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WHAT DO WE DEBATE?

IPDA DEBATE

IPDA Debate is a format that emphasizes public speaking and real-world persuasion skills over the use of evidence and speed. It is a one-on-one style of debating where topics are determined before each round, with each competitor being able to prepare for the debate for only 30. The topics can range from quotes to U.S. policy but are primarily broken into four types: esoteric, policy, value, or fact.

TIPDA DEBATE

TIPDA Debate is very similar in rules to IPDA debate. The main notable difference is that instead of a one-on-one debate, it is conducted with teams of two people facing off against each other. The times for prep and types of topics are the same, with the exception of additional speech times due to there being more competitors. 

EXAMPLES OF OUR TOPICS

  1. Higher Education is important for financial success.

  2. Parental controls do more harm than good.

  3. Not in doing what you like, but liking what you do is happiness. - JM Barrie

  4. The voting age in the United States should be lowered to 16.

  5. Fortune favors the cunning.

  6. China's population will continue to decrease.

  7. The Eagles will win the Superbowl.

  8. K-12 schools should ban TikTok.

  9. Streaming platforms are bad for sports

  10. Cancel culture should be canceled

WHY IPDA?

The Mission of the International Public Debate Association is to "provide an opportunity for individuals to develop their advocacy skills in a forum that promotes appropriate and effective communication." We believe that this statement is the closest in line to the overall mission of ACU and gives our students the most experience with real-world debate.  

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