Overview

The World Schools Debating Championship (WSDC) format is the standard for competitive debating at the secondary school level. Used at the annual World Schools Debating Championship and adopted by national circuits in over 60 countries, it combines elements of prepared and impromptu debating, testing both research skills and adaptability.

Structure

A WSDC debate features two teams — Proposition and Opposition — with three substantive speakers and a reply speaker on each side:

  1. First Proposition: Defines the motion, sets up the case framework, and presents opening arguments (8 minutes)
  2. First Opposition: Responds to the definition, outlines the opposition case, and presents initial arguments (8 minutes)
  3. Second Proposition: Rebuts opposition arguments, rebuilds case, presents further arguments (8 minutes)
  4. Second Opposition: Continues rebuttal, strengthens opposition case (8 minutes)
  5. Third Proposition: Final substantive speaker — focuses on rebuttal and crystallisation (8 minutes)
  6. Third Opposition: Final substantive speaker — rebuttal and crystallisation (8 minutes)
  7. Opposition Reply: Summary from opposition perspective — delivered by 1st or 2nd speaker (4 minutes)
  8. Proposition Reply: Final speech in the debate — summary from proposition perspective (4 minutes)

Prepared vs. Impromptu Motions

One of the unique features of WSDC is the use of both prepared and impromptu motions:

  • Prepared motions: Released weeks or months before the tournament. Teams research extensively and can bring prepared cases. This rewards depth of research and case construction.
  • Impromptu motions: Released 30 minutes to 1 hour before the debate. Teams must construct their case on the spot, testing their general knowledge, analytical thinking, and ability to work under pressure.

Most WSDC tournaments alternate between prepared and impromptu rounds, ensuring that both skill sets are tested.

Scoring in WSDC

WSDC uses a detailed marking system where each speech is scored on three criteria:

  • Content (40%): The quality, relevance, and depth of arguments and rebuttals
  • Style (40%): Persuasiveness, clarity, and engagement of delivery
  • Strategy (20%): Structure, time management, and responsiveness to the debate dynamics

Individual speaker scores typically range from 60 to 80 out of 100, with most speeches falling between 70 and 78. Team scores are aggregated to determine the winner, with the team accumulating more total points winning the debate.

Points of Information

Like other parliamentary formats, WSDC allows Points of Information during the middle portion of substantive speeches. The first and last minutes of each 8-minute speech are protected time. POIs must be brief (under 15 seconds) and speakers should take at least one or two per speech. Judges evaluate both the quality of POIs offered and how well speakers handle them.

The Role of the Third Speaker

The third speaker in WSDC has a unique role. While they may introduce a final argument, their primary responsibility is:

  • Providing thorough rebuttal of the opposing team's strongest arguments
  • Identifying the key clashes and explaining why their team wins them
  • Crystallising the debate — showing the big picture of why their side is correct

An effective third speaker transforms scattered arguments and rebuttals into a coherent narrative that makes the judge's decision easier.

Preparing for WSDC Tournaments

Preparation for WSDC tournaments involves:

  • Research: For prepared motions, teams should research both sides thoroughly, preparing case files with evidence, examples, and anticipated counter-arguments
  • Practice improvisation: Regular impromptu debate practice builds the analytical muscles needed for impromptu rounds
  • Case file development: Organised folders of arguments, evidence, and rebuttals for prepared topics
  • Reply speech drills: Practise delivering 4-minute summaries of practice debates to develop this critical skill

WSDC Around the World

The WSDC format is used at the annual World Schools Debating Championship, which brings together national teams from over 60 countries. It is also the standard format for many national school debating competitions, including those in the United Kingdom, Australia, South Africa, Thailand, and many other countries.

NekoTab provides full tabulation support for WSDC tournaments, including prepared and impromptu round management, side allocation, and comprehensive speaker and team standings.