1. Team Policy Debate
Popular Debate Format

2. Resolutions:
The resolution is simply a statement of policy or a statement of value.
Examples:
Resolved: "Be it resolved, that teachers should not give out homework.”
Resolved: “Be it resolved, that people should listen to Hip Hop rather than Country.

3. Keep in Mind
In many debate formats, there is a requirement that a policy resolution represent a change from current policy, so that the opposition team will be defending the status quo(=the way things are now).
Resolved: Community standards ought to be valued above conflicting national standards.

4. Modified Round Structure
1st person Affirmative=> 5 minutes
1st person Negative=> 5 minutes
2nd person Affirmative=> 5 minutes
2nd person Negative=> 5 minutes
1st Negative Rebuttal 3 minutes
1st Affirmative Rebuttal 3 minutes
2nd Negative Rebuttal 3 minutes
2nd Affirmative Rebuttal 3 minutes

5. Step 1: Choose a side.
Resolved: “Be it resolved, cell phones should be banned from schools.”
Affirmative = Resolution is “true”
Negative = Resolution is “false”

6. Step 2: Develop your speeches.
Each person on the team gets at least 5 minutes to make their case.
Students should use this time to:
Give their strongest claims
Have sturdy evidence
Appeal to the audience’s concerns and/or interests.

7. Example Speech Structure
Claim (tag)
Warrant (analysis, explanation)
Data (evidence)
Impact (effect on society and/or individuals)
THIS IS NOT THE TIME TO COUNTERARGUE. WORK ON EVIDENCE AND PRAISE FOR YOUR SIDE.
THE COUNTERARGUMENT IS USED IN THE REBUTTAL.

8. Step 3: Develop a rebuttal.
Each person on the team gets at least 3 minutes to make their counterargument.
Students should use this time to:
Show you were listening to the other side
Have sturdy evidence against the other side’s claims
Appeal to the audience’s concerns and/or interests.

9. Step 4: Practice. Get a research team together to:
Help you find data for the debate;
Practice arguments with;
Provide input on becoming successful in the debate;
and Help anticipate counterarguments that might contradict your side or make your side more favorable.

10. Keys to Winning in a Debate
Do your research. Clearly explained data and articulating complex and in depth issues within the resolution is key to beating tough opponents.
Create a philosophical discussion group. This is just a group of teammates to informally discuss and debate the resolution. Stay on topic.
Anticipate your opponents’ arguments and locate evidence to beat them. Create briefs as you are discussing with the team.

11. Resolved: Mints are better than gum.
Debate
Resolved: Mints are better than gum.
Speeches have claims(=reasons) that have explanations, evidence and connects the audience to the concern for the topic.

12. Speech Structures Evidence:
Scientist Joe Malone says, “Mints are not high in sugar, which helps gum become sticky. This gum base is essentially rubber.” [from Newton: Ask a Scientist.com]
Impact: Mints lack this rubber substance, which helps teeth confidently crunch down on this fresh breath alternative.
Claim: Mints are less messy than gum.
Warrant: (explanation)
Mints dissolve easily with water/silva and are not make with a sticky adhesive that can get stuck to fingers, braces and soles.

13. Speech Structures Evidence: Scientist Joe Malone says…
Using facts or stastistics or quotes from other scholars must be cited.
Impact: Mints lack this rubber substance, which helps teeth confidently crunch down on this fresh breath alternative.
Connect it to the audience.
Claim: Mints are less messy than gum. (One of my strong reasons)
Warrant: (explanation)
Mints dissolve easily with water/silva and are not make with a sticky adhesive that can get stuck to fingers, braces and soles.