Basic Case Writing Objective: Students will write an affirmative and negative case using basic case structure.

Key Elements to All cases Constructive Speech vs. Rebuttal Speech Organization Introduction Contentions Use of Evidence Abbreviations

Constructive Speeches Present your initial position Present your key arguments Create a framework for the debate Define terms Analyze the resolution

Rebuttal speeches Refute your opponents claims Rebuild your arguments Clarify your position Offer additional evidence in support of your position Summarize arguments

Case Organization Your Case is your First Constructive Speech in the debate Similar to a 5 paragraph essay This is where you present your arguments for your position. Sign posting Road mapping

Case Organization cont Most cases start with an introduction. This will include your topic analysis AKA DEFINITIONS Resolutional Analysis Overall Position The body is made up of 3-5 Contentions or Arguments Generally there is no conclusion in your first constructive speech.

Introductions Start with a quote that relates to your position. This provides immediate ethos Define terms Clarifies the debate. Offer a resolution analysis Provides a framework for what the debate should focus on and a clear bright line for the judge.

Contentions Another term for argument Each contention is a fully structured argument. Includes a claim, data and warrant. Research your data first and then write your claim based on what you find. Your claim should generally be a restatement of your data. Warrants tend to be more explicit in competitive debate so feel free to write them out and read them in round.

Use of Evidence Research the topic first Find evidence on BOTH sides of the topic “Cut” Cards Paste your Cards into your case 75-90% of your case should be evidence. Research your sources to ensure they are valid.

“Cutting” Cards Cutting cards is an easy way to create usable evidence in debate. First read articles related to your topic Then select a paragraph from the article that supports your position. Cut that paragraph and paste it into a WORD document. Using proper MLA source citation, properly source cite the article directly above the paragraph.

Example Leahy, Bart. "Space Access: The Private Investment vs. Public Funding Debate. National Space Society, 12 May 2006. Web. 20 Sept. 2011. <http://www.space.com/2401-space-access- private-investment-public-funding-debate.html>. However, some advocates believe the time for businesses to take over space operations is now. According to space policy consultant Jim Muncy, the $500 million Commercial Orbital Transportation Services (COTS) program represents a breakthrough in NASA thinking about space operations because it really offers the private sector a chance to do what only Russia does now: resupply the International Space Station.

Using Cards Once you have several (Like 50-100) cards you can start building your case. Its kind of like a puzzle. Sort your evidence into groups either by Issues or Arguments you want to make Identify the strongest Arguments and use your evidence to write each contention Organize your contentions in order of strength. Put your case together 

Abbreviations In Debate it is important for EVERYONE to be organized Therefore we SAY OUT LOUD paragraph indicators Definitions- say “definitions” C 1- say “Contention one” A.-say “Sub point A”

Abbreviations cont. When writing your case you may want to use some common abbreviations. C or K for contention O for observation Roman Numerals for each contentions Capital Letters for Sub points Example K1- A 1. a.

Your final case Your final case should look like a hybrid between an essay and an outline. Everything should be clear Highlight the most important items in your case-the items you want the judge to write down in his/her notes. PRACTICE READING THE WHOLE THING OUT LOUD.

Differences in Style Policy LD PF Problem/Solution Basic Stock Issues 5 Plank Plan LD Value Criterion Contentions with a K PF Recency Observations