Once teams advance to the Round of 64, the competition shifts into high gear: a single-elimination, written debate tournament. Teams volley essays back and forth via email, engaging in rigorous, research-based argumentation. Sides are assigned randomly by blind draw.

​

Each team will submit two essays:

 

• A Constructive Essay, where they build their case.

• A Rebuttal Essay, where they directly engage their opponent’s arguments.

​

2025–26 Round of 64 Schedule
 

• Nov. 10 – Affirmative teams submit Constructive essays

• Nov. 20 – Negative teams submit Constructive essays

• Dec. 2 – Affirmative teams submit Rebuttal essays

• Dec. 11 – Negative teams submit Rebuttal essays
   

After all essays are submitted, judges will evaluate each match-up and select the advancing teams. The cycle begins anew in the Top 32, as teams battle for a coveted spot in the Sweet 16.

​

Writing to Win: Advice from the Circle of Champions
 

The written format demands precision, clarity, and strategy. Here are key tips from alumni of the IPPF Circle of Champions:
 

General Guidelines
 

• Keep judges top of mind. Write with clarity, structure, and purpose.

• Cite with integrity. Judges and opponents will see your Works Cited. Quote accurately and verify the credibility of your sources.

• Craft precise arguments. Avoid vague language; clarity wins debates.

• Build flow. Link your ideas logically. Assume your reader isn’t an expert on the topic.

• Don’t rely on long quotes. Judges want your synthesis, not just your sources.

• Keep your writing dynamic. Vary sentence structure and vocabulary.

• Proofread everything. Small errors can undercut a great case.
   

Essay Breakdown
 

AFFIRMATIVE CONSTRUCTIVE

(Max: 3,000 words)
Set the tone. Define the debate’s framework. Introduce your contentions with strong evidence and clear logic. Use examples or case studies to strengthen your case. 

​

NEGATIVE CONSTRUCTIVE

(Max: 3,000 words)
Establish your stance from the start. Agree with, redefine, or challenge the Affirmative’s framework. Build your entire argument here — new contentions are not allowed in the rebuttal. Use evidence and clash directly with key issues.

​

AFFIRMATIVE REBUTTAL

(Max: 1,900 words)
Defend your contentions and dismantle the Negative’s arguments. Reassert your framework as the best path to resolving the resolution. Weigh the core issues clearly in your favor.
 

NEGATIVE REBUTTAL

(Max: 1,600 words)
Deliver a decisive final word. No new arguments allowed — focus on clarity, synthesis, and impact. Show how your position best addresses the resolution and why the key issues break your way.

​​