MIT-WPU Faculty of Law National Online Debate Competition

About the MIT-WPU Faculty of Law Online National Debate Competition

This competition is being organized on an online platform because of the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, MIT WPU Faculty of Law believes that irrespective of the circumstances one can always find ways and means to continue to educate themselves and grow intellectually. In order for the students to make full utilization of their time, we are providing them with the opportunity of debating through this online debate competition.

Debating Competitions give the participants a platform to showcase their communication and cognitive skills. It also provides an opportunity to express themselves on matters of socio, political, economic, and legal issues that the society is grappling with. The current pandemic has shaken well-established norms across the world.

Change is inevitable, but such global changes within a matter of days were surely not welcome. Many are arguing that these changes are temporary, while others are confident that a good number of changes will remain even after the lockdown is lifted. The theme of the competition thus revolves around the COVID-19 pandemic and the issues surrounding the effects that it has caused in the lives of all people.

Eligibility

All students studying in any Undergraduate Program are eligible to apply.

Topics of The Debate:

1. Preliminary Rounds: Online education has more advantages than traditional classroom learning
2. Quarter-Finals: Work from home: a blessing or a curse?
3. Semi-Finals: Lockdown should be compulsory once in a year for a month to let the environment rejuvenate itself.

The Topic of the Finals will be revealed 1 hour prior to the Final Round. The Finalists will have to prepare either FOR or AGAINST that topic which will be decided at the time.

Language

For the sake of convenience and uniformity, the competition will be held in the English language and no unparliamentary language would be entertained.

Date and Mode

Preliminary Rounds and Quarterfinals: Saturday, 30th May 2020

Semi-Finals and Finals: Sunday, 31st May 2020

Platform: ZOOM

*Under exceptional unavoidable circumstances, the dates may change. However, the organizers are committed to holding the event on the above-mentioned dates itself.

Click here to download Brochure

Important Dates

Last date of Registration: 25th May 2020

Important Note: Limited slots available. Kindly register at the earliest so confirm a slot.

Awards and Certificates

The Winner and Runners-up of this debate competition would be awarded a Certificate of Appreciation “Stating 1^st and 2^nd Prize respectively”.

All other participants would receive an online participation e-certificate.

Resolution of Disputes

If by any chance any conflict arises the decision of the organizing committee would be taken as the final decision.

MIT-WPU Online Debate Competition Rules

1. The mode of the competition is online mode.
2. Each zoom classroom would comprise of 1 Adjudicator, 2 Participants, 1 Organizing member.
3. No limit on participation from one college/ university.
4. Each participant must be an individual participant.
5. Any official ID Card of the participant is to be attached to the registration form and it is compulsory to be shown during the competition.
6. All Participants must be in Proper formal attire during the competition.
7. All participants must prepare both FOR and AGAINST the motion. Whether the participant has to speak FOR or AGAINST the motion would be decided on the spot by the adjudicator.
8. The organizing committee would provide the participants with the Zoom ID and Password, 1 hour prior to the respective rounds, through registered mail id and registered WhatsApp numbers.
9. Students are prohibited from READING OUT from any document, paper, or electronic device. Reference to chits for talking points is allowed.
10. Proper internet connection is required for participation in this competition and in case of a blackout or improper connection the participant may be disqualified by the adjudicator.
11. Once final registration is completed, no changes would be done, or a refund would be given.
12. Organizers reserve the right to alter/change the rules/ or procedure of the competition if the need so arises.

Note: *Decision of adjudicators and organizing committee shall be binding in case of any conflicts*

Structure of the Competition

This is a one to one debate competition. Participants would only be allowed to participate individually in the competition and not in teams. There is no upper limit on registration of the number of students from one college/university.

The speakers have to prepare the arguments for both sides (for the motion and against the motion). The competition will comprise of 2 speakers, one for the motion and another against the motion and the adjudicator would decide which side the participant would represent.

The Four Rounds will be as follows

1. Preliminary Round: Each speaker shall be given 3+1 minutes (4 minutes to speak) and 2+1 minutes (3 minutes for rebuttal).
2. Quarter-final Round: Eight students will qualify for this round and each speaker will be given 3+1 minutes (4 minutes to speak) and 2+1 minute (3 minutes for rebuttal.)
3. Semi-final Round: Four students will qualify for this round and each speaker will be given 4+1 minutes (5 minutes to speak) and 2+1 minutes (3 minutes for rebuttal).
4. Final Round: Two students will qualify for this round and each speaker will be given 5+1 minutes (6 minutes to speak) and 3+1 (4 minutes for rebuttal.)

Marking Criteria

The following would be the marking criteria to judge the speaker during the competition:

• Preparation and flow of ideas: 20 Marks
• Presentation: 20 Marks
• Content/Arguments: 20 Marks
• Rebuttal/Questions: 20 Marks
• Time Adherence: 10 Marks
• Language and Grammatical Accuracy:10 Marks

Registration Procedure

Step 1: Fill Google form Click here

Step 2: You will receive a confirmation mail of registration within 12 hours.

Contact MIT-WPU Debate Committee

Email: lawdebcom@gmail.com

1. Akash Bapat (Convener): +91-88060 84166
2. Grishma Giramkar (Co-Convener)+91-84520 93043
3. Ayushi Rai (Student Member)+91-85180 50747
4. Azka Khanam (Secretary)+91-62026 60221

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