British Parliamentary
This a specific format, used in the UK and at the World Universities Debating Championships - sometimes referred to as ‘down-the-table’ debating. It involves two sides, a Proposition and Opposition (or Government and Opposition), and two teams of two people on each side. The two Proposition teams must agree with each other, as must the two Opposition teams. However every team is trying to win the debate by speaking the most persuasively. The two sides sit down a long table, facing each other, taking after the confrontational style of the Houses of Parliament.
A topic for debate is given by the society or tournament organisers in the form of a motion, which like many other features uses the phrasing of the House of Commons: “This House believes that money is the root of all evil” etc. The Proposition argues in agreement with the motion as it is phrased, and the Opposition against. One speaker from the Proposition is given their chance to speak, then one from the Opposition, then another from the Proposition, and so on until everyone has spoken.