Welcome to the EMU site on how to use formal debate in the classroom. Here, students and teachers can find instruction, exercises and videos on how to get started with formal debate.

Check out three exercises that will help students warm up before doing actual debates.

Here you can find information about the components and the structure of a debate speech. 

You can view formal debate as a sport that we practice to hone in on certain skills. Like with other sports or games it’s more fun with rules. That way we avoid situations where some students do all the talking, and other students hardly speak at all.

Here you can find suggestions as to how students can make the best use of their preparation time.

In debate tournaments debates are judged on content, style and strategy. Here you can find inspiration on how to evaluate and provide feedback for formal debates. 

Formal debate is a great activity in the classroom, but it also offers excellent opportunities for talented students who would like to sharpen their analytical tools and meet bright young minds from around the globe.