IMPACTS

Making Arguments

Matter

SUCCESSFUL

Successful debators are able to show why their arguments matter. They can explain the significance of arguments in a way that makes them more important and real.

What's An Impact?One way to evaluate arguments is by looking at their significance. In debate, an argument's significance is called its impact.

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No Assumptions

Do not assume that you, the judge, and other debators agree on what arguments are important. In debates, you often make an argument that you think is important, but the other team and perhaps the judge does not.

Presentation is Everything

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Therefore ...

You must follow your arguments with a "therefore" statement providing reasons why they matter. For example "Children should watch less television because it affects them negatively," is not enough. You must say how watching too much television affects them and how many children are affected. Explaining your impacts shows the judge and the audience the significance of your issue and the importance of your argument.

Thoughtful Politics

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IMPACTS .... explain why each of the following

impacts are bad

droughtcrimefalling a classfamine floodsforest fires

global warmingimprisonmentinequalitylosing freedom of speechsexismslavery