Argumentum™
Debate both sides of real world topics .
During the DebateFest Argumentum™ Competition students work as a Group with two teams of 3 competing as an A Team of 3 and a B Team of 3. The teams of three will compete against teams from other schools. Even though the teams participate in two groups of 3, their scores are calculated as one group. Students debate real-world topics.
Participant Grouping
- Competition Groups are composed of 6 members (Separated into two teams).
- Students compete by band levels although every attempt is made to keep grade levels together (Grades 4-12).
- Team bands (4th-5th, 6th-7th, 8th-9th, 10th-12th).
- Groups may be mixed with students within their bands only.
- The Coach should assign students to the A or B Team for the debates. Debaters will not switch their position during the competition day.
Competition Structure
- Competition Groups receive their topics and are assigned to a research area to conduct prep for their debate.
- Groups received 60 minutes for research (Grade Bands 4th-7th); 90 minutes for Grade Bands 8th-12th). Students must bring their own computer devices and hotspots to conduct their research
- The A Team will argue only the Affirmative and the B Teams will argue only the Opposition to each issue in 3 different debates each for a total of 6 debates for the Competition Group.
Affirmative Timing
- Each topic is divided into 3 parts and each team member will lead a presentation
- Presentation 1 (5 Minutes), Prep for Rebuttal (2 Minutes), Rebuttal (3 Minutes).
- Presentation 2 (5 Minutes), Prep for Rebuttal (2 Minutes), Rebuttal (3 Minutes)
- Presentation 2 (5 Minutes), Prep for Rebuttal (2 Minutes), Rebuttal (3 Minutes).
Opposition Timing
- Each topic is divided into 3 parts and each team member will lead a presentation
- Presentation 1 (5 Minutes), Prep for Rebuttal (2 Minutes), Rebuttal (3 Minutes).
- Presentation 2 (5 Minutes), Prep for Rebuttal (2 Minutes), Rebuttal (3 Minutes)
- Presentation 2 (5 Minutes), Prep for Rebuttal (2 Minutes), Rebuttal (3 Minutes).
Scoring System
| Category | Points |
|---|---|
| Argument Quality | 30 |
| Organization | 20 |
| Rebuttal | 20 |
| Delivery | 15 |
| Evidence | 15 |
Maximum Score: 100 Points
Each Team participates in 3 debates for a total of 6 debates. All scores are combined for the Group Totals.
Competition Rules
- Each Competition Group is divided into an A and B Team with both sides of the topic debated.
- Presenters may use notes for their presentations but may not read from devices.
- Each Team will participate in three debates and the scores are combined with the other team in the competition group.
- Presenters are participating in debates where they must convince a neutral judge
- Final rankings are determined by total points earned by the competition group. Groups must meet the qualifying score to advance to the next level.
Debate Competition Levels
Divisional
Competition Groups must meet the minimal score level to advance to the Regional Level. The minimum score will be provided at the event.
Regional
Competition Groups must meet the minimal score level to advance to the National Level. The minimum score will be provided at the event.
National
Awards will be provided at the National Level based on total scores achieved by the Competition Group.
How Can Teachers Prepare Their Students For Success with Argumentum?
Successful Argumentum™ teams prepare by developing confident speakers, skilled researchers, and collaborative thinkers. The following strategies help students become competition ready.
- 1. Build Balanced Competition Groups
Form Competition Groups of six students and assign them to the A Team or B Team based on their strengths. Give every student regular opportunities to practice presenting, researching, questioning, and supporting teammates. - 2. Teach Students to Argue Both Sides
Have students regularly defend both the affirmative and opposition positions on classroom topics. This develops flexible thinking and prepares students to understand multiple perspectives. - 3. Practice Research Skills
Provide students with current issues and allow them to research credible sources within timed sessions. Teach them how to identify reliable evidence, evaluate information, and organize research efficiently. - 4. Develop Strong Evidence-Based Arguments
Require students to support every claim with facts, statistics, expert opinions, examples, or logical reasoning. Strong evidence leads to stronger arguments. - 5. Practice Timed Presentations
Conduct regular practice rounds using the official competition time limits. Students should become comfortable organizing their ideas and speaking confidently within the allotted time. - 6. Strengthen Rebuttal Skills
Teach students to actively listen to opposing arguments, identify weaknesses, and respond respectfully with logical, evidence-based rebuttals. - 7. Improve Public Speaking
Encourage students to speak clearly, maintain eye contact, project confidence, and use appropriate vocal expression. Effective delivery makes strong arguments even more persuasive. - 8. Promote Team Collaboration
Practice dividing research responsibilities, sharing evidence, and helping teammates prepare. Successful Competition Groups function as one team even though they compete as separate A and B Teams. - 9. Hold Mock Competitions
Conduct practice debates that mirror the Argumentum™ competition format. Include preparation time, presentations, rebuttals, judges, and scoring to build confidence. - 10. Review Judge Feedback
After every practice debate, discuss strengths and areas for improvement. Focus on argument quality, organization, rebuttal effectiveness, delivery, and use of evidence—the same categories used during competition.