1. DEBATE UNIT PART 3 GATHERING & RECORDING EVIDENCE

2. You should be doing or have done the following: 1.Drafted proposition 2.Defined terms 3.Defined problem 4.Defined controversy 5.Investigating history of controversy 6.Investigating & analyzing proposition

3. EVIDENCE  Argument, in debate,= a conclusion and your reasons for that conclusions. –Again, It does not mean “arguing down” –It doesn’t mean a heated, angry dispute –Your reasons must be supported by good evidence tied together in a logical way. –To successfully support your position, you’ll need to locate & use the best evidence possible.

4.  “Highway deaths seem to me to have gone down since the lowering of speed limits” as evidence to support position of wanting highway speed limits to be lowered is NOT ENOUGH  This is only a statement without any support. Add to this by citing a report that shows a statistical reduction in accidents and fatalities from a police report or other example.

5. LOCATING EVIDENCE 1. Look for facts and opinions on both sides to help you develop a stronger argument 2. Use current materials 3. Vary your resources—do not “bank” your entire position on one source 4. Record all evidence accurately

6. EXAMPLES OF SOURCES  Using experts through interviews and through emails (this may/may not be allowed in a tournament debate)  Using government documents are good sources of information for debates  Using direct sources such as specific organizations or business affiliated with your topic  You will mostly rely on what you find in your library’s reference section, databases, etc.

7. PRE-TESTING EVIDENCE  A debater should check out or pre-test every scrap of evidence before recording it for use in debate. –Does it have a bearing on the case? –Is it up-to-date? –Are the experts who are quoted truly experts in the field? –Is information accurate? –Will your audience accept it as being supportive of your argument?

8.  MAKE SURE YOU DO NOT USE EVIDENCE CARELESSLY  IF YOU QUOTE POPULATION STATISTICS, INCLUDE PLACE AND THE TOTAL POPULATION AS WELL.  WATCH OUT FOR CLAIMING THAT INFORMATION OR A FACT SAYS MORE THAN IT DOES.  BE CAREFUL NOT TO GENERALIZE

9. RECORDING EVIDENCE  Put only one piece of info on one card  Use only one side of the card  You may choose to color code your evidence to make it easier to spot  Record info neatly and accurately  Record each quote word for word –If too long, omit parts using an ellipsis

10. RECORDING EVIDENCE CONT.  THE SUBJECT HEADING (WHAT CARD IS ABOUT) SHOULD BE AT TOP OF CARD  INDICATE AFFIRMATIVE/NEGATIVE ON EACH CARD  INCLUDE BIBLIOGRAPHICAL INFO ON CARD  INCLUDE AUTHOR