The exact wording of the motions will not be released until 25 minutes before the start of each debate round. However, the five topic areas, in no particular order, are:
Bush & War Crimes
Sex Education in Public Schools
Economic Bailouts
Pirates
International Criminal Court
Participants will not know which side they will be debating until 25 minutes prior to the round.
While announcing the topic areas in advance does not truly conform to the World's style of debate, which is extemporaneous in nature, we believe that providing some predictability will enhance the overall quality of debates during the first years of the Annual Northern Lights Open. In short, we recognize that all of the debaters will be competing in this format for the only the first or second time. Thus, we hope to aid their ability to make the most of this year's experience. In future years, we hope to compete using a truly extemporaneous form of debate.
