Debate I: Basics & Formats Presented by Doris L. W. Chang

Presentation Outline What is “Debate”? What Can Debate Training Do for You? Debate Format Basic Glossary Work Cited

What Is Debate? A debate means “a regulated discussion of a proposition by two matched sides, providing reasoned arguments for and against a proposition.” (Goodnight 149)

Rules of the Game “regulated”: agreed-upon rules Format, Speaker responsibilities (judges, affirmative, negative teams, timer) Proofs, Logical reasoning, cross-examination Rules of time, expected performances by both teams.

“proposition” 1: A proposition is a statement that is open to interpretation It shall be controversial, significant, debatable, durable, and most importantly, with a single idea

Proposition 2: Examples In a debate, the affirmative proposes to change the status quo with a carefully argued resolution with justification, plan, and advantages. RESOLVED: That six years of English in high school is adequate for a basic education. RESOLVED: That modern art lacks artistic skill and creativity RESOLVED: That AIDS education shall be introduced at elementary school level.

What Can Debating Do for You? It cultivates your leadership skills Consolidates your investigation & analysis skills Trains your critical listening/thinking skills Enriches your open-mindedness Equips you with better organization & speaking skills Builds your self-confidence Boosts your teamwork & cooperation ability Provides you the fun when wits match with competition

Debate Formats Policy Debate & Value Debate Political Debate—Lincoln-Douglas Presidential Debates (kennedy-Nixon Debate, 1960) Modified press conferences (since questions & issues are chosen by a panel rather than the candidates) Academic Debate Standard Debate Format (highshool/college) Cross-Examination Debate Format

Policy & Value Debates Policy Debate Value Debate Resolutions urge taking action includes words like “should” “ought to” Resolutions related to evaluating ideas or actions directs the government or authority concerned Based mostly on subjective reasoning & persuasion Emphasizes objective arguments backed by evidence Emphasizes analysis & persuasion, rather than evidence

Lincoln Douglas Debate Format Affirmative Constructive 6 min. Negative Cross-exam. of Affirmative 3 min. Negative Constructive 7 min. Affirmative Cross-exam. of Negative Affirmative Rebuttal 4 min. Negative Rebuttal

Lincoln-Douglas Debate In honor of Lincoln & Douglas L-D debates for Illinois State Senate, 1852 Regular event in National Forensic League, 1980 A form of value debate Two participants only Debate value propositions, not policy propositions Same amount of time for both speakers, but Aff. has a shorter constructive speech, but 2 rebuttals More Cross-examination time, and it’s more important than building arguments (Goodnight 21-2)

Standard Debate Format 1st AC 8 min. High School 10 min. (College) 1st NC 8 min. 10 min. 2nd AC 2nd NC 1st NR 4 min. 5 min. 1st AR 2nd NR 2nd AR

Cross-Examination Debate Format 1st AC 8 min. High School 10 min. (College) N X-exam. 3 min. 1st NC 8 min. 10 min. A X-exam. 2nd AC 2nd NC 1st NR 4 min. 5 min. 1st AR 2nd NR 2nd AR

Basic Glossary (Goodnight 149-151) Proposition Affirmative/negative Constructive: speech presenting the team’s major points Rebuttal: speech rebuilding attacked arguments, refuting opposing arguments, and summarizing the debate Flow Sheeting (flowing) Prep. time Presumption—the policy in effect should remain in effect Prima facie case— the aff. should not only overcome presumption, but present a case that is complete “at first sight,” to state a justification, present a plan, list advantages, and provide sufficient proofs to make it strong enough.

Glossary 1 Burden of proof—the aff.’s obligation to provide sufficient reason for adopting the proposition Topicality—issue of whether the aff. plan falls under and supports the resolution (151). Contention Voting issues: arguments the teams believe to be key issues that shall decide who wins the debate

Glossary 2 Debate brief the structure most debaters use for organizing their evidence, usually a page of arguments and evidence to be read as needed in debate rounds 1 single argument per sheet, several pieces of evidence to be quoted when needed. (Goodnight 81)

Proposition Formation The proposition should include A single idea, significance, controversy, debatability, durability Problem area focused question proposition E.g. Welfare systemmedical care proposition Resolved: That the government should guarantee medical care for those with catastrophic illness

Questions & Answers Sample Debate on LDT (Lie Detector Test) by students 2004

Work Cited Goodnight, Lynn. Getting Started in Debate. 2nd Ed. Lincolnwood, Chicago: NTC, 1994.

Have Fun Debating!