Key Debate Terms

A speech that contradicts an earlier statement; each student will give 2 90 second rebuttals.

• rebuttal

• refute

• constructive

• cross-examination

Occurs after each constructive; the person who just spoke is asked questions about their opponent.

• cross-examination

• rebuttal

• constructive

• argument

The formal statement of the proposition.

• resolution

• status quo

• burden of proof

• proposition

No or false; the team that disagrees with the resolution

• negative

• affirmative

• constructive

• resolution

competition in which two opposing teams make speeches to support their arguments and disagree with those of the other team.

• debate

• claim

• resolution

• rebuttal

the opinion about which the teams argue

• claim

• resolution

• rebuttal

• debate

explains why one team disagrees with the other team (comeback).

• resolution

• rebuttal

• opening statements

• closing statements

The FIRST step in the process of debate

• opening statement

• arguments

• rebuttal conference

• rebuttal

• closing statement

The SECOND step in the process of debate

• opening statements

• arguments

• rebuttal conference

• rebuttal

• closing statement

The FINAL step in the process of debate

• opening statement

• arguments

• rebuttal conference

• rebuttal

• closing statement