Forming and structuring an argument Warwick Debating Society

S.P.E.E.L. S-tatus quo (or opposition’s view of events) P-oint E-xplanation E-xample L-ink

Status quo What does this mean? Explain what the situation the opposition is defending is like at the moment. Why is it important? Ensures that you are engaging with the opposition’s arguments and debating « on the comparative » rather than in isolation.

Point What does this mean? This is the title of your argument. It needs to be a summary of the argument in a short, snappy sentence (signposting). Why is it important? Makes your speech easy to follow.

Explanation What does this mean? This is where you explain or justify your argument. You need to keep asking yourself ‘why?’ This is the bulk of your argument, and should take the most time. You need to explain everything, so there are no assumptions. Show why the point is true and why the point is important. Why is it important? Both teams will give different versions of events, and the morals we should have – the judge however will have to believe the team that explains why their arguments are right in more depth.

Example What does this mean? Give an example that illustrates your argument. It could be a fact, statistic, story or a hypothetical example (‘imagine if...’). It may also be a comparison with something we already do in society, showing what we find acceptable or not e.g. THW Legalise Drugs – Alcohol and Smoking are already legal. Why is it important? This helps people visualise what you are talking about, and makes it relevant to their own lives.

Link What does this mean? Finally you need to link your argument back to the motion. Why does it matter to the debate? Why is this argument important? Why is it important? Guarantees that your argument is wholly relavent and understood in the context of the debate.

Government: THW Legalise All Drugs Argument: Legalising drugs would better enable addicts to receive advice and treatment. SQ: Currently, there are lots and lots of drug addicts and abusers in the UK. A large majority of them do not want to remain this way but do not really see where they can get any help. This is especially true because many of the SQ sources of information such as teachers or family members are not available to them because these members of society are often isolated and/or do not feel they can trust those around them. Furthermore, their drug dealers are also their “friends” who have no incentive to help them improve their situation. This means they have very little possibility of escaping the cycle they are in.

Now Point: Individual receive advice from plentiful legitimate responsible sources. Explanation: Taking drugs is no longer an illegal offence and there is now far more sources of information than before. This means that individuals can go to their GP, hospitals or newly opened drop-in centres to discuss their problems and the options available to them which previously would not have been the case. Link: This enables individuals to have a far better chance of not suffering due to their drug addiction than before.

Questions?