ANN ARBOR—If you’re willing to argue a point based on facts, challenging any of the high school debate students coming this weekend to the University of Michigan would be pointless.

That is, unless you’re able to match their speed. Debaters usually will give their points at a pace of 400 words per minute.

High school debate students from about 20 states will compete in the U-M Debate Program’s 19th annual tournament Friday through Sunday (Nov. 7-9). Nearly 700 debaters, coaches, judges and parents are expected to attend.

Competitors will debate in two-person teams on the topic: “Resolved: The United States federal government should substantially increase its non-military exploration and/or development of the Earth’s oceans.”

Aaron Kall, who directs the U-M Debate Program, said high school students are increasingly getting involved with debate.

“This is our largest high school debate tournament to date and numbers are similarly up throughout the country at other tournaments,” Kall said. “Participating in debate offers valuable skills like critical thinking, library research and public speaking.’

The competition is open to the public at nearly a dozen locations on campus.

Related Link:

• Schedule of events: www.tabroom.com/index/tourn/index.mhtml?tourn_id=2944