1. Four Step Refutation International Debate Education Association
Prepared for
International Tournament of Champions
May, 2010
By Robert Trapp,
Willamette University

2. Principles of Constructing a Case
►Step One: “they say.”
State the argument you are going top refute
► Step Two: “But I disagree.”
State the most important reasons that you disagree with your opponent’s argument.”
► Step Three: “Because.”
Offer your own reasons to support your disagreement.
► Step Four: “Therefore.”
Conclude by showing how your refutation weakens or defeats your opponent’s argument.