Beginner Debate Format Explained
The Beginner Debate round, speech by speech
| # | Speech | Side | Length | What it’s for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Pro Opening | Pro | 2:00 | Builds the case and answers the other side |
| 2 | Con Opening | Con | 2:00 | Builds the case and answers the other side |
| 3 | Pro Rebuttal | Pro | 1:30 | Summarizes and weighs, no brand-new arguments |
| 4 | Con Rebuttal | Con | 1:30 | Summarizes and weighs, no brand-new arguments |
| 5 | Pro Closing | Pro | 1:00 | Narrows the round to what matters |
| 6 | Con Closing | Con | 1:00 | Narrows the round to what matters |
| Speaking time | 9:00 | Plus 2:00 prep time | ||
Scroll right for the full table →
The rules that actually matter
- One student on each side. No partners.
- Each side speaks three times, and Pro always goes first.
- First speech (2 minutes): give your reasons.
- Second speech (1.5 minutes): answer what the other side said.
- Third speech (1 minute): sum up. No brand-new points here.
- Students get 2 minutes to get ready before the debate starts.
- The judge picks whichever side explained their case better.
Prepping a Beginner round?
Build your case with instant feedback, flow the round live, and run full practice rounds — free.
How to prep for a Beginner round
- Pick two reasons, not five. A 2-minute speech fits two reasons explained well.
- For every reason, say why it matters and give one real-life example.
- Write down the other side's reasons while they speak, so your answer speech responds to what they actually said.
- Practice your ending out loud: one sentence on why your side should win.
How Beginner rounds are judged
- Focus on clear reasoning over polish — these debaters are just learning the basics.
- Reward effort and structure (a claim plus a reason) over rhetorical flourish.
- Keep your feedback simple, specific, and encouraging.
- Rebuttal is a genuinely new skill at this level — give it real credit when a debater directly answers the other side’s claim, not just when they restate their own.
Check yourself
How many speakers does each side have in Beginner Debate?
One — no partners
Which speech comes immediately after the Pro Opening?
Con Opening
How much prep time do you get before the round starts?
2 minutes
What is a Rebuttal supposed to do?
Directly respond to the other side's opening
What are you allowed to do in your Closing?
Summarize the case you already made
Frequently asked questions
What is the speech order in Beginner Debate?
Beginner Debate has 6 timed parts, in this order: Pro Opening (2 minutes), Con Opening (2 minutes), Pro Rebuttal (1 minute 30 seconds), Con Rebuttal (1 minute 30 seconds), Pro Closing (1 minute), Con Closing (1 minute). That is 9 minutes of timed speaking and questioning in all, plus prep time.
Who is Beginner Debate for?
Students who are just starting out, usually in elementary or middle school. There are no partners, no question time, and no debate jargon, so the focus is on giving reasons and answering the other side.
Who speaks first in Beginner Debate?
Pro always goes first, and each side speaks three times: first their reasons, then an answer to the other side, then a short ending.
Prep your next Beginner round with The Debate Prep
Case builder with instant feedback, flow sheets, a format-aware timer, and full practice rounds against an opponent that argues back. Free to start.