Debate Topics

The affirmative argues

• against the topic

• not in favor of the topic

• for the topic

The opposing side argues

• against the topic

• in favor of the topic

• for the topic

Which of these is NOT part of the debate process?

• finding a topic

• researching your topic

• delivering a speech on the fly

• practicing your speech

• preparing for the rebuttal

What does NOT win a debate?

• supporting facts

• unconvincing delivery

• logical arguments

• clear reasoning

To explain why your evidence supports your claim

• Rebuttal

• Reasoning

• Facts

Forms of support (facts, examples, quotes)

• Evidence

• Proposition side

• Reasoning

To prove that the opposing team is wrong

• Reasoning
• Opinion
• Rebuttal

What is a claim?

• an arguable statement

• evidence

• reasoning

• one of the four sides of debate

A thesis

• states the point you will be proving

• is a specific claim

• should be a broad statement

• is easily identifiable

What are characteristics of a good debater?

• making eye contact & speaking clearly

• strong arguments that support their claim

• using ethos, pathos, logos

• all the above