Debate Terminology

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Across
  1. 2. The power or force of an argument; Why does the argument matter?
  2. 5. This is used to refer to how predictable an argument was based upon the topic literature or some standard of preparedness.
  3. 7. The side that supports the resolution is affirmative. The affirmative case explains why the resolution is correct; it is presented during the affirmative constructive (AC).
  4. 9. Time: In Lincoln-Douglas debate, debaters have a total of three minutes of prep time that can be used during the debate to get ready and plan for their next speech.
  5. 14. Constructive speeches are speeches in which debaters introduce their position and advocacy.
  6. 16. Objection: The negative debater can offer a competing value that is upheld through their case. The negative must show that this value is superior to the affirmative’s value (LD debate).
  7. 18. Rebuttal speeches are shorter speeches later in the debate in which debaters argue over issues that were built during the constructive speeches; to re-build an initial claim by indicating how it continues to stand after consideration is given to your opponent’s attack.
  8. 20. Evidence refers to published literature introduced into the debate to provide support for an argument. Lincoln-Douglas debate is less evidence-intensive than Policy Debate.
  9. 23. A criterion is a necessary or sufficient standard by which to measure the competing values. It is a conceptual tool used to decide which value should be upheld (“criteria” is the plural of “criterion”).
  10. 24. Outline of a debate case containing arguments and evidence.
  11. 25. The conflict with a specific argument made by the opponent; direct confrontation of ideas.
  12. 28. Issues: The critical elements inherent in the resolution which the affirmative must establish in order to prove the validity of the resolution.
  13. 30. Ground refers to the arguments debaters can make during the round. It is used to say that each side must have sufficient ground for the round to be fair.
  14. 31. Theory: Games theory is the idea that debate must be fair for both sides. The rules of debate must not provide a better opportunity for one side to win over another.
  15. 32. A statement made at the beginning of any speech which takes a position with regard to the totality of one’s own or one’s opponent’s analysis. This part of the speech is entirely optional. Leaving it out allows more time for the intro or the contentions. But by putting in, while it takes time, it allows you to set up more justification and explanation about your approach to your position.
  16. 33. The reason why your claim is true; reasoning behind a claim. If an argument has no warrant, it may be automatically disregarded by some judges.
  17. 35. Letting judge know where you are headed (preview); where you are on the flow.
  18. 36. The topic of the debate. The resolution sets forth the issues to be discussed in the debate and the respective sides affirmative and negative teams will take.
Down
  1. 1. A deceptive, misleading, or false notion, belief, etc.
  2. 3. Debaters generally crystallize the debate in their last speech. Crystallizing involves summing up the debate, addressing the most important arguments, and offering voting issues.
  3. 4. This refers to arguments, assumptions, or definitions made by one side that prevent both sides from competing
  4. 6. (Sometimes called “T”) An argument where teams debate the meaning of certain words in the resolution in an attempt to prove that the affirmative either is or is not debating the topic as worded.
  5. 8. A value is an idea that a debater argues is paramount. The contentions in a Lincoln-Douglas case uphold the value. Generally, the debater will present philosophical background to support and explain their value. For a more detailed explanation, see “Logic in LD: Casing Applications (Continued).”
  6. 10. Arguing against constructive arguments made by the other debater; attacking or overthrowing claims made by your opponent.
  7. 11. Paradigm: Preferences of a judge for a debate round (For example, a judge may request that there be no “spreading” or excessive speed.)
  8. 12. Flowing is a note taking technique. Debaters and judges flow throughout the round to keep track of the arguments being made. The “flow” may also refer to the notepad itself.
  9. 13. quo: The current situation while the debate is occurring; existing state of things.
  10. 15. A contention is a major argument in the debate. Affirmatives and negatives build their cases with contentions.
  11. 17. A weighing mechanism or tool that judges can use to determine which parts of the debate are most important; attempts to tell the judge which impacts matter most and why.
  12. 19. of Proof: A debater who offers an argument must show that it is valid in order for it to be accepted. In Lincoln-Douglas debate, the affirmative team has the burden to prove the resolution true while the negative has the burden to prove the resolution false.
  13. 21. A piece of evidence with a claim and warrant, source citation, and explanation.
  14. 22. Definitions: Debaters may argue that their definition is superior to that of another debater for a variety of reasons such as setting fair limits for the debate or being used in the literature.
  15. 26. Spreading is when one debater makes as many arguments as possible attempting to make too many for the opponent to answer.
  16. 27. Rejects the resolution
  17. 29. Cross-ex and CX are both short for cross examination. Cross ex is the time one debater gets to interact with another debater by asking questions. In Lincoln-Douglas debate, each debater gets three minutes of cross-ex time after his or her opponent’s constructive speech. The time can be used for clarification or to set up an argument.
  18. 34. Issue or “Voters”: Both teams can make voting issues throughout the debate. A voting issue is a reason to affirm or negate. Voting issues are arguments that have been won by one side or another that conclude that the resolution is true or false.