Debate Debate

A contest of argumentation.A contest of argumentation.

ArgumentArgument

A reason to support your side of the A reason to support your side of the debate. debate.

CriticismCriticism

A comment, article, or review that A comment, article, or review that expresses judgementexpresses judgement

AnalysisAnalysis

The process of breaking down an idea The process of breaking down an idea or a proposition into its elements. or a proposition into its elements.

PropositionProposition

A statement expressing the topic of A statement expressing the topic of the debate. the debate.

ResolutionResolution

A statement of your position on the A statement of your position on the issue. issue.

BriefBrief

An outline of all the arguments on both An outline of all the arguments on both sides of the debate resolution.sides of the debate resolution.

EvidenceEvidence

Data that form the basis for Data that form the basis for conclusions.conclusions.

AnalogyAnalogy

The use of comparison to draw a The use of comparison to draw a general conclusion.general conclusion.

CounterexampleCounterexample

An example made in return for another An example made in return for another example.example.

ProofProof

That which reduces uncertainty and That which reduces uncertainty and increases the probable truth of a increases the probable truth of a claim.claim.

ReasoningReasoning

A short speech that may be devoted to A short speech that may be devoted to rebuilding arguments that have been rebuilding arguments that have been attacked.attacked.

RefutationRefutation

The process of attacking and The process of attacking and destroying opposing arguments destroying opposing arguments

VariableVariable

A condition that may change and alter A condition that may change and alter a cause-effect relationship.a cause-effect relationship.

Burden of proofBurden of proof

The affirmative obligation to present a The affirmative obligation to present a case supporting the debate case supporting the debate resolution. resolution.

Cross-examinationCross-examination

Allows debaters to ask direct Allows debaters to ask direct questions of an opponent during questions of an opponent during specified time periods following the specified time periods following the opponent’s constructive speeches. opponent’s constructive speeches.

RebuttalRebuttal

Overcoming your opponents Overcoming your opponents arguments, continuing to build and arguments, continuing to build and re-explain your case re-explain your case

AdvantageAdvantage

A significant improvement over the A significant improvement over the status quo that can best be gained status quo that can best be gained by the affirmative plan. by the affirmative plan.

ContentionContention

A subdivision of an issue; an argument A subdivision of an issue; an argument essential to support a position on an essential to support a position on an issue. issue.

AssertionAssertion

an unsupported statement; a an unsupported statement; a conclusion that lacks evidence for conclusion that lacks evidence for support.support.