How a six-turn written debate works

A live debate is fast. A turn-based debate is the opposite: you write, you wait, you read, you write again. For people who think better with time, or who live in a different time zone from their opponent, it is often the more comfortable way to argue. Here is how it works on theChatStage.

The basics

• Two people argue a topic from opposite sides, writing in turns.
• There are six written turns in total.
• Each turn has 24 hours on the clock.
• An argument is text, between 50 and 2,500 characters.
• Spectators can read the debate but cannot speak.
• You must be 16 or over to take part, and people under 18 only meet other people under 18.

Step by step

1. Pick a topic and a side

Choose from the list of topics. Every topic has two sides with their own labels and a short description of what is being asked. You are free to take a side you do not hold; many people do on purpose.

2. Write your opening

Your first argument sets the frame, so use it. State your position in a sentence, give your strongest reason, and support it with one concrete example. Aim for clear, not long: the limit is 2,500 characters, and a good opening rarely needs all of it.

3. Wait for your opponent

While it is your opponent's turn, the clock is theirs. You do not have to stay on the page. Your own turns come with the same 24 hours.

4. Answer what they actually said

Read their argument twice. Answer the strongest point first, not the easiest. A short restatement of their claim, followed by your reply, keeps the debate on track.

5. Edit if you need to

You can edit an argument you posted until your opponent has answered it. After that it is locked for good. If you spot a typo or want to tighten a sentence, do it before your opponent replies. An edited argument shows an "Edited" time so everyone can see.

6. Close and rate

After the sixth turn the debate ends. Both people have 24 hours to rate each other on five traits: politeness, thoughtfulness, ease of talking to, honesty and open-mindedness. Ratings are anonymous. You are told when someone gives you five stars, never who it was.

A simple six-turn plan

1. Turn 1: state your position and your best reason.
2. Turn 2: answer their opening and add a second reason.
3. Turn 3: test their weakest assumption with a question or an example.
4. Turn 4: repair any point of yours they have damaged.
5. Turn 5: name the real disagreement between you.
6. Turn 6: close with what you have conceded, what you still hold, and why.

Why choose turn-based over live

• You get time to think, look something up, and write carefully.
• It suits people who find a fast exchange stressful, or who write in a second language. See practicing English by debating.
• Time zones matter less.
• You build an argument rather than fire it off.

The trade-off is speed. A turn-based debate runs for days, so it suits people who are happy to check back once a day.

Common questions

Can anyone read my arguments?

Spectators can watch debates, and visitors without an account can watch debates that are live or published. Write as if others may read it.

Can I include images or voice notes?

Live debate rooms support messages, voice notes and images in real time. Turn-based arguments are written text.

What if I disagree with how my opponent behaves?

Every debate has Report and Block. A person on the team reviews reports and can suspend or permanently ban an account.

Ready to try one? Browse the debates, or read why it can help to argue the side you disagree with.