In this debate competition, contestants will be involved in a one on one, extemporaneous style discussion. Students will be given a topic at their specified rounds and told which side of the issue to debate- either affirmative, affirming or agreeing with the topic- or negative, negating or disagreeing with the topic. Depending on the number of students registered for this competition, there will be a specified number of rounds (not to exceed 5 rounds). Winners of a debate will move onto the next round. Students will find out if they moved to the next round at the end of their debate and after the judges deliberate. The final debate will be held in front of the entire tournament audience. Topics for debate will range from a variety of current event issues. Debaters are encouraged to stay abreast of any current issues. Topics will not be limited to religious ones.

Debate topics:

Are Sunni-Shi`ite relations better or worse after the US invasion of Iraq?

It is in the US's best interest to have a foreign policy of non-intervention?

Is it in Iran's best interest to pursue nuclear energy?

Affirmative action in college admissions are not only justified, but necessary.

The use of a national identity card should be implemented across all states in the US

The US's efforts to spread democracy in the Middle East will decrease terrorism and stabilize the region.

Should the UN have stronger regulatory power over the actions of nations?

Learning a second language should be mandatory starting from elementary school.

China is a threat to US interests in Asia

President Bush's $168 billion rescue package for the economy in the form of rebates and tax breaks will not prevent the impending recession

Corporate tax breaks and perks should be alotted only to those companies that keep their industrial plants in the US, not abroad.

While this is a debate and students are expected to argue and debate points, it is imperative that all debaters understand that they need to debate in an Islamic manner. Rude and unislamic behavior will not be tolerated. Students should be passionate and intense when they debate but not at the expense of their Islamic manners.

1. No more than 2 students from each team can register for this competition.
2. This competition is NOT a team effort.
3. Moderator announces proposition to be debated.
   For example: "The death penalty is wrong, and should not be allowed in the U.S."
4. The Moderator introduces each speaker- and the time is tallied
5. Time will be broken as follows:
   1. 5 minutes for preparation time.
   2. Affirmative Constructive** (AC): 5 min.
   3. Negative Cross-examination*** (C-X): 3 min.
   4. Negative Constructive (NC): 5 min.
   5. Affirmative C-X: 3 min.
   6. Affirmative 1st Rebuttal (1AR): 3 min.
   7. Negative 1st Rebuttal (NR): 3 min.
   8. Affirmative 2nd Rebuttal (2AR): 3 min.
6. Competitors will be judged according to the Debate Ballot. This ballot serves only as a guide to the contestants. MIST reserves the right to change the ballot at any time.

   ** Constructive means that the position will be presented.
   *** Cross-Examination will allow the contestant to ask questions of the opposite position