If you asked someone what is debate, most would answer back with the statment "arguing against someone else for something," which is half-way true. Debate come with different events that you may enter and compete in. For you example, you have 3 different sections to choose from: IE, Congress, and Debate events.
IE is the public speaking event. This is where arguing against someone is not put into play. This is were you show you skills in public speakign by standing up and giving a speech you either had prepared, or in some cases make up on the spot.
Congress is an event all its own however. It is much like passing a bill. As a matter of fact, thats one of your main goals! It is where you are in a room with other people and take turns standing up and giving speeches.
Debate is the actual agruing part of debate. You can do different events wither with a partner or on your own. This is were you are giving a topic to argue affermation or negation.
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