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FAQ
For Participants
List of 14 items.
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Who is eligible to participate?
The tournament is open to any secondary/high school student between the ages of 13–18. -
What does a six- to eight-minute speech look like?
When you're writing, aim for three to four pages of A4 or letter-sized paper (double-spaced). Anything longer means you will likely be speaking too quickly. -
When are videos due?
December 10, 2024 -
What is the registration fee?
There is no cost to participate in the tournament. -
What are the technical requirements for the tournament?
You need to provide an email address, which can be your own personal email or that of the school. You also need a device to film and a WIFI connection to upload the video and fill out the form. You will not be judged on the quality of the video. While you should be cognizant of space (ideally you would film in a classroom or a private space), the judges are to judge you on the quality of your words. In fact, the speech should not be edited at all. We are trying to keep this as simple as possible. -
Does the speech need to be memorized?
No. If the speech is not memorized, we would recommend a podium or a music stand where the student can lay out their papers. This is where the teacher can play a role in the recording—they can hold your phone while the speech is being recorded. -
What are the criteria?
The rubric is still being developed, but you will be judged on four criteria: Organization, Analysis and Reasoning, Content (examples), and Style. -
What Is the Scholarship Amount for Re:Solved Finalists?
$5,000 for the winning team ($2,500 per student)
$3,000 for the runners up ($1,500 per student) -
I qualified for the debate stage, what happens next?
Congratulations! For the debate stage, you will debate coordinately (so you will be partnered with someone not in your school, possibly not in your country). You will exchange contact information and you will prepare for the rounds on your own time. It will be the same theme as the public speaking phase. -
What if I cannot connect with my debate partner?
Please contact us at ReSolved@branksome.on.ca as soon as possible and we will reach out to your partner. If there are three failed attempts, that student will be disqualified and we will contact the alternates. -
Can people view my work?
Only the top 8 videos may be published for viewing. -
Do I need to provide judging?
Yes—you should find someone over the age of 18 in your community. That can be anyone in your school, your debate coach, a family member. That adult can be the judge of up to three people. -
What if I am having difficulty finding a judge?
Please contact us as soon as possible at ReSolved@branksome.on.ca and we will arrange judging. -
Who do I contact if I have more questions?
Please email ReSolved@branksome.on.ca.
For Judges
List of 3 items.
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What is the role of the judge and what do they do?
Each competitor needs to provide the name of one adult who can act as a judge. This judge can be anyone from their school community, not necessarily their public speaking coach. Examples of this can be their coach, their teacher, their counsellor, their Advisor, someone in their school administration or a family member or family friend. The judge can support up to three students. The purpose is to ensure that the students will have their speeches seen at least three times.In December 2024, the judge will receive a list of students with their video links as well as ballots. The judge is then asked to watch, give the speech a mark and, if desired, provide comments. The time commitment will be two hours spread over one week. -
What if I forget to judge the students?
Unfortunately, if the judge does not complete the judging, the students that are affiliated with that judge will be disqualified. -
What if I can't make the deadline?
Please contact the organizers as soon as possible at ReSolved@branksome.on.ca.
Contact Us
All questions about the Re:Solved debate competition can be sent to: ReSolved@branksome.on.ca
LAND ACKNOWLEDGMENT
We wish to acknowledge this land on which Branksome operates. For thousands of years, it has been the traditional land of the Wendat, the Seneca, and most recently, the Mississaugas of the Credit River. Today, this meeting place is still the home to many Indigenous peoples from across Turtle Island and we are grateful to have the opportunity to work and go to school on this land.*
*The Land Acknowledgement may evolve as we honour our commitment to Truth and Reconciliation in partnership with Indigenous communities.
*The Land Acknowledgement may evolve as we honour our commitment to Truth and Reconciliation in partnership with Indigenous communities.
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