Debate is offered to students grades 9-12 in Edina. It is divided into two programs:

• Lincoln-Douglas (LD)
• Policy Debate

There are more than 80 debaters on Edina's team, divided about equally between Policy and Lincoln-Douglas debate.

Lincoln Douglas:

Propositions of value are debated with emphasis on developing logical argumentation rather than an accumulation of information. Skills include values analysis, argumentation  sound and ethical uses of persuasion, and clear audience centered communication. New resolutions are announced periodically during the season. One-person teams prepare to debate either side of a resolution.

Key points:

• Competition on an individual basis
• Arguments focus on issues of ethics—i.e. how ought society act regarding issue XYZ in order to be just/fair/equitable, etc.
• Topics change every two months. See topic page for current topic.

Policy:

Two-member teams debate both sides of a resolution for the entire season.  This style of debate includes constructive argument, cross-examination and refutation. Skills include research, policy analysis, case construction, refutation, questioning, organization and communication.

Key points:

• Work and competition is done with a partner.
• Arguments will focus on issues of policy—i.e. what should the Federal Government do regarding issue XYZ?
• You will debate one topic all year. See topic page for current topic.

Part of the above information is courtesy from the National Forensics League.