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Middle School Novice Curriculum Guide
The Basics of Asking and Answering Questions
One of the foundational skills of policy debate is asking and answering questions. While you will learn more about how to do that in a debate round in the cross-examination section, this section will cover the basics of asking and answering questions.
The most basic rule of questioning – and of debate in general – is respect, both for your opponents and for yourself. You should never ask or answer a question in a way that is disrespectful to your opponent. When asking questions, you should always give your opponent time to answer the question and you should never interrupt your opponent in the middle of their answer. When answering questions, you should be confident – but not rude – and you should try your best to answer the question.
Now, you will learn some more general tips for asking and answering questions. Make sure to always stay on topic, as you are debating a specific plan. Do not be afraid to ask the other team to clarify an argument you are confused about, even if you are the one answering questions; you cannot answer if you do not understand the question. When answering questions, you should always say something, and you should not simply stay quiet if you are unsure about your answer.