+ Debate Basics

+ DEBATE A debate is a formal argument in which two opposing teams propose or attack a given proposition or motion in a series of speeches.

+ THE PROPOSITION, MOTION OR RESOLUTION This is the statement of judgment that identifies the central issue in controversy. A proposition may be one of fact, value or policy.

+ Clearly state the controversy; Contain only one central idea; Be stated in neutral language; Propose a change in the existing state of things or status quo CHARACTERISTICS OF THE PROPOSITION OF POLICY

+ Resolved: that government should actively encourage the advancement of research on human cloning. EXAMPLE OF A PROPOSITION OF POLICY

+ This is the obligation of the advocates to prove their case, i.e., to provide good and sufficient reasons for adopting the proposition. THE BURDEN OF PROOF

+ It is the Affirmative that always carries the burden of proof. One who asserts must prove. TAKE NOTE

+ This is the obligation to counter or oppose arguments that harm one’s position. BURDEN OF REBUTTAL OR REFUTATION

+ While the burden of proof always stays with the Affirmative, the burden of rebuttal shifts between the two sides as the debate progresses. TAKE NOTE

+ These are standard claims that are applicable to many propositions. STOCK ISSUES

+ For policy debates, the stock issues are drawn from three basic elements: justification (necessity), plan (practicability), and advantages (beneficiality). STOCK ISSUES

+ Looks into the need (or lack of need) for the policy change and discusses the presence (or absence) of an inherent flaw in the status quo. JUSTIFICATION (NECESSITY)

+ Considers the feasibility (or lack of feasibility) of the policy change and includes matters of law and finance. PLAN (PRACTICABILITY)

+ Discusses advantages (or disadvantages) of adopting the change and mentions specific beneficiaries and benefits. ADVANTAGES (BENEFICIALITY)

+ DEBATE GROUPS S. Y (A table of random numbers was generated to determine the group composition.)

+ Group

+ Group

+ Group

+ Group

+ THE DEBATE TEAM

+ She will be responsible for mobilizing the group. She will also be one of the debaters/speakers. Team Leader

+ They will represent and give voice to the team’s stand during the class debate. Two Other Debaters/Speakers

+ They help prepare the team’s stand. They take note of the other team’s points and help formulate responses or counterarguments. If a speaker is absent or is unavailable, one of the scribes takes her place. Two Scribes

+ Four to Five Researchers They supply the team with matter, i.e., evidence to support its stand.