Parliamentary Debate
Introduction to Parli
Parliamentary debate (Parli) is a two-team, two-versus-two debate format derived from legislative discourse...
Debate Structure and Speech Roles
The debate consists of a series of speeches, each with specific responsibilities and time limits, often in either a standard or abbreviated format.
Standard Format (5-8-8-8-3)
- PMC (5 mins): Hook, gov case, optional pre-refutation.
- LOC (8 mins): Opp case, refute gov, introduce weighing.
- MG (8 mins): Refute LOC, rebuild gov case, clarify PMC points.
- MO (8 mins): Refute MG, rebuild opp case, crystallize clash points.
- PMR (3 mins): Final summary from gov side, no new arguments.
Abbreviated Format (3-5-5-5-2)
- PM – 3 minutes
- LO – 5 minutes
- MG – 5 minutes
- MO – 5 minutes
- PMR – 2 minutes
Wrap up speeches ~15–30 secs early. 15 sec grace period allowed, but judges deduct points if exceeded.
Speech Responsibilities
Prime Minister Constructive
- Defines the motion and burdens of proof.
- Presents 2+ arguments for the government side.
Leader of Opposition Constructive
- Defines or contests definitions.
- Refutes PMC arguments.
- May introduce counter-case.
Member of Government
- Extends gov case and responds to LOC.
- Clarifies framework or definitions.
Member of Opposition
- Extends opp case, refutes MG.
- Highlights central clashes in favor of the opposition.
Prime Minister Rebuttal
- Responds to MO and crystallizes arguments favoring government.
Scoring
Signposting and Roadmapping
Use these to guide the judge through your speech. Example:
"I will start by giving a roadmap… I will front-line side opp's case… then highlight key impacts…"
- Clearly state the number of contentions.
- List them in order.
- Use signposting to walk through arguments during the speech.
POIs
- Allowed between the 1st and last minute of constructives.
- Used to interrupt, challenge, or clarify.
- Encouraged to accept at least one POI per speech.
Further Resources