Big Question Debate (BQ)
As Stated on the NSDA Website
Big Questions is a debate format supported by a grant from the John Templeton Foundation. High
school and middle school students debate complex worldview questions. Big Questions debate format
involves opposing contestants debating a topic concerning the intersection of science, philosophy, and
religion. Students can compete as individuals or as a team, this means rounds can be 1 vs. 1, 2 vs. 2, or 1
vs. 2. Topics will address deeply held beliefs that often go unexamined. 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.
The topic this year
Resolved: Objective morality exists.
school and middle school students debate complex worldview questions. Big Questions debate format
involves opposing contestants debating a topic concerning the intersection of science, philosophy, and
religion. Students can compete as individuals or as a team, this means rounds can be 1 vs. 1, 2 vs. 2, or 1
vs. 2. Topics will address deeply held beliefs that often go unexamined. 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.
The topic this year
Resolved: Objective morality exists.
Time Limits of BQ Debate
Speech |
Time |
General Purpose |
Affirmative Constructive |
5 Minutes |
Present the affirmative case |
Negative Constructive |
5 Minutes |
Present the negative case |
Question Segment |
3 Minutes |
Aff asks the 1st question. Following the 1st question, both speakers ask each other questions freely |
Affirmative Rebuttal |
4 Minutes |
“Attack” the negative case |
Negative Rebuttal |
4 Minutes |
"Attack” the affirmative case |
Question Segment |
3 Minutes |
A asks the 1st question. Following the 1st question, both speakers ask each other questions freely |
Affirmative Consolidation |
3 Minutes |
Debaters reduce the debate to core elements and identify areas they are winning and strengthen the analysis and argumentation |
Negative Consolidation |
3 Minutes |
Debaters reduce the debate to core elements and identify areas they are winning and strengthen the analysis and argumentation |
Affirmative Rationale |
3 Minutes |
Summary of central argument(s) and show they have proven them in this debate. No new arguments. |
Negative Rationale |
3 Minutes |
Summary of central argument(s) and thow they have proven them in this debate. No new arguments. |
Prep Time |
3 Minutes |
Both teams receive 3 minutes of prep time to be used at any time. |