Debate Vocabulary

Question 1

Negative

Answer 1

Rejects the resolution

Question 2

Best Definitions

Answer 2

Refers to when debaters may argue that their definition is superior to that of another debater.

Question 3

Grounds

Answer 3

Refers to the arguments debaters can make during the round.

Question 4

Clash

Answer 4

The conflict with a specific argument made by the opponent; direct confrontation of ideas.

Question 5

Crystallize

Answer 5

This involves summing up the debate; addressing the most important arguments, and offering voting issues. Debaters usually do this in their last speech.

Question 6

Games-Theory

Answer 6

The idea that the debate must be fair for both sides (the rules of the debate must not provide a better opportunity for one side to win over the other.

Question 7

Prep Time

Answer 7

Used to get ready and plan for their next speech. In Lincoln-Douglas, debaters get 3 minutes of this.

Question 8

Topicality

Answer 8

Referring to when teams debate the meaning of certain words in the resolution in an attempt to prove that the affirmative either is or is not debating to topic as worded.

Question 9

Status Quo

Answer 9

The current situation while the debate is occurring; current “norms” in society.

Question 10

Spreading

Answer 10

When one debater makes as many arguments as possible attempting to make too many for the opponent to answer.

Question 11

Fallