Debate Terminology

2. standards by which a decision is made; criterion
4. part where debaters ask each other questions
6. time between speeches used to prepare arguments
7. current or present state of affairs
9. side arguing against resolution and for present system
11. negative's responsibility to disprove the opposing case
13. directly attacking opposing team's argument
15. thought process requiring judge to analyze if proposal does more harm or good
16. note-taking during a debate where important parts are recorded
20. standard, rule, or test on which a decision is based
22. speech that refutes arguments of opposing team
23. judge's tool to explain their experience and persuasive style
25. barrier or reason a problem still exists
26. side arguing in favor of resolution

1. negative team arguing their plan is better than affirmative's
3. argument questioning underlying assumptions within affirmative's plan
5. the subject or proposition being debated
8. key points or reasons the judge should give decision to a team
10. argument saying opposition's argument is not directly related to resolution
12. negative argument stating that affirmative's plan will cause harm
14. first speech in a round meant to build case
17. system of ranking and putting equal teams against each other
18. argument based on idea that current system works and no change needed
19. affirmative's responsibility to prove
20. claims in a case made for either side
21. direct response to opponent or refutation
24. a standard that should be upheld