What does the phrase "Are you ready for the question" indicate during a debate?

The phrase "Are you ready for the question" signifies that the debate is in order, indicating a transition from discussion to the potential conclusion of that particular topic. This expression is often used to signal that the speaker believes sufficient dialogue has taken place regarding the issue at hand and is looking to move toward a decision.

In a debate context, when this phrase is mentioned, it implies that participants should prepare to either vote or reach a consensus on the matter discussed. The expectation is for members to be ready to make a decision rather than to continue on with additional debate, which reinforces that the discussion phase has reached its limit and the time for making a choice is approaching. The other options may pertain to different procedural moments in a debate but do not capture the specific function of indicating readiness to conclude discussion on the current issue.