Constructing a Case for a Proposition International Debate Education Association Constructing a Case for a Proposition Prepared for International Tournament of Champions May, 2010 By Robert Trapp, Willamette University
Principles of Constructing a Case ►A case for the proposition is one or more arguments that support the framework presented by the team defending the proposition. ► Two common methods of constructing a case include: the comparative advantages method and the need—plan—benefits method.
Comparative Advantages Case ►Plan: Present your plan to change the current course of action. ►Advantages: Show the advantages of your plan over the current course of action.
Present Your Plan of Action ►What is the appropriate actor? Who or what should implement your plan? ►What specific actions do you propose? ► What other important details are needed? Funding Enforcement etc.
Advantages ►Show that the current system cannot attain the advantages. ►Identify the part of your plan that will create the advantages. ►Show how that part of your plan creates the advantages. ►Demonstrate the magnitude of the advantages. -- Show the magnitude quantitatively -- Show the magnitude qualitatively
Need—Plan—Benefits Case ►Need: Is there a need to change current policy? ►Plan: Present your plan to change the current policy. ► Benefits: Will your plan solve or alleviate the need?
Is There a Need for a Change? ►Identify the problem. ►Show the magnitude of the problem -- Show the magnitude quantitatively -- Show the magnitude qualitatively ► Identify the source of the problem. -- What is the cause of the problem? Who or what is to blame? --How is the cause or blame associated with the current policy? Does the current policy contain gaps? Does the current policy present barriers?
Plan ►What is the appropriate actor? Who or what should implement your plan? ►What specific actions do you propose? ► What other important details are needed? Funding Enforcement etc.
Benefits: Will Your Plan Solve the Need? ►Identify the part of your plan that will solve or alleviate the problem. ►Show how that part of your plan alleviates or solves the need.