MSPDP Debate Format
The MSPDP 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 | 4:00 | Summarises and weighs — no brand-new arguments |
| 6 | 3rd Proposition | Proposition | 4:00 | Summarises and weighs — no brand-new arguments |
| Speaking time | 28:00 | 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 — 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.
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How MSPDP rounds are judged
- Middle-school level — reward clear reasoning and organized rebuttal over jargon or speed.
- Points of Information may appear — judge how well they’re offered and handled, not just accepted. They’re only allowed in the four constructive speeches, never the rebuttal, and never in a speech’s first or last minute. An accepted POI is capped at 15 seconds.
- Decide whether the Proposition showed its case is more likely true than false — the same comparative standard HSPDP uses. The official rules set out no presumption or tie-break rule, so don’t fall back on "Opposition wins ties"; reach a comparative decision instead.
- A team declaring what the other side "must prove" doesn’t automatically bind them — the rules state that identifying burdens is not required, so treat it as an argument to be defended rather than a rule.
- Rebuttal speakers may add new analysis, evidence, and evaluation to arguments already running — only entirely new arguments are barred. Don’t penalize a fresh example that extends an existing line.
- Feedback quality matters as much as your decision at this level.
Check yourself
How long is each of the six MSPDP speeches?
5 minutes — all of them
When may Points of Information be offered in MSPDP?
During the four constructives, but never in a speech's first or last minute
What may the 3rd speakers not do?
Introduce a brand-new argument
How does the judge decide who wins?
Whichever side showed its case is more likely true than false
How much prep time do teams get once the topic is released?
About 20 minutes
Frequently asked questions
What does MSPDP stand for?
MSPDP is the Middle School Public Debate Program — a 3-on-3 debate format for students roughly aged 10 to 14, adapted from parliamentary debate for middle-school classrooms and tournaments.
How many speakers are on an MSPDP team?
Three on each side. The 1st and 2nd speakers give constructive speeches building and answering the case, and the 3rd speaker gives the rebuttal, which summarises rather than introducing new arguments.
Can you give a point of information during the rebuttal?
No. Points of information are allowed only during the four constructive speeches, never during either 3rd speaker’s rebuttal, and never in the first or last minute of any speech. Once accepted, a POI is capped at 15 seconds.
Can the 3rd speaker bring up a new argument?
No — entirely new arguments are barred in the rebuttal. Adding a fresh example, a new piece of evidence, or extra analysis to an argument the team already made is allowed, and judges should not penalise it.
How does a judge decide who wins an MSPDP round?
The judge decides whether the Proposition showed its case is more likely true than false. It is a comparative standard, not certainty, and the official rules set out no presumption or tie-break, so a judge should reach a comparative decision rather than defaulting to the Opposition.
How much prep time do MSPDP teams get?
About 20 minutes from when the topic is announced. Once the debate starts there is no prep time between speeches — the next speaker begins as soon as the previous one finishes.
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