15 Debating Interview Questions and Answers

When you’re interviewing for a job, the questions you ask can be just as important as the answers you give. Asking thoughtful, insightful questions shows that you’re engaged and interested in the role. It also gives you an opportunity to learn more about the company and the team you’d be working with.

However, not all questions are created equal. Some questions are better than others at giving you the information you need to make a decision about whether or not a job is right for you.

In this article, we’ll share some of the best questions to ask in a job interview, so you can get the information you need to make an informed decision.

1. What is debating?

This question is a great way to test your knowledge of the basics. It also allows you to show that you understand what debating is and how it can be used in different situations. When answering this question, try to keep your answer simple and straightforward.

Example: “Debating is an important skill for anyone who wants to communicate effectively. In my experience, it’s one of the best ways to get people talking about a topic and sharing their opinions. I’ve found that when someone has a strong opinion on something, they’re usually willing to listen to other points of view as long as they feel like they’re being heard. Debating helps me do that.”

2. Can you explain the difference between formal and informal debate?

This question is a great way to test your knowledge of the debate process. It also allows you to show that you can apply what you know about formal and informal debates in real-world situations.

Example: “Formal and informal debates are two different ways to approach an argument. In a formal debate, there’s usually a moderator who sets rules for the discussion. The debaters have to follow these rules, and they’re judged on their ability to do so. Informal debates don’t have moderators or set rules. Instead, the debaters agree to certain guidelines before starting the conversation.”

3. What are some common formats for debates?

This question can help an interviewer understand your knowledge of the debate process and how you might approach a debate in their organization. You can answer this question by naming some common formats for debates, such as:

Oxford format
American Parliamentary format
Fiat Lux format
You can also explain what each format entails to show that you have experience with these types of debates.

Example: “In my previous role, I participated in several Oxford-style debates where two teams of three debaters argued either side of a topic. In American Parliamentary style, there are four teams of two people who argue both sides of a topic. Fiat Lux is another type of debate where one person argues both sides of a topic.”

4. What is a constructive speech in context with debates?

This question is a great way to test your knowledge of the rules and regulations that are involved with debating. It also allows you to show how well you can follow directions, which is an important skill for anyone in this field.

Example: “A constructive speech is when you give your argument or opinion on a topic. You should always start off by giving evidence to support your claim. Then, you should explain why you believe what you do. Finally, you should end with a conclusion about your stance.”

5. What’s the best way to deliver a rebuttal in a debate?

This question can help the interviewer determine your understanding of how to use rebuttals in a debate. Use examples from past experiences where you used effective rebuttal techniques and explain what made them successful.

Example: “The best way to deliver a rebuttal is by using evidence that supports your argument while refuting the opposing team’s claims. I’ve found it helpful to be brief when delivering my rebuttal, as this allows me to focus on the most important points of my argument. In my last debate competition, I was able to successfully rebut my opponent’s arguments about the dangers of genetically modified foods by providing scientific evidence that supported my claim.”

6. What do you understand about cross-examination in a debate?

This question is a great way to test your knowledge of the debate process. It also allows you to show that you understand how cross-examination works and can apply it in real life.

Example: “Cross-examination is when one debater questions another’s arguments or evidence. In my experience, I’ve found that this is an important part of debating because it helps me learn more about what my opponent believes and why they believe it. This information can help me better prepare for future debates with them.”

7. How does the flow work in an intellectual debate?

This question is a great way to test your knowledge of the debate process. It also allows you to show how you can apply what you know about the flow to an actual situation.

Example: “The flow in a debate is very important because it helps keep things organized and ensures that everyone has equal time to speak. In my last debate, I was on the affirmative side, which means we were arguing for the topic at hand. The negative team’s job is to argue against our points. During the first part of the debate, the affirmative team presents its case by giving three main arguments. Then, the negative team responds with their rebuttals.”

