By debating we mean talking about a fixed topic in a fixed format. In our English debates we are debating according to the British Parliamentary Style (for more detail read rules).
Important to notice are the following things:

• Your site is drawn by lots, this means that you are not necessarily on the site of your own opinion
• You have a fixed speaking time and there is not dialogue
• You only have 15 min to prepare before the debate, there you should not find facts, but an abstract logical argumentation
• You get assessed by fixed criteria, therefor one or more neutral adjudicators listen to the date

A debate ist aiming at a detailed and in-depth argumentation on a topic. The speakers train to understand and give abstract argumentation, as well as presenting it structured and detailed.