Debate
Subjects:
- LD Debate: Individual
students argue issues concerning morality and values, such as liberty, justices,
the public good, and equality. Topics, or resolutions, change every two months.
Competitors rely on ethical and philosophical analysis, grappling with such
questions as: How do you determine what is “good” for society?
What civic duties do people have? What human rights should the government
protect? When should these rights be limited? Rounds last 45 minutes. (Example
resolutions: The United States has a moral obligation to mitigate international
conflicts; Obedience to the law ought to take precedence over obedience to
conscience.)
- Extemp:
Individual speakers randomly draw three current event questions from an envelope
and choose one upon which to speak. Competitors receive 30 minutes to prepare
a 7 minute speech that answers the questions any way they wish. No notes are
used while speaking. During preparation time, speakers may use files of news
articles compiled prior to competition. Speakers cite evidence from these
sources to support their position. Extemp is usually divided into “domestic”
and “foreign” categories. (Sample questions: What role should
the United States play in rebuilding Iraq? Can the Democrats revive their
party? What can be done to save Social Security?)
- Original Oratory: Oratory
allows students to deliver a speech on a subject of their choice. Speeches
are expected to be motivational and often employ a problem cause solution
format. Speeches are written in advance and memorized (no notes allowed in
competition) with a 10 minute time limit. Students that use humor to communicate
their message are usually more successful. The use of outside sources is restricted
since this is expected to be an original work.
- Student Congress: Student
Congress is a mock legislative session designed to expose students to democracy
in action and test their knowledge of parliamentary procedure. Students are
assigned to “houses” of approximately 20 to 30 members where they
debate pre-assigned bills or resolutions. Bills and resolutions are submitted
by schools and then posted on www.txfa.org for the competitive season. Since
the topics to be debated have been determined in advance, students have time
to research and to prepare to speak on these issues. Each speech is limited
to three minutes, and speeches alternate between the pro and the con. Notes
and prepared material are allowed.
- DRAMATIC INTERPRETATION (DI):
This is an individual event in which the selections are dramatic in nature.
Selections shall be cuttings from published printed novels, short stories,
plays, poetry, or any other printed published materials. Presentations must
be memorized, without props or costumes. Actors will utilize stationary blocking
to enhance the interpretation. The time limit is 10 minutes which includes
an introduction
- HUMOROUS INTERPRETATION (HI):
This is an individual event in which the selections are humorous in nature.
All other rules are the same as Dramatic Interpretation.
- DUET: This is a two
person category in which the selection may be either humorous or dramatic
in nature. All other rules are the same as Dramatic Interpretation.
MHS SPEECH & DEBATE BOOSTER
CLUB
2007-2008
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