The purpose of all three forms of debate in Stoa is to instill in Christian homeschool students the skills of presentation, critical thinking, research, and analysis. This endeavor is accomplished in an environment of honorable competition that cultivates maturity, wisdom, grace, and poise and brings glory to our Lord Jesus Christ.
Please be familiar with the Stoa Evidence Philosophy and Standards.
Parliamentary Debate
Parliamentary Debate is an extemporaneous form of debate with rotating topics that asks competitors to develop and defend positions on a wide range of issues. A Parli debate round consists of two teams, the Government team and the Opposition team, with two competitors on each team. Competitors receive a resolution to debate and are given 20 minutes to prepare for the debate and walk to the competition room.
Team Policy Debate
Team Policy Debate asks competitors to develop and defend competing policy options to address contemporary problems. A TP Debate round consists of two teams, an Affirmative team and a Negative team, debating against each other. Each team is comprised of two competitors.
The 2022–2023 Team Policy Debate Resolution:
Resolved: The United States Federal Government should substantially reform its energy policy.
Lincoln Douglas Debate
Lincoln Douglas Debate asks competitors to examine competing value systems to answer big questions. An LD round is a one-on-one debate between the Affirmative competitor and the Negative competitor.
The Fall 2023 Lincoln Douglas Debate Resolution:
Resolved: A free press ought to prioritize objectivity over advocacy.