Debate or debating is a formal method of interactive and position representational argument.(Wikipedia Definition)
One large misconception about it is that it is all about argument; it is not. Deliberative bodies such as parliaments, legislative assemblies, and meetings of all sorts engage in debates. Rule-based competitive debate is often encouraged in high schools and colleges. The major goal of the study of it as a method or art is to develop one’s ability to play from either position with equal ease.
The premier event in the world of parliamentary debate, the World Universities Debating Championship, is conducted in the British Parliamentary style. Parliamentary style (sometimes referred to as “parli” in the United States) is conducted under rules derived from British parliamentary procedure.
Throughout the world, parliamentary debate is what most countries know as “debating”, and is the primary style practiced in the United Kingdom, Australia, India and most other nations.

The National Parliamentary Debate League (NPDL) is the umbrella organization for all parliamentary debating at the secondary school level in the United States
Lincoln-Douglas debate, a form of United States high school style named after the Lincoln-Douglas Debates of 1858, is a one-on-one event focused mainly on applying philosophical theories to real world issues.
Public forum style was established in 2002 by the National Forensic League. Public Forum combines aspects of both Policy debate and Lincoln-Douglas debate, with shorter speech lengths and more frequent changes in resolution that serve to emphasize brevity and eloquence over exhaustive research and technical debating.

Many contests and competitions are held each year centered around debate. One such is “Now Debate This “-where students compete for a $150,000.00 scholarship to a college of their choice. http://www.nowdebatethis.com