Laker Debate Middle School Tournament
2023 — South Ogden, UT/US
Extemp
Event Description:
United States Extemporaneous Speaking, typically called US Extemp, is a speech on current events in the United States with limited preparation time. A student’s understanding of important political, economic, and cultural issues is assessed along with critical thinking and analytical skills. Students report to a draw room (often referred to as Extemp prep) where all of the Extempers gather at tables, set out their files, and await their turn to draw topics. Students may access research brought with them to the tournament during the 30-minute preparation period. Students are permitted to use the internet to research during preparation time. When prep time is up, the student reports to the competition room to deliver a 7 minute speech. Students have a lot to do in 30 minutes—they must select a question, review research, outline arguments with supporting materials, and practice at least part of the speech before time expires. Speeches are to be delivered without notes.
We will be using the September NSDA Practice Questions:
- Does the U.S. Supreme Court need a binding code of ethics?
- How should high schools handle the emergence of AI?
- How should policymakers address health worker shortages in the United States?
- How significant is the UPS collective bargaining agreement with its workers?
- Should Donald Trump participate in all, some, or none of the GOP presidential debates?
- What explains the resiliency of the U.S. economy?
- What is the future of ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft?
- Will extreme weather events and wildfires lead to greater U.S. government action on climate change?
- Will his criminal indictments help or hurt Donald Trump's chances to secure the GOP presidential nomination?
- Will the Hunter Biden controversy impact Joe Biden's re-election chances?