World Schools Debate
This format emphasizes collaboration and in-depth argumentation. Since students must prepare for both rehearsed and surprise topics, World Schools Debate requires flexibility, quick thinking, and a wide range of knowledge. Debaters must work seamlessly as a team and communicate ideas clearly across cultural and ideological lines.
Successful WS debaters are logical, analytical, and persuasive. They value teamwork, stay informed about global events, and bring cultural awareness and curiosity to every round.
Time Limits
| Speech | Time Limit |
|---|---|
| Proposition Team Speaker 1 | 8 minutes |
| Opposition Team Speaker 1 | 8 minutes |
| Proposition Team Speaker 2 | 8 minutes |
| Opposition Team Speaker 2 | 8 minutes |
| Proposition Team Speaker 3 | 8 minutes |
| Opposition Team Speaker 3 | 8 minutes |
| Opposition Reply | 4 minutes |
| Proposition Reply | 4 minutes |
Compete
Final Round Videos
- 2025 - 2026
- 2024 - 2025
- 2023 - 2024
- 2022 - 2023
- 2021 - 2022
- 2020 - 2021
- 2019 - 2020
- 2018 - 2019
- 2017 - 2018
- 2016 - 2017
- 2015 - 2016
Motions |
Documents |
|
World Schools Norms – 2024 Nationals |
|
Videos |
Motions |
Documents |
2023World Schools Norms – 2024 Nationals |
2024 |
Videos |
Motions |
Documents |
2022 |
2023 |
Videos |
2022 |
Motions |
Documents |
2021 |
2022 |
Videos |
Motions |
Documents |
2020 |
2021 |
Videos |
Motions |
Documents |
2019 |
2020 |
Videos |
Motions |
Documents |
2018 |
2019 |
Videos |
Motions |
Documents |
2017 |
2018 |
Videos |
Motions |
Documents |
2016 |
2017 |
Videos |
Motions |
Documents |
2015 |
2016 |
Videos |
Speech and debate has taught me more life skills than any other class. The ability to communicate and influence people is by far the most effective tool anybody can ever use in their life.
World Schools Debate
WS • High School Main Event • Middle School Main Event • Also known as Worlds
World Schools Debate (WS) is a three-on-three debate format combining prepared and impromptu motions. While teams may include up to five members, only three compete in any given round. Students are assigned either the proposition (government) or opposition side each round and debate motions that focus on real-world issues. Debaters deliver speeches, respond to questions, and actively engage with opposing arguments, all during speeches.