DSM Hoover Big Questions May Mini

2022 — Online, IA/US

Big Questions

Abbreviation BQ
Format Debate
Entry Fee $0.00
Entry Teams of between 1 and 2 competitors

Event Description:

About Big Questions Debate

Big Questions Debate is a debate format that allows students to debate with a partner or as an individual. Debates may be one-on-one, two-on-two, or two-on-one. Topics last all year and concern the intersection of science, philosophy, and religion. Students are assigned a side of the topic before each round and present cases, engage in rebuttal and refutation, and participate in a question period. Big Questions is supported by the John Templeton Foundation.

Resolved: On balance, societies benefit from religious belief and practice. Time Limits Speech Time Limit Purpose

Affirmative Constructive 5 minutes Present case
Negative Constructive 5 minutes Present case
Question Segment 3 minutes Alternate asking and answering questions
Affirmative Rebuttal 4 minutes Refute the opposing side’s arguments
Negative Rebuttal 4 minutes Refute the opposing side’s arguments
Question Segment 3 minutes Alternate asking and answering questions
Affirmative Consolidation 3 minutes Begin crystallizing the main issues in the round
Negative Consolidation 3 minutes Begin crystallizing the main issues in the round
Affirmative Rationale 3 minutes Explain reasons that you win the round
Negative Rationale 3 minutes Explain reasons that you win the round

*Each team is entitled to three minutes of prep time during the round.