Debate Vocabulary

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Across
  1. 4. crossfire The cross-examination period is where all four debaters are allowed to speak.
  2. 5. argument an argument that goes unanswered by your opponent. Dropping an argument will cause you to not be able to address it later. This is bad, very, very bad.
  3. 8. The main point or separate argument. This is sometimes also called a "claim".
  4. 9. Fire the cross-examination period is where you and your opponent take turns asking questions. This period is one versus one. There are two types of questions: clarification and questions of exploitation to set up
  5. 10. The note-taking technique is used in debates to track all points and arguments. This is separated by speech for organizational purposes. This is used to go down each point made to provide an organized clash in debate.
  6. 11. Time allotted to each team does not count as speaking time. This time (3 minutes per team for you) is used to prepare notes for your next speech and discuss strategy with your partner. It can be used before any of your speeches. It is NOT used before an opponent’s speech or before a crossfire period.
Down
  1. 1. time your future arguments. Be strategic, but polite.
  2. 2. speaking time allotted to review arguments and clarify the round. No new arguments are allowed in rebuttals. In Public Forum, these are called First Speaker Summary and Final Focus.
  3. 3. valid quotes and sources that are delivered conversationally. Sometimes referred to as a “card” which refers to the days when debaters cut and pasted their quotes on note
  4. 6. the exact wording of your topic. Good ones are worded to imply a clear Pro and Con stance. For example: “Immigration” is not one. “The USFG should pass the immigration reform bill” is one.
  5. 7. The speeches where you offer your main points follow the basic structure we have used in class. This is written word for word and includes at least one valid quote/source for every point made. This includes an introduction, a “framework” weighing mechanism, your main points, and a conclusion.
  6. 8. Aligning your arguments directly to your opponents’ points. Good debates provide a lot of this. Debates get very hard to judge when they are two teams making points but not attacking the other team's points as well. Make your points clearly, but attack every argument your opponent makes