Debaters should refute the materials presented in their opponents case simply and persuasively. High-quality rebuttal arguments usually consist of strong logical reasoning, qualified evidence, and clear implications as to why your response beats the opponent's case.

Policy Debate involves the proposal of a plan by the affirmative team to enact a policy, while the negative team offers reasons to reject that proposal. Throughout the debate, students have the opportunity to cross-examine one another. A judge or panel of judges determines the winner based on the arguments presented.

Judges evaluate teams on the quality of arguments made, not on their own personal beliefs, and not on issues they think a particular side should have covered. Judges should write notes throughout the debate, assessing the bearing of each argument on the truth or falsehood of the assigned resolution.

Individuals give short (2-4 minute) speeches that are interspersed with 3 minute "Crossfire" sections, questions and answers between opposed debaters. The winner is determined by a judge who also serves as a referee (timing sections, penalizing incivility, etc).

Ability to use logic to refute arguments of opponents. Ability to use logic to defend their position. Ability to focus on crucial issues. Recognition of fallacies....Evidence & Reasoning: Facts, statistics & authorities. Thorough research. Relevant research. Use of sound logic.

A Public Forum debate consists of 8 speeches and 3 crossfires, each with a time limit. Constructive Speeches (4 minutes) ... Refutation Speeches (4 minutes) ... Summary Speeches (3 minutes) ... Final Foci/Focuses (2 minutes)

A public forum also called an open forum, is open to all expression that is protected under the First Amendment. Streets, parks, and sidewalks are considered open to public discourse by tradition and are designated as traditional public forums.