8. What are some examples of popular debate topics?

This question can help interviewers understand your knowledge of current events and how you might approach a debate in the workplace. You can answer this question by naming several topics that are currently being discussed in the media or political sphere, such as gun control, healthcare reform and immigration policy.

Example: “Some popular debate topics right now include gun control, healthcare reform and immigration policy. These issues are all highly controversial and have many people on both sides of the argument. I think it’s important to be able to listen to others’ opinions and find common ground where possible.”

9. What types of questions should be asked during cross-examinations?

Cross-examinations are a common part of many debates, and interviewers may ask this question to see if you know how to use them effectively. In your answer, explain what types of questions cross-examination questions should be and why they’re important.

Example: “The best type of question for a cross-examination is one that can’t be answered with a simple yes or no. These kinds of questions require the person being questioned to give more detailed answers about their position on an issue. This helps me learn more about my opponent’s stance and gives me more information to work with when I’m preparing my rebuttal.”

10. What is it called when both sides have made their arguments, but they aren’t allowed to respond to each other’s arguments?

This question is a great way to test your knowledge of the rules and procedures of debate. It also allows you to show that you understand how important it is to follow these rules, even when you’re not in front of an audience.

Example: “It’s called cross-examination. This is where each side gets to ask questions of the other team. The goal is to get the opposing team to admit they are wrong or to prove their point more effectively than before.”

11. Can you give me some examples of good debate strategies?

This question can help the interviewer understand your knowledge of debate strategies and how you apply them to a situation. Use examples from past experiences where you used effective debate strategies to win an argument or convince someone of your point of view.

Example: “I find that using facts, statistics and research is one of the best ways to support my arguments in a debate. I also like to use analogies and metaphors to explain complex topics in simple terms. Another strategy I use when debating is asking questions to get my opponent to think about their stance on a topic. This helps me learn more about their opinions and allows me to better prepare for my next rebuttal.”

12. What’s the purpose of debate resolutions? Do all debates need a resolution?

This question is an opportunity to show your knowledge of debate resolutions and how they’re used. You can answer this question by explaining what a resolution is, why it’s important and when you would use one in a debate.

Example: “A resolution is the topic that a debater wants to prove or disprove. It’s usually stated as a statement that has two parts—a claim and a warrant. The claim is the debater’s position on the issue, and the warrant is evidence for the claim. In my experience, all debates need a resolution because without one, there’s no way to know what the purpose of the debate is.”

13. What do you understand about topicality issues? Is it important to consider them when preparing for a debate?

The interviewer may ask this question to assess your knowledge of the debate process and how you apply it. Your answer should show that you understand topicality issues, but also that you know when they’re not important to consider.

Example: “I think it’s very important to consider topicality issues because they can affect the outcome of a debate. For example, if I’m debating whether or not we should raise taxes on the wealthy, my opponent might argue that raising taxes will help fund social programs for the poor. However, if I point out that she hasn’t addressed the topic of the debate—whether or not we should raise taxes at all—she won’t be able to win the round.”

14. What are some advantages of participating in debates?

This question can help interviewers understand your motivations for joining a debate team. They may also use this opportunity to learn more about the benefits of debating and how it can benefit their organization.

Example: “I think there are many advantages to participating in debates, including developing public speaking skills, learning how to research topics and becoming familiar with different perspectives. Debating has helped me become a better communicator because I have to be able to clearly explain my position while listening to others’ arguments. It’s also taught me how to find credible sources and evaluate information.”

15. What are some ways that can help novice debaters prepare for a competition?

This question can help the interviewer understand your coaching skills and how you can help others develop their debating abilities. Use examples from your experience to highlight your communication, leadership and teaching skills.

Example: “I find that novice debaters often need more practice time before a competition. I encourage them to attend as many competitions as possible so they can get used to speaking in front of an audience. I also recommend that they read up on current events and topics so they have a better understanding of what they’re talking about. Finally, I suggest that they take public speaking classes or join other extracurricular activities where they can learn how to speak confidently.”