Key Debate Terms

What is it called when you prove that a counterclaim is weak or incorrect?

• a claim

• a rebuttal

A __________ is an organized activity where groups of people argue opposing sides of a topic to practice critical thinking and communication skills.

A __________ is a response that opposes or refutes an argument presented by the other side in a debate.

In a debate, participants must challenge assumptions and present strong arguments, often starting with the __________ that their stance is correct.

A concisely worded formal statement of the issue

to be debated that contains only one idea.

• Affirmative

• proposition

• negtive

• argument

agrees with the resolution.

• affirmative team

• negative team

• judge

• topic

During a debate, one side argues in favor of the resolution, which is known as the __________.

In a debate, the team opposing the resolution and arguing against its adoption is called the __________.

In a debate, the __________ is the first opportunity for each team to present their main arguments and set the tone for their case.

A structured __________ allows participants to present arguments and counterarguments on a specific topic in an organized manner.