1. Researching a Topic
First read for understanding and background information
Mark ideas that would help develop values or case ideas
Highlight specific quotations that could support contentions

2. Rules of Evidence #1 Have available a full source citation
Author
Author’s qualifications
Title
Date
Page
You do not need to read the full citation
Give enough of the citation to give the quote credibility

3. Rules of Evidence #2 Make available the entire quote
Internal ellipses are not allowed
Quote may be read in paraphrased form
Be certain the quote is not taken out of context
Be faithful to the author’s intent

4. “Quotable” Evidence should be
From a reliable source
Concise
short and to the point
Making a persuasive point
Supporting of itself
not dependent on other sentences to make sense
vague words or pronouns identified in brackets

5. Use of Evidence in Debate 1
Background - any and all evidence that helps your understanding of the resolution
Evidence to Prove a Point - statistics, quotes, examples
Evidence to Clarify and Explain - examples, definitions
Evidence to Impress & Persuade - short quotes, examples, statistics that drive a point home, dramatic illustrations

6. Use of Evidence in Debate 2
Use at least one quote to support each major idea in your case.
Have available evidence to refute arguments you expect your opponent to use.
Have available evidence to support your arguments against the refutation you expect from your opponents.