crossfire consists of each speaker asking their opponent questions. Refutation Speeches (4 minutes) The first refutation speaker refutes the constructive speech for the opposite side (that is, the second constructive speech). Parts of this case are sometimes pre-written and are known as "answers to" (A/2s or ATs) or "blocks". The second refutation speaker refutes the first constructive speaker, but must also defend the arguments of the second constructive speaker, which have just been refuted by the first refutation speaker. The two speakers then engage in crossfire. Summary Speeches (3 minutes) The summary speech, given by the 2 constructive speakers, is given to both reinforce arguments and to refute their opponents, as well as to try and tell the judge which points the debate should be judged on. The summary is often referred to as the most important speech. Competitors "weigh" their points in comparison to their opponents to explain why it is more important through the framework of scope, magnitude, prerequisite, etc.) The summary speeches are followed by the grand crossfire, a crossfire between all speakers. Final Foci/Focuses (2 minutes) The final focus, given by the 2 refutation speakers, is 2 minutes and is used to explain to the judge why the speaker's team should win the debate. Final foci must not bring up new material. Prep Time Prep time differs from tournament to tournament. The most common amounts of prep in a debate are 3 minutes and 4 minutes. This prep time can only be taken in between speeches. Each team may use the other team's prep time for their preparation, however, the time is only taken from the team that decided to take prep time. Though it is not common practice, some national tournaments give teams additional prep time. For example, the Yale Invitational Debate Tournament provides both teams with 4 minutes of prep time. Topics Topics are presented as resolutions, meaning they advocate for solving a problem by the means of a certain position. Resolution options and official topics are released by the National Speech and Debate Association (NSDA) on their website. Competitors are encouraged to focus on the "main issues" of the topic rather than search for obscure arguments. The resolution changes frequently and focuses on current events. Some topics spread the length of two months, while others rotate monthly. Topics include: March 2010 – Affirmative action to promote equal opportunity in the United States is