1: What is Debate?
Debate is a formal contest of skill and reasoned argument, with two teams taking opposite sides of an issue. The issue usually centers on controversial matters in current events. Past topics have included political, economic, social, and legal issues that range from the problems in the environment to the lifting of sanctions. 

2: Do I need any experience to Debate in college?
While high school or other debate experience (Lincoln-Douglas, Model UN, etc...) is always preferable, one does not need debate experience to become a good debater. The Dearborn debate team is looking for individuals with the drive and mentality to debate, and while debate experience will help one in the short term, it alone does not make a first class debater. 

3: What does the travel schedule look like for College Debaters?
Members of the debate team attend three to four tournaments a semester, each tournament, including travel time, will usually last an entire weekend. The first tournament is usually held in the beginning of September, and the last in the middle of March. Tournaments are held throughout the country. In the 2003-04 season, the varsity debate team traveled as close as Wayne State University in downtown Detroit and as far as California's west coast. 

4: What if I don't want to travel?
The Debate team is starting a new and exciting program specifically aimed at those students that can't spend the time needed to travel. Not only will there be an opportunity to debate team members, one can also help research and develop team strategy. 

5: Does the University support the team at all?
The University is proud of its Debate team and its traditional of excellence. To further this tradition and maintain its vigor, the University provides its debate team with a fully furnished office, supplies, and covers travel expenses as well. 

6: How will my professors react if I need to miss class?
While every professor is different many professors understand that, as a member of the Debate Team, you are representing the university, and that because of that you may have to miss the occasional class. Many times the professor is reasonable and flexible as to assignments, lectures, or tests that may have to be rescheduled. 

7: How much time does Debate take?
Like anything worthwhile, only practice will make you a great debater. In addition, you will be asked to help research new arguments for the team. While this does take time, it is not without its rewards; learning to debate well allows you to communicate your ideas in a clear and professional manner. Learning to research and compile information efficiently can not only help you with your general class work, but also in your projects as you move on in life. 

8: What kind of skills does Debate teach?
Debate teaches you how to communicate your ideas in a clear, audible manner. It teaches you how to think both ahead and on your feet, and to further your position and make your views known. Debaters also acquire solid time management, research, and organization skills. Debate experience shows commitment and character and thus is a well recognized and respected attribute in the business community. 

9: I heard that Debate is mostly for those people majoring in Political Science?
While many political science majors do debate, the reason is because many of them are looking to advance to law school or politics, professions where debate is very visibly used. However, debate experience can be applied to such fields as engineering and the sciences as well, where many existing members of the community lack good speaking skills and constructive, real world thought processes. Debate skills can be applied to most professions, and a potential employee with a debate background is much more appealing that one without such an advantage. 

10: Do you debaters have any fun?
Debate isn't just about speaking and researching; it's also about meeting new people and traveling to different parts of the country. As a member of the debate team, you'll find that your fellow debaters will become some of your closest friends, and that traveling the country and meeting new people will be an experience that you will never forget. Debate is an experience that most do not forget -- in fact, many members of the debate community have been a part of the community for many years because it is something that they grow to love. Debate provides a kinship and camaraderie that the university years are meant to provide. Education is more than books and the debate team, while furthering abilities that you will use for the rest of your life, also teaches you about life and provides you with something memorable and worthy to remember. 

11: What is the basic set up of a debate team?
Each team (that is each unit that participates in a debate round) consists of two members, a first speaker and a second speaker. The first speaker presents the topics to be debated on and supports the rebuttals presented by the second speaker. The second speaker organizes the rebuttals and closes the speeches. Each speaker is vital to the success of the team and every debater should, and will learn to, be good in both areas. 

12: What do debaters debate on?
Each summer the governing bodies of debate set forth a resolution to be debated on the entire year. The resolution for the 2005-2006 season is:

Resolved:
The United States Federal Government should substantially increase diplomatic and economic pressure on the People's Republic of China in one or more of the following areas: trade, human rights, weapons nonproliferation, Taiwan.

13: What is Debate's Governing Organization?
Debate has three main governing organizations know as CEDA, NDT, and ADA. These organizations set the resolution, or topic, to be debated for the year. Schools hosting tournaments subscribe to one of the three bodies for tournament rules and procedures. To find out more about this and debate in general, check out our Links page.