Bedate

Question 1

Debate

Answer 1

A formal presentation in which two persons ( or two teams) present opposing sides of an issue in a prescribed manner, with each side given a specific amount of time for a presentation, argument, rebuttal, and closing.

Question 2

Issue

Answer 2

An important topic or problem for debate or discussion, Ex: capital punishment

Question 3

Resolution Statement

Answer 3

A sentence/phrase explaining the selected issue that is to be debated. It is ALWAYS phrased in the positive. This os the CLAIM you’re going to prove, Ex: Pro resolution statement: capital punishment should be legal in the United States
Con resolution statement: Capital punishment should be prohibited in the united states

Question 4

Pro

Answer 4

The side of the debate that is in for (in support of) the issua

Question 5

Con

Answer 5

The side of debate that is against the issue

Question 6

Opponent

Answer 6

The person (or team) in which you debate against.

Question 7

Opening Statement

Answer 7

The “introduction paragraph” of your debate. Provides a hook, background information on your issue, and your resolution statement.

Question 8

Argument (1,2,3, etc.)

Answer 8

The “body paragraphs” of your debate. Each body paragraph is a separate argument to help prove your resolution statement. This is where your facts, statistics, and other sources of evidence come into play to prove that your side of the issue is the “right” side of the argument.

Question 9

Evidence

Answer 9

A statement of fact or opinion which makes a statement acceptable to an audience through the use of statistics, facts, and case studies.

Question 10

Cross-Examination Questions

Answer 10

The response to each argument, where you may ask questions and clarify areas of misunderstanding, as well as probe your opponent’s areas of weakness.

Question 11

Rebuttal

Answer 11

An attack of the opponent’s arguments. It is an attempt to demonstrate the error or inadequacy of your opponent’s case. You must factually show how and why those arguments cannot be considered valid and why your arguments are credible. This is the only time you will interact directly with your opponent.

Question 12

Closing Statement

Answer 12

The “conclusion paragraph” of your debate. A summary of what you have presented; a last chance to emphasize the important issues and discount your opponent’s arguments.

Question 13

Extemporaneously

Answer 13

Speaking without preparation.

Question 14

Favor

Answer 14

Support.

Question 15

Case Studies

Answer 15

A particular instance of something used or analyzed in order to illustrate an argument.

Question 16

Statistic

Answer 16

Numerical data.