Debate

Definition of Debate A debate is a structured speaking situation in which two teams argue two sides of a proposition, or proposal for change. The team that argues for the proposition is called the affirmative team, and the team that argues against the proposition is called the negative team.

Debate Groups Your group will consist of four people, two arguing the affirmative side, and two arguing the negative side of a proposition. Each person give two speeches: a constructive speech and a rebuttal.

Constructive Speech For your constructive speech, you will research your topic, takes notes, outline your main ideas, and write out exactly what you’ll say.

The Rebuttal As you research your topic, take note of your opponent’s arguments. To prepare for your rebuttal, you will write a response to each of your opponent’s arguments.

Speech Order First affirmative constructive First negative rebuttal First negative constructive First affirmative rebuttal Second affirmative constructive Second negative rebuttal Second negative constructive Second affirmative rebuttal

Notice that the affirmative begins and ends the debate Notice that the affirmative begins and ends the debate. They are given this advantage because they have the difficult job of convincing the people in the audience to change something. People generally prefer the status-quo, or the way things are.