Middle Schoolers Are Up for the Debate

The tournament welcomed 343 students from 20 schools across the state to compete in the first-ever all extemporaneous competition. The format challenges students to think critically and articulate their arguments clearly within the allotted time frame as there is no prep-ahead topic presented in advance of the tournament. Students were given 15 minutes to prepare for the two motions: This House regrets the existence of Valentine’s Day, and This House opposes the narrative that the primary purpose of education is to secure employment.

 

In the novice division of 64 teams and 183 individual debaters, the team of Nora, Lily, and Emilie went undefeated or 3-0. The team of Noah, Eloi, and Cameron went 2-1, but scored the most points in the entire bracket. The student speakers ended in the top 60 of the tournament on an individual basis. 

 

The Connecticut Middle School Debate League hosts competitive interscholastic parliamentary tournaments for students with the goal to enrich their academic experiences by helping them develop the critical thinking skills needed to become informed, engaged citizens.