What is Debate?
Debate is essentially interaction between speakers or teams of speakers as they argue over an issue. In a formal debate, two sides take opposing positions: one supporting the resolution (affirmative) and one opposing it (negative). Participants work in teams to present arguments, counter-arguments, and supporting evidence to persuade adjudicators or audiences.
Beyond the competition, debate helps students strengthen research, problem-solving and communication skills, think critically under pressure, as well as build confidence. These skills translate into real-life benefits, preparing them to become persuasive speakers, problem-solvers, and future leaders in school, career, and society.
In a debate tournament (WSDC format), students take on different roles: they can start as debaters and advance to roles like adjudicators.
What is the WSDC Debate format?
- First Proposition Speaker: Opens the debate, defines the motion, presents the team’s case, and outlines arguments.
- First Opposition Speaker: Responds directly to the first proposition, may redefine the motion, and presents the team’s counter-arguments.
- Second Proposition Speaker: Rebutts the first opposition’s points & introduce new arguments.
- Second Opposition Speaker: Rebutts the second proposition and presents further arguments.
- Third Proposition Speaker: Reinforces the team’s case, rebuts remaining opposition points, and summarizes key arguments.
- Third Opposition Speaker: Rebutts the third proposition, reinforces the opposition’s case, and concludes persuasively.
- Reply Speaker - Proposition & Opposition: Summarizes key arguments, highlights important exchanges, and reinforces why their side wins.
About TGC's Debate Enrichment classes
The Debate pathway equips students with critical thinking, confidence, and persuasive skills to become articulate communicators and future leaders. Debate for Kids – Pathway to Young Speakers offers an engaging first step into structured argumentation through fun activities, games, and guided practice, helping them build public speaking, reasoning, and teamwork skills. As they advance, Debate for Teens – Pathway to Debate Excellence provides a more rigorous foundation in research, strategy, and competitive debating, preparing them to craft arguments, respond effectively, and excel in tournaments.
Together, these programs create a clear journey from curiosity to competence, empowering students to thrive in debate and beyond.
Program Outcomes
- Build and present arguments using the WSDC debate format.
- Distinguish between various motion types and apply the appropriate strategies for each.
- Understand the roles of different speakers and identify the role that suits them best.
- Explore and refine their personal debate style.
- Develop clear, logical arguments for effective debate.
- Improve public speaking skills and boost confidence in presentations.
- Collaborate effectively with teammates during debates.
What TGC's students say
Debating is not just about the victories. It is also about the lessons that we learn from our defeats. As a passionate educator, the coaches at TGCA prioritized the development
of the team and us as individuals, more so than the outcome of each debate. Debating is incredibly beneficial in environments with a diversity of views and opinions like the
US. Skills like critical thinking become valuable assess for students like me who strive to become global citizens. - Bao Anh, Debate student
For my son to become who he is today, Debate and TGC teachers have played a fundamdental part. My family is really grateful to the teachers for helping my son become a better
person, full of bravery, confidence and passion. - Ms. Huong, parent of TGC Alumni