Important debates occur every day in all walks of life. There is no doubt that good debates help us to better understand issues and to arrive at reasonable decisions.

High school debates have a format that creates a fair and challenging contest for both sides. Debates are centered on a topic called a “resolution”. The resolutions cover issues relevant to teens.
In every debate the “affirmative” side speaks in favor of the resolution and the “negative” side speaks against it. Speeches for and against the resolution are timed, and “cross-fire” questioning occurs between the speeches.

Each debate has a judge who listens carefully to the arguments presented and chooses a winner. Debate competitions take place at meets in the Twin Cities area that are held on Saturdays from October to December. Many schools attend each meet. The debaters who compile the best win-loss record are recognized with ribbons and trophies at the end of the meet. These all day meets are truly an exciting and fun day filled with great discussions and the opportunity to meet debaters from other schools.