1. Debating Michael Cheng National Chengchi University
Sophomore Oral Training & Reading

2. Resolution This is the issue that you are debating.
In a policy debate you are arguing for a change in policy.

3. Examples of a Resolution
Gay marriage should be legalized in Taiwan.
Involuntary active euthanasia should be legalized in Taiwan.
Condom machines should be installed on campus.

4. Status Quo The status quo is the present situation.
It’s how things are right now.
A resolution hopes to change the status quo.

5. Examples of the status quo
Gay marriage is not legally recognized in Taiwan.
Doctors cannot unilaterally decide to end a patient’s life by removing life support equipment from a comatose patient.
There are no condom machines on the campus of NCCU.

6. Burden of Proof
This means that it is harder to convince people to do something different or to make a change.
You have to PROVE that there is an advantage to making a change.

7. Review Question
What is the connection between the STATUS QUO and the Burden of Proof?

8. Two Sides of a Debate Affirmative Negative
The Affirmative supports the resolution.
Negative
The Negative is against the resolution
Which side wants to keep the status quo?
Which side has the burden of proof?

9. How to do convince your audience to change the status quo?
HARMS: There is something harmful about the status quo.
SIGNIFICANCE: These harms are significant.
INHERENCY: There are barriers to solving the problem in the status quo.
SOLVENCY: Your plan can solve the problems.
ADVANTAGES: Extra bonuses from your plan.

10. Gay Marriage
HARMS:
SIGNIFICANCE:
INHERENCY:
SOLVENCY:
ADVANTAGES:

11. Euthanasia
HARMS:
SIGNIFICANCE:
INHERENCY:
SOLVENCY:
ADVANTAGES:

12. Condom Machines
HARMS:
SIGNIFICANCE:
INHERENCY:
SOLVENCY:
ADVANTAGES:

13. How do you convince the audience to reject the resolution?
HARMS: That doesn’t really hurt anyone.
SIGNIFICANCE: It’s so small it doesn’t really matter.
INHERENCY: We are already fixing the problem.
SOLVENCY: Your plan doesn’t really solve the problem.
DISADVANTAGES: You create even more problems.
LACK OF EVIDENCE: No facts to back up your opinions.

14. Evidence Strong evidence should be Authoritative Current Objective
Relevant

15. Bad Evidence Authoritative—He’s not an expert
Current—That happened so long ago and the situation is different now
Objective—He’s twisting the facts because he has a bias
Relevant—You took the information out of context; Our situation is totally different

16. Gay Marriage—Negative Case
HARMS:
SIGNIFICANCE:
INHERENCY:
SOLVENCY:
DISADVANTAGES:

17. Condom Machines—Negative Case
HARMS:
SIGNIFICANCE:
INHERENCY:
SOLVENCY:
DISADVANTAGES:

18. Class Debate Format (4 minutes) Affirmative 1: State your case
(4 minutes) Negative 1: Tear down the case
(4 minutes) Affirmative 2: Rebut, build case, add advan
(4 minutes) Negative 2: Continue to tear down the case
(1 minute) Timeout
(2 minutes) Crossfire—All Speakers question each other
(1 minute) Negative 1: Summarize
(1 minute) Affirmative 1: Summarize
(1 minute) Negative 2: Conclude
(1 minute) Affirmative 2: Conclude
Total: 24 minutes

19. Debate Teams
(Divide your team into a Affirmative Team and a Negative Team)
Team A: Joyce Yao, Afore, Emily, Amy Shyung Team B: Kyle, Chris, Ching, Stella Team C: Amy Lin, Hannah, Vivian, Sharon Team D: Victor, Tina, Joyce Yang, Francis Team E: Raina, Oswald, Julie, Cielo

20. Resolution Condom machines will be installed on campus.
(Where? How many? Cost? Brand?)

21. This is the order of the competition
Week 1: A+ vs B- , D&E judge B+ vs C- , E&A judge C+ vs D- , A&B judge D+ vs E- , B&C judge E+ vs A- , C&D judge
Week 2: E+ vs C- , B judges A+ vs D- , C judges B+ vs E- , D judges C+ vs A- , E judges D+ vs B- , A judges