Debate Terminology

Debate

• A casual conversation about opinions and feelings.

• A structured discussion where two sides argue for and against a specific topic or resolution, using logic, evidence, and persuasive speaking.

• A one-sided presentation of information without opposing views.

• An informal gathering to share personal stories and experiences.

Evidence

• Facts, statistics, examples, or expert opinions used to support an argument or claim in a debate.

• Personal anecdotes that illustrate a point.

• Emotional appeals that persuade an audience.

• Unverified claims that lack supporting data.

Counterclaim

• A statement that supports a claim.

• A statement that challenges or disagrees with a claim.

• A statement that provides evidence for a claim.

• A statement that summarizes the main argument.

Abstain

• To choose not to vote for either side.

• To vote for one side only.

• To participate in a discussion without making a decision.

• To support both sides equally.

Vote

• A system by which those involved in the debate choose which side they support.

• A method of counting the number of participants in a debate.

• A process of selecting a leader for a group.

• A technique for measuring public opinion on various issues.

Strategy Planning

• To give yourself the best chance of winning the debate by preparing facts and arguments.

• To avoid any preparation and rely on improvisation during the debate.

• To focus solely on the emotional appeal rather than logical arguments.

• To ensure that you only listen to your own arguments and ignore the opposition.

Affirmative

• The side in a debate that opposes the resolution or topic.

• The side in a debate that supports or agrees with the resolution or topic.

• A type of argument that is based on personal opinion.

• A method of debating that avoids taking a stance.

Warrant

• The reasoning that explains how or why the evidence supports the claim.

• A type of evidence used to support a claim.

• A conclusion drawn from the evidence presented.

• A statement that summarizes the main argument.

Facts

• A statement that can be proven to be true or false using evidence.

• An opinion based on personal beliefs.

• A guess made without any evidence.

• A theory that has not been tested.

Proposer

• A person or team who argues against the resolution or idea (same as the Negative side).

• A person or team who argues in favor of the resolution or idea (same as the Affirmative side).

• A neutral party that does not take a side in the argument.

• A judge who decides the outcome of the debate.