Mustang Madness Tournament
2025 — Herriman, UT/US
Big Question
Event Description:
For More Information and Resources, visit: https://www.speechanddebate.org/big-questions/
Big Questions is designed to enhance students’ current debate experiences, opening their minds and encouraging them to engage in life discussion that may not align with their previously held beliefs. Whether or not students change their opinion, the rich experience of this debate event will advance their knowledge, comfort, and interest in learning more about the subject matter.
Big Questions Debate is a debate format that allows students to debate with a partner or as an individual. Debates may be one-on-one, two-on-two, or two-on-one. Topics last all year and concern the intersection of science, philosophy, and religion. Students are assigned a side of the topic before each round and present cases, engage in rebuttal and refutation, and participate in a question period. Big Questions is supported by the John Templeton Foundation.
Time Limits Speech Time Limit Purpose
Affirmative Constructive 5 minutes: Present case
Negative Constructive 5 minutes: Present case
Question Segment 3 minutes: Alternate asking and answering questions
Affirmative Rebuttal 4 minutes: Refute the opposing side’s arguments
Negative Rebuttal 4 minutes: Refute the opposing side’s arguments
Question Segment 3 minutes: Alternate asking and answering questions
Affirmative Consolidation 3 minutes: Begin crystallizing the main issues in the round
Negative Consolidation 3 minutes: Begin crystallizing the main issues in the round
Affirmative Rationale 3 minutes: Explain reasons that you win the round
Negative Rationale 3 minutes: Explain reasons that you win the round
*Each team is entitled to three minutes of prep time during the round.