Intro to Debate Terms

The statement being debated

• Resolution

• Contention

• Consolidation

• Clash

Facts and stats that back up your claims

• Contention

• Burden of Proof

• Evidence

• Rationale

The obligation to provide sufficient warrant for your position

• Question segment

• Resolution

• Consolidation

• Burden of Proof

The side arguing FOR what the resolution says

• Negative

• Affirmative

• Constructive

• Rationale

The side fighting AGAINST the resolution

• Negative

• Affirmative

• Rebuttal

• Clash

Conflict between the affirmative and negative sides

• Consolidation

• Rationale

• Clash

• Constructive

The part of the debate where you get to ask the other side to clarify their argument

• Cross-examination

• Question Segment

• Resolution

• Burden of Proof

The part of the debate where you attack the other side's argument and poke holes in it

• Question segment

• Cross-examination

• Rebuttal

• Rationale

A claim

• Evidence

• Contention

• Negative

• Question Segment

The opening argument in a debate

• Rebuttal

• Rationale

• Constructive

• Consolidation