Oxford-Oregon Debate Mechanics

MODIFIED OXFORD-OREGON DEBATE
MECHANICS
I. Structure of the Debate

The structure of this debate is a modified Oxford-Oregon format.
There are two sides in this format, i.e., the Affirmative and the
Negative Side. The Affirmative proves the validity of the
proposition, while the Negative disapproves it. Each side shall be
composed of three speakers.
II. Burden of each team

Affirmative: Burden of proof; must establish a prima facie case
and must prove all the aspect of the case to win. Objective: to set
out convincing arguments and materials that support a response to
the questions raised.
Negative: burden of rebuttal; must destroy the points/ cases

raised by the affirmative side. Objective: to refute the points made
by the Affirmative Team through the use of convincing arguments
and materials.
III. Aspects of the Case
Necessity - need for the proposition, discusses the presence or

absence of an inherent flaw in the status quo.
Beneficiality - advantages or disadvantages of adopting or

rejecting the proposition.
Practicability – feasibility of the proposition, which includes the

matter of law, clamour and finance.
IV. Parts of the Debate

Constructive Speech - the presentation of each member’s
arguments and evidence for each aspect of the case. (4 minutes)
Interpellation/Cross-Examination – the opportunity for each

debater to ask and answer questions regarding their speeches. (3
minutes)
*Rules on Interpellation/Cross-Examination:
1. Questions should primarily be focused on arguments developed
in the speech of the opponent. However, matters relevant and
material to the proposition are admissible.
2. Questioner and opponent should treat each other with courtesy.
3. Once the questioning has begun, neither the questioner nor his
opponent may consult a colleague. Consultation should be done
before.
4. Questions should ask brief and easily understandable questions.
Answers should equally be brief. Categorical questions answered
by yes or no is allowed, however, opponent may qualify his answer
why yes or why no.
5. Questioner may not cut off a reasonable and qualifying answer.
6. A questioner should not comment on the response of his
opponent.
7. The opponent may refuse to answer ambiguous, irrelevant or
loaded questions by asking the questioner to rephrase or reform
his question.
8. Interpellation is conducted for the following purposes: to clarify
points, to express errors, to obtain admissions, to setup arguments.
Rebuttal – the summary and defense of each team’s arguments

and evidence to be delivered by any speaker of the team. (3mins)
* Rebuttal speeches are for case re-building and final words. Though
counter-arguments are permitted in rebuttal, no new evidence or proof is
allowed.
V. Flow of the Debate
1st Speaker Affirmative Side – Constructive Speech (4 minutes)

1st Speaker Negative Side - Interpellation (3 minutes)
1st Speaker Negative Side – Constructive Speech (4 minutes)
1st Speaker Affirmative Side- Interpellation (3 minutes)
2nd Speaker Affirmative Side – Constructive Speech (4 minutes)
2nd Speaker Negative Side - Interpellation (3 minutes)
2nd Speaker Negative Side – Constructive Speech (4 minutes)
2nd Speaker Affirmative Side- Interpellation (3 minutes)
3rd Speaker Affirmative Side – Constructive Speech (4 minutes)
3rd Speaker Negative Side - Interpellation (3 minutes)
3rd Speaker Negative Side – Constructive Speech (4 minutes)
3rd Speaker Affirmative Side- Interpellation (3 minutes)
Team Captain Affirmative Side – Rebuttal (3mins)
Team Captain Negative Side – Rebuttal (3mis)
1. Opposing teams will be determined through a draw lots, so with
the side they are going to take.
2. There will be a series of elimination rounds every Friday starting
November 8, 2024. The last two teams standing will advance to the
Final Round which will happen on the morning of November 22,
2024.
3. Teams are required to conduct research and prepare their
speeches. An argument without citing an evidence to support the
same is a mere assertion and does not merit any consideration.
Role of the Adjudicators:

1. To reveal the issue involve in the debate.
2. To rule on points of clarification about the issue or questions and
answers made during the interpellation.
3. To see to it that the debate is in order and follows the rules set forth.
4. To rate each debate separately to identify the Best Debater. The
debater who acquired the highest point must be the Best Debater.
*The adjudicators have the authority to choose the Best Speaker.
* An adjudicator is allowed to ask at most TWO (2) questions ONLY
of each debater, either during his speech or as he is being
interpellated. The question and response must fall within the time limits of
the speech delivery or interpellation period.
CRITERIA FOR JUDGING:

Evidence – 25%
(Evidences presented are factual, valid, and relevant)
Delivery – 30%
(Main arguments and responses are outlined in a clear and orderly way.
tone of voice, clarity of expression and precision of arguments all contribute
to keeping audience’s attention)
Interpellation – 30%
(Identification of weakness of the opposition’s arguments and ability to
defend itself against attack.)
Rebuttal – 15%
(Sorted important points from speeches and interpellations and use them to
persuade judges of the team’s case)
TOTAL – 100%

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MODIFIED OXFORD-OREGON DEBATE

I. Structure of the Debate

II. Burden of each team

Negative: burden of rebuttal; must destroy the points/ cases

III. Aspects of the Case

Necessity - need for the proposition, discusses the presence or

Beneficiality - advantages or disadvantages of adopting or

Practicability – feasibility of the proposition, which includes the

IV. Parts of the Debate

Interpellation/Cross-Examination – the opportunity for each

Rebuttal – the summary and defense of each team’s arguments

V. Flow of the Debate

1st Speaker Affirmative Side – Constructive Speech (4 minutes)

Role of the Adjudicators:

CRITERIA FOR JUDGING:

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