The Burlington-Edison debate team focuses on two main types of debate styles. Lincoln-Douglas, or LD Deabte, is a one on one debate in which a single resolution is discussed. LD debate is mainly focused around theory and hypothetical situations. Though some evidence is used, the majority of the argumentation revolves around ideas and philosophies of morality, duty, and justice.

Policy, or Cross Examination debate, is a team debate in which policy issues are analyzed and argued via empirical evidence, mainly articles published by valid authors pertaining to the topic. Policy debate mostly revolves around actions, or plans, that the United States Government should or should not implament. These issues may vary from Health Care to Energy Conservation, to Global Domination. While Lincoln Douglas is much more hypothetical based, policy centers itself around implamentation and practicality of the proposed plans.

BEHS also is involved with many types for Speech Events, aslo known as Individual Events. Individual Events comprise of various speech competitions in which a student, or students, attempts to persuade, inform, or demonstrate ideas, issues, or literary works. These competitions are rateed on speaking ability, memorization, delivery, and poise. Each speech event involoves a different area of focus and are all equally challenging.