Debate Terms

The person or people that you're debating against.

• Teammate

• Opponent

• Negative

• Affirmative

The team that is debating FOR the resolution.

• Affirmative

• Negative

• Rebuttal

• Pro

The team that is debating AGAINST the resolution.

• Pro

• Con

• Opponent

• Negative

To outline the positives of a resolution is to list the...

• Cons

• Pros

• Positives

• Negatives

To outline the negatives of a resolution...

• Cons

• Negatives

• Affirmatives

• Pros

The resolution is another name for the _________, which is the main argument of your debate.

• Claim

• Warrant

• Evidence

• Counterpoint

What happens during the cross-examination round of a debate?

• Teams get to fence to see who wins the debate

• Teams ask each other questions to invalidate opposing arguments.

• Teams get to prepare for the next round

• Teams stare at each other as an act of intimidation

In the constructive phase of a speech, teams...

• Make their initial arguments for why their side is correct.

• Ask each other questions to poke holes in arguments.

• Rebut the other teams arguments.

• Prepare for the first round of the debate.

In the rebuttal round of a speech, teams...

• Present their arguments for why the other side is incorrect.

• Present their arguments for why their side is correct.

• Head-butt each other until one side gives in.

• Ask questions to the other side to poke holes in their arguments.

When you research for a debate, you...

• Google funny memes to entertain yourself

• List your reasons for believing your side

• Look for data, research, and other evidence that supports the arguments for your side.

• List reasons for the opposing side and reasons why they're wrong.