Debate Terms Defined Know the language before we

Debate Terms Defined Know the language before we begin.

Learning Targets �Persuasion. �Disagreeably. �Understand both sides of a controversial topic. �Properly site sources both verbally and on a Works Cited page.

Debate terms Debatable statement / Resolution: Status quo: Affirmative: Negative: Issues: Case / constructive: Rebuttal:

Debatable statement / Resolution: �Central to the debate. ◦ Clearly defines the topic to be debated. ◦ Usually one sentence. ◦ Both sides must clearly understand. ◦ Typically begins with “Resolved that…” �Hinges on a call for change

Status quo: �The existing state of affairs, especially regarding social or political issues. � Note– the debatable statement calls for a change in the way things are, the status quo.

Affirmative & Negative “teams” � The AFFIRMATIVE team argues for the resolution or debatable statement. So, it’s calling for a change. A change in the status quo. � The NEGATIVE team argues against the change or resolution. This team does not want to see the change to the status quo.

Issues � The issues of the debate are the points on which the two sides will clash. � It’s best if both the affirmative and negative teams discuss what the general issues will be before separating to research. � Basically, the resolution should be broken down into particular issues.

Case or Constructive � The purpose of the constructive speech is to make and support your main arguments in favor of the resolution (when you are affirmative) or against the resolution (when you are negative). � Each team, affirmative and negative, present their case before challenging the other team’s argument.

Rebuttal � When two people debate, one of them makes an argument, and the other follows with a rebuttal, which, plainly put, is the "no, you're wrong and this is why" argument. � This is essential– in order to rebut, you MUST anticipate how the opposition will challenge your case or constructive. � So, each team MUST know both sides of the resolution.