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.

Helfpul tips

Debate topics:
Debate Topics 10

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

Helpful Tips:

Many of our debate competitors have very little experience debating. Some of them are debating at MIST for the first time. To help you prepare for debate at our tournament, we have provided some helpful links.

1. Research your topics. We have spent so much time choosing each of the 10 topics for this year. We have even kick started your research by providing you with links for each topic. Make sure you actually research these links. Study the pros and cons for each of the topics by reading them carefully and taking notes. Also, make sure you conduct your own research on each topic. We provide some links to kick start your research. These links, however, are not exhaustive or extensive. Your own research will be crucial. Arguments could also be supported using Islamic Hadith and Quranic verses, however this is not mandatory. More Research Tips
2. Public Speaking Style
3. Be Prepared: Have a broad general knowledge of events issues (watch the news, read the paper) etc. If possible gather a "case book" of knowledge (Must be on paper).
4. Have an argument: Don’t base your case on loads of facts. Try to work towards an argument. Think of the argument, then 3 main points to back it up and then the facts to back those up. This will help give more structure to your speech particularly if you are just starting out in Debating.
   
   
   
5. How to speak and listen to an argument