Debate Terminology Week 1 Debate Ms. Haen

Resolution also known as “Rez” the statement that will be argued; The resolution always takes a position and the debater will form a thesis around it. ALWAYS A STATEMENT, NEVER A QUESTION

Sample Resolutions RESOLVED: An oppressive government is more desirable than no government at all. RESOLVED: Citizens ought to have the right to bear arms. RESOLVED: Competition is superior to cooperation in achieving excellence. RESOLVED: The possession of nuclear weapons is immoral.

Affirmative also known as “AFF” the debater’s side whose arguments will support the resolution assumes the resolution to be TRUE

Negative also known as “NEG” The debater’s side whose arguments go against the resolution Assumes the resolution to be FALSE

Value the belief that you will use to weigh the round the value is what you are debating over (which value is worth more) these are “unattainable” goals that the AFF/NEG are striving for Think of this as the thesis in an essay Example: Resolved: Juveniles charged with violent crimes should be tried and punished as adults. Value= justice OR mercy OR…

Value Clash The difference between Aff’s vote and Neg’s vote Difference between understanding the vote and the conflict over which will support that value better Even if both of the values are the same, the debaters prove who upholds the value better

Card (Evidence) material from a reliable source that supports a contention, value, criterion or the case in general Inappropriate evidence would be Wikipedia, MSNBC, Fox News Either too biased to be reliable, or it is not clear where the information came from

Definition a solid explanation (from an acceptable source) for a term or concept in the debate The definition you employ should be from a source that is relevant to the resolution Black’s Law Dictionary, medical dictionary, etc. Resolved: Juveniles charged with violent crimes should be tried and punished as adults.

Contention an argument that is used to support your overall case generally have three contentions in a constructive Contentions present arguments to support your value Contentions are “opinions” supported by facts Think of the contentions as your supporting paragraphs in a persuasive essay

Constructive speeches in a debate where the initial arguments of both teams are presented where your argument is laid out, with value, criterion, and contentions present notes are taken by opponent during this speech

Introduction to Resolution; Statement of Values & Criterion Conclusion of Case Contention 1 Contention 2 Contention 3

Cross Examination asking leading questions in order to build a case against your opponent the evidence you uncover and the information you get is used later during the debate to prove your opponent wrong or show the weakness in their argument

QUIZ ON WEDNESDAY! (2/3) Quiz will have these terms and a mixture of other material on it! ***Flashcards is the best we to get the terms memorized quickly!***