How the Team Generator works
Paste a list of names, one per line, and choose a format. The generator shuffles the list at random, builds teams of the right size, groups them into rooms, and gives every team a side. Press “Make teams” again for a completely new draw. Names never leave your browser.
Team sizes by format
| Format | Per team | Teams per room | Sides |
|---|---|---|---|
| World Schools | 3 to 5 (3 speak in each round) | 2 | Proposition, Opposition |
| Australs | 3 | 2 | Affirmative, Negative |
| Canadian National (CNDF) | 2 | 2 | Proposition, Opposition |
| American Parliamentary | 2 | 2 | Government, Opposition |
| Policy (CX) | 2 | 2 | Affirmative, Negative |
| Karl Popper | 3 | 2 | Affirmative, Negative |
| Congressional Debate | Individual | Chambers of up to 18 | For or against each bill |
| Asian Parliamentary | 3 | 2 | Government, Opposition |
| British Parliamentary | 2 | 4 | Opening and Closing Government, Opening and Closing Opposition |
| Public Forum | 2 | 2 | Pro, Con |
| Lincoln-Douglas | 1 | 2 | Affirmative, Negative |
What happens to leftover students?
If the class does not divide evenly into full rooms, the students left over are listed as judges or reserves. They are picked at random each time, so the same people are not always left out. If you would rather everyone speak, tick “Add leftover students to teams” and they join existing teams as extra speakers.
Tips for running a class debate
- Use the leftover students as judges. Judging teaches students to weigh arguments, and they can give one piece of feedback to each team.
- Redraw teams every session. Mixed teams stop the strongest speakers always working together.
- Pair the generator with the Random motion tool and the Debate timer to run a full round in one lesson.
- For a 45-minute lesson, Public Forum or a shortened World Schools round with 4-minute speeches fits best.
Questions
Is the draw really random?
Yes. The list is shuffled with a standard random shuffle each time you press the button, so every arrangement is equally likely.
Can I set my own team size?
Yes. Choose “Custom team size” and type the number of students per team.
Can I share the result?
Press “Copy results” and paste the rooms and sides into a message, a slide or your class page.