About the club

MORE THAN
A MIC.

Open to Moody students in grades 6–8. Beginners are always welcome.

A Moody student delivering a speech at a microphone
A Moody student delivers a speech at the microphone.
Who we are

A PLACE TO THINK, SPEAK, AND GROW.

The Moody Middle School Debate Club gives students a place to examine real questions, support ideas with evidence, and practice speaking with purpose.

Students can explore Public Forum, Lincoln-Douglas, and Congressional Debate while developing confidence, teamwork, research skills, critical thinking, and respectful disagreement.

Our purpose

BUILD CAPABLE VOICES.

Think clearly. Speak confidently.

The club helps students express ideas with confidence and respect. Debate also strengthens research, clear writing, careful listening, teamwork, and thoughtful disagreement.

EVERY
TUESDAY
3:30–4:30 PM
Room 213
What we do

EVERY MEETING BUILDS A STRONGER DEBATER.

Tuesday meetings mix serious preparation with active practice. The exact plan changes with the team’s needs, so students may work on several different skills in one afternoon.

01

Mock debates

Students practice complete or shortened rounds, try arguments aloud, and learn how to respond when the other side challenges them.

02

Discussions

The group examines more than one side of an issue, listens carefully, and practices disagreeing with ideas clearly and respectfully.

03

Topic analysis

Students break a topic into its key questions, identify what each side must prove, and look for the strongest points of disagreement.

04

Research & case writing

Students find useful evidence, organize it into clear arguments, and build cases that explain both the claim and the reasoning behind it.

05

Speaking drills

Short exercises develop pace, clarity, eye contact, confident delivery, questioning, rebuttal, and thinking under time pressure.

06

Tournament preparation

Before competitions, students refine cases, prepare responses, practice rounds, and use games or mini-challenges to sharpen specific skills.

Try the speech timer
Choosing an event

THREE FORMATS.
DIFFERENT STRENGTHS.

There is no single “best” type of debate. The right starting point depends on how you like to think, prepare, and speak.

PFTwo-person teams

Public Forum

Partners debate a current issue using evidence, clear explanations, questions, and quick rebuttals. Preparation and speaking are shared between teammates.

Choose PF if you like:
  • Working closely with a partner
  • Researching real-world issues
  • Fast back-and-forth argument
  • Sharing preparation and strategy
LDOne-on-one

Lincoln-Douglas

One student debates another about a question involving values, principles, or what society should prioritize. Each debater builds and defends an individual case.

Choose LD if you like:
  • Preparing and competing independently
  • Exploring big questions and values
  • Following one argument deeply
  • Direct strategic clash
CONGRESSGroup chamber

Congressional Debate

Students act as legislators, give speeches for or against proposed legislation, ask questions, and persuade a room rather than one opposing team.

Choose Congress if you like:
  • Speaking to a larger group
  • Discussing several issues
  • Asking and answering questions
  • Thinking quickly between speeches
Still deciding? Beginners are welcome in every format, and Moody teaches all three. Start with the style that sounds most natural, then use club practice to discover where your voice fits best.
Explore format guides and examples
Sample topics

WHAT COULD
WE DEBATE?

Debate can begin with a current issue, a question about values, or a proposed law. These examples are for illustration only—not announced club or tournament topics.

PUBLIC FORUM

Current issues with two clear sides

  • EXAMPLE QUESTIONShould schools limit students’ use of artificial intelligence?
  • EXAMPLE QUESTIONShould the United States invest more in space exploration?
  • EXAMPLE QUESTIONShould social-media platforms verify users’ ages?
LINCOLN-DOUGLAS

Values, rights, and competing principles

  • EXAMPLE QUESTIONIs privacy more important than public safety?
  • EXAMPLE QUESTIONShould individual freedom take priority over community well-being?
  • EXAMPLE QUESTIONIs rehabilitation more valuable than punishment?
CONGRESSIONAL DEBATE

Proposed laws for a student chamber

  • EXAMPLE LEGISLATIONA bill to require later middle- and high-school start times
  • EXAMPLE LEGISLATIONA bill to set a minimum age for social-media accounts
  • EXAMPLE LEGISLATIONA bill to increase funding for endangered-species protection
Try the topic generator
Beginner FAQ

QUESTIONS ARE
WELCOME HERE.

Quick answers for students and families who are new to debate.

Who can participate?

All Moody middle-school students in grades 6–8 can participate. Beginners are welcome, and no previous debate experience is required.

When and where does the club meet?

The club meets every Tuesday after school from 3:30–4:30 PM in Room 213.

Which debate formats does Moody teach?

Moody teaches Public Forum, Lincoln-Douglas, and Congressional Debate. The comparison above can help students choose a starting point.

Do I need to choose a format immediately?

Start by learning how the three formats work and noticing which style fits you best. Current tournament plans may also affect which events the club practices.

Is tournament participation required?

No. Tournaments are not required, but they are heavily suggested because they let students use their skills in real rounds and learn from feedback.

What should I bring?

Bring any materials announced for that meeting. Tournament-specific supplies, technology rules, and dress expectations will be shared when an event is confirmed.