Goal of the practical class
The goal of the practical class is to perform World Schools debate.
Preparation
The practical class deals with the topic announced in the previous classes. Prior to the class attendance, the students should study the given topic and individually research the theoretical background of the practical class. They should bring a preparation report on approximately one A4 page.
Delivery method
According to Croatian Debate Society, World Schools debate
denotes a format which combines the elements of parliamentary debate with the elements of Karl Popper debating format. The side that advocates the resolution is called proposition, while the side that refutes the resolution is named the opposition. In the debate each side delivers four speeches, there are no cross-examinations instead of which each side must permit in every of its speeches at least 6 questions from the other side. There is no thinking time between the speeches, the first three speeches of every team last 8 minutes each, and one member of each team delivers a 4-minute closing speech. The debate lasts about 60 minutes in total. In the WS-format each team has 3 to 5 members (3 speakers and 2 possible substitutes) who can exchange their places between the tournament rounds. When it comes to the contents, major emphasis is put on the examples whose purpose is to prove what is being said, and there is also discussion on the values and on the plan suggested by each team, depending on the topic and strategy chosen by the proposition team. (Croatian Debate Society, 2012)
Speaking order in the World Schools debate:
| First speaker of proposition | 8 minutes |
| First speaker of opposition | 8 minutes |
| Second speaker of proposition | 8 minutes |
| Second speaker of opposition | 8 minutes |
| Third speaker of proposition | 8 minutes |
| Third speaker of opposition | 8 minutes |
| Fourth speaker of proposition | 4 minute |
| Fourth speaker of opposition | 4 minute |
Bibliography
Hrvatsko debatno društvo (2012): Formati debatiranja. Zagreb, Hrvatsko debatno društvo. (Croatian Debate Society: Debating Formats, Zagreb, 2012, in Croatian language) The source available here.