ESPDP Debate Format
The ESPDP round, speech by speech
| # | Speech | Side | Length | What it’s for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1st Proposition | Proposition | 5:00 | Builds the case and answers the other side |
| 2 | 1st Opposition | Opposition | 5:00 | Builds the case and answers the other side |
| 3 | 2nd Proposition | Proposition | 5:00 | Builds the case and answers the other side |
| 4 | 2nd Opposition | Opposition | 5:00 | Builds the case and answers the other side |
| 5 | 3rd Opposition | Opposition | 3:00 | Summarises and weighs — no brand-new arguments |
| 6 | 3rd Proposition | Proposition | 3:00 | Summarises and weighs — no brand-new arguments |
| Speaking time | 26:00 | Plus 20:00 topic prep | ||
The rules that actually matter
- Three students on each side: one side agrees with the topic, one disagrees.
- The 1st speakers go, then the 2nd speakers. The side that agrees goes first both times.
- Then the 3rd speakers go, for 3 minutes each — and here the side that disagrees goes first.
- While a 1st or 2nd speaker is talking, someone from the other side may stand and ask to make a quick point. The speaker can say yes or no.
- If the speaker says yes, that point has to be made in 15 seconds or less.
- Those interruptions are not allowed during the 3rd speakers' speeches, and never in the first or last minute of any speech.
- The 3rd speakers cannot start a brand-new argument. They can still add new facts and examples to an argument their team already made.
- The judge picks whichever side showed their case was more likely right than wrong.
- Teams get about 20 minutes to plan, starting from when they hear the topic.
- There is no planning time once the debate begins. The next speaker starts as soon as the last one finishes.
- Judges are expected to give kind, specific feedback. At this level that is a real part of the job, not an extra.
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How ESPDP rounds are judged
- An educational, accessible format for elementary students — prioritize encouraging, specific feedback.
- The 1st and 2nd speakers each get the full 5 minutes; only the 3rd speakers’ rebuttals are shorter, at 3 minutes. Don’t signal the constructives short — that’s the same 5-minute speech MSPDP uses.
- Reward clear structure (a reason and an example) over speed or complexity.
- These debaters are building confidence as much as skill — be kind in your delivery.
- Points of Information are part of this format: allowed during the four constructive speeches only, never in a speech’s first or last minute, and capped at 15 seconds once accepted.
- The last speaker’s rebuttal should summarize and assess, not introduce brand-new arguments — that’s treated as a rules violation in this program family, not just a style note. Adding a fresh example or new analysis to an argument already running is fine, though; only entirely new arguments are barred, and you simply disregard one.
- Decide whether the Proposition showed its case is more likely true than false — the same comparative standard MSPDP and HSPDP use. There is no presumption or tie-break rule, so don’t fall back on "Opposition wins ties."
- Elementary debate is organized district by district rather than by one national office, so confirm the tournament’s own schedule if it looks different from the 5/5/5/5 + 3/3 structure above.
Check yourself
How many speakers are on each ESPDP team?
Three
Which speaker gives the very last speech of the round?
3rd Proposition
How long are the 3rd speakers' rebuttal speeches?
3 minutes
When may a student stand up to offer a point of information?
During the 1st and 2nd speakers' speeches, but never in a speech's first or last minute
What may the 3rd speakers not do?
Introduce a brand-new argument
How much time do teams get to prepare once the topic is announced?
About 20 minutes
Frequently asked questions
What does ESPDP stand for?
ESPDP is the Elementary School Public Debate Program — the elementary tier of the same Public Debate Program family as MSPDP and HSPDP, run as a first team-debate format for younger students.
How long are ESPDP speeches?
The 1st and 2nd speakers each get the full 5 minutes — the same as MSPDP constructives. Only the 3rd speakers’ rebuttals are shorter, at 3 minutes each. Judges should not signal the constructives short.
Do elementary debaters use points of information?
Yes. POIs are part of the format during the four constructive speeches only, never in a speech’s first or last minute, and capped at 15 seconds once the speaker accepts.
Are ESPDP rules the same everywhere?
Mostly, but not guaranteed. Elementary debate is organised by individual school districts rather than one national office, so some details vary. If a tournament’s schedule looks different from the 5/5/5/5 plus 3/3 structure, confirm with the coach or tournament.
What are judges expected to do at this level?
Decide whether the Proposition showed its case is more likely true than false, and give kind, specific feedback. At the elementary level feedback is treated as a real part of the job rather than an optional extra, because these debaters are building confidence as much as skill.
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