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

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

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

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

5. 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

6. 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.

7. 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.

8. 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.

9. 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.

10. “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.

11. Example
Leahy, Bart. "Space Access: The Private Investment vs. Public Funding Debate. National Space Society, 12 May Web. 20 Sept < 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.

12. Using Cards
Once you have several (Like ) 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 

13. 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”

14. 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.

15. 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.

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