking.

6 speeches · 34:00 speaking · 20:00 prep

Other formats in the app

These don't have a written guide yet, but the timer, case builder, and flow sheets already run all of them — plus any custom league format you describe.
  • Beginner Debate
  • Lincoln-Douglas
  • Policy Debate
  • Parliamentary Debate
  • World Schools
  • Student Congress
  • British Parliamentary
  • Karl Popper Debate
  • Moot Court
  • Mock Trial
  • Socratic Debate
  • Extemporaneous Speaking
  • Impromptu Speaking
  • Australs (AUDC Style)
  • Asian Parliamentary
  • CNDF
  • CEDA Policy
  • NDT Policy
  • SPAR
  • Town Hall Debate

Prep for your format, not a generic one

The Debate Prep adapts every tool — timers, case structure, judging notes — to the format you actually compete in. Free to start.