Debate Test Terms

Question 1

Debate

Answer 1

Regulated discussion of a proposition by two matched sides, providing reasoned arguments for and against a proposition

Question 2

Proposition

Answer 2

Topic of debate; a statement about which reasonable people may accept arguments on either side

Question 3

Affirmative

Answer 3

Side that argues that a change should be made in the present system

Question 4

Negative

Answer 4

Side that defends present system

Question 5

Proof

Answer 5

Evidence introduced to support a claim

Question 6

Logical Reasoning

Answer 6

Process of explaining why a particular argument makes sense

Question 7

Evidence

Answer 7

Support for an argument, usually found in government documents, newspapers, magazines, journals, books, and interviews

Question 8

Case Side

Answer 8

In an affirmative case, the justification for change

Question 9

Disadvantage

Answer 9

Harm that will result from adopting either the resolution or the affirmative plan

Question 10

Harm

Answer 10

Problem caused by the presence or absence of government policy

Question 11

Inherency

Answer 11

Issue of whether a problem

Question 12

Judge

Answer 12

Person (or panel) that evaluates a debate and decides who wins and loses, based on the debaters’ analysis, reasoning, evidence, organization, refutation, and delivery

Question 13

Plan Side

Answer 13

Arguments relating to the affirmative plan for change; specifically, the part of the affirmative case that relates to the plan.

Question 14

Problem Area

Answer 14

General question or concern that a resolution tries to address

Question 15

Refutation

Answer 15

Process of attacking or destroying opposing arguments

Question 16

Constructive Speech

Answer 16

speech that presents the main points made by each team. Constructives are given first in debate

Question 17

Contentions

Answer 17

major claim in debate

Question 18

Cross-examinations debate

Answer 18

form of debate in which debaters are permitted to ask direct questions of an opponent’s constructive speeches

Question 19

Lincoln-Douglas debate

Answer 19

Form of value debate that involves two participants (one on each side) emphasis is on persuasion and analysis as opposed to evidence

Question 20

Negative block

Answer 20

second negative constructive followed by first negative rebuttal, among to 12-15 minutes of uninterrupted negative speeches

Question 21

Negative philosophy

Answer 21

negative point of view or position in debate

Question 22

Novice debater

Answer 22

beginner debater

Question 23

Preparation time

Answer 23

time between speeches that is used to get ready to speak

Question 24

Rebuttal speech

Answer 24

speech that rebuilds arguments that have been attacked, refutes opposition arguments and, summarize the debate. Rebuttals are given at the end of a debate.

Question 25

Solvency

Answer 25

ability of a plan to solve a problem or bring about an advantage

Question 26

Standard debate

Answer 26

a form of debate in which their are constructive and rebuttal speeches, but no question periods

Question 27

Topicality

Answer 27

issue of whether the affirmative plan falls under and supports the resolution

Question 28

Voting issues

Answer 28

arguments that affirmative and negative teams believe In key issues in the debate and that should decide who wins the debate

Question 29

Brainstorming

Answer 29

process of coming up with ideas by thinking of an open mind, either alone or in a group

Question 30

Evidence

Answer 30

support for an argument; usually found in government documents, newspapers, magazines, journals, books and interviews

Question 31

Evidence card (brief)

Answer 31

index card containing one piece of evidence and a complete citation of the source used

Question 32

Key Terms

Answer 32

words about or relating to a research subject

Question 33

Research

Answer 33

process of gathering evidence to support your argument

Question 34

Abbreviation systems

Answer 34

Abbreviations or symbols for words used frequently in debate; used to speed up flowing

Question 35

Flowing

Answer 35

Process of taking notes during a debate

Question 36

Flow sheet

Answer 36

Notes of the arguments made in a debate; often refers to the actual paper used to take notes

Question 37

Planks

Answer 37

Part of the affirmative plan, such as the type of board that will implement the plan, and how the plan will be implemented, funding, and enforcement.

Question 38

Circumvention

Answer 38

Argument that a policy will have no effect because it will be gotten around or avoided

Question 39

Counterplan

Answer 39

Negative strategy that admits the present system should be changed, but argues that the negative team’s plan is better than the affirmative’s

Question 40

Disadvantage

Answer 40

Harm that will result from adopting either the resolution or plan

Question 41

Minor Repairs

Answer 41

Negative argument that while there is a defect in the present system, it can be fixed without a major change in policy. The negative argues that the affirmative is an overkill

Question 42

Negative strategy

Answer 42

Negative’s plan of action to defeat the affirmative position

Question 43

Solvency

Answer 43

Ability of a plan to solve a problem or bring about an advantage

Question 44

Trend arguments

Answer 44

Argument that the present system is already moving toward the desired end, and that therefore the resolution or affirmative plan are unnecessary

Question 45

Workability

Answer 45

Ability of a plan to solve the problem(s) identified

Question 46

Uniqueness

Answer 46

Issue of whether the affirmative plan is the only cause of advantages and disadvantages