MG CUP Debate 2026

Rules and Guidelines for Participating Schools

General Information

The MG CUP Debate will be held in June 2026 and will follow the British Parliamentary (BP) debate format.

In this format, students debate a motion, or topic, by presenting arguments either in support of or against the motion.

The debate encourages:

• critical thinking
• public speaking
• teamwork
• respectful disagreement
• argument analysis

All participants are expected to behave respectfully toward other competitors, judges, organizers, and the audience.

1. Debate Format

Each debate includes:

• 4 teams
• 2 speakers per team
• 8 speakers in total

The teams are divided into:

• First Proposition — supports the motion
• First Opposition — opposes the motion
• Second Proposition — supports the motion
• Second Opposition — opposes the motion

The First Proposition and First Opposition open the debate and introduce the main arguments.

The Second Proposition and Second Opposition continue the debate by adding new perspectives and extending the arguments.

2. Speaking Order and Time Limits

Each speech lasts 7 minutes.

The speaking order is:

A timekeeper will signal:

• after the 1st minute
• at the beginning of the final minute
• at the end of the speech

Speakers should stop shortly after the final signal.

3. Points of Information (POIs)

During most of the speech, members of the opposing side may offer a Point of Information (POI).

A POI may be:

• a short question
• a challenge
• a clarification
• a brief argument

Rules for POIs:

• POIs are allowed only between the 1st and 6th minute of a speech.
• The first and last minute are “protected time” and no interruptions are allowed.
• A POI must not last longer than 15 seconds.
• The speaker may accept or reject a POI.
• Speakers are encouraged to accept at least 1–2 POIs during their speech.

To offer a POI, students should stand up and say:

• “Point of Information” or simply “On that point.”

Students must remain respectful and should not interrupt continuously.

4. Speaker Roles and Responsibilities

Prime Minister (1st Proposition)

The Prime Minister:

• introduces and explains the motion
• defines important terms if necessary
• presents the main case for the Proposition
• introduces the team’s key arguments

Leader of Opposition (1st Opposition)

The Leader of Opposition:

• responds to the Proposition’s case
• challenges the interpretation of the motion if necessary
• presents the main arguments for the Opposition
• explains why the Opposition disagrees with the Proposition

Deputy Prime Minister (1st Proposition)

The Deputy Prime Minister:

• responds to the Opposition’s arguments
• rebuilds and supports the Proposition case
• may introduce additional arguments

Deputy Leader of Opposition (1st Opposition)

The Deputy Leader of Opposition:

• continues responding to the Proposition’s arguments
• strengthens the Opposition case
• may introduce additional arguments

Member of Government (2nd Proposition)

The Member of Government:

• supports the direction of the Proposition side
• responds to Opposition arguments
• introduces a new and original extension argument

The extension should add something new to the debate, not simply repeat earlier arguments.

Member of Opposition (2nd Opposition)

The Member of Opposition:

• supports the Opposition side
• responds to Proposition arguments
• answers the extension from the Second Proposition
• introduces new Opposition analysis or arguments

Government Whip (2nd Proposition)

The Government Whip:

• summarizes the debate from the Proposition side
• compares the Proposition and Opposition arguments
• explains why the Proposition side should win
• focuses especially on the contribution of the Second Proposition

The Government Whip must NOT introduce new arguments.

Opposition Whip (2nd Opposition)

The Opposition Whip:

• summarizes the debate from the Opposition side
• compares the Opposition and Proposition arguments
• explains why the Opposition side should win
• focuses especially on the contribution of the Second Opposition

The Opposition Whip must NOT introduce new arguments.

5. Judging Criteria

Judges will evaluate:

Content

• quality of arguments
• use of examples and evidence
• logical reasoning
• ability to respond to opponents

Style

• clarity of speaking
• confidence and persuasion
• organization of ideas
• engagement with the audience

Strategy

• teamwork
• understanding of the debate format
• effective use of time
• effective responses to POIs

6. Debate Etiquette

Students should:

• listen respectfully
• avoid personal attacks
• disagree with ideas, not people
• use appropriate academic language
• remain professional throughout the debate

Unsportsmanlike behavior may affect team rankings.

7. Preparation Guidelines

Students are encouraged to:

• research current global and social issues
• practice structured argumentation
• prepare examples from history, society, science, politics, culture, and everyday life
• practice speaking clearly and within the time limit

Teams should also practice:

• taking notes during speeches
• responding quickly to arguments
• cooperating with teammates during preparation time

8. Motion Announcement and Preparation Time

The debate motion, or topic, will be announced by the organizers before each round.

Teams will receive:

• the motion
• preparation time before the debate begins (15 minutes)

During preparation time, students may discuss ideas only with their teammate.

The Prime Minister, the first speaker of the First Proposition, officially opens the debate by presenting and explaining the motion.

9. Final Notes

The MG CUP Debate is designed to promote:

• academic discussion
• confidence in public speaking
• collaboration among students
• respectful exchange of ideas

The goal is not only to win debates, but also to learn, think critically, and communicate effectively.

We look forward to welcoming all participating schools to MG CUP Debate 2026.

Good luck to all competitors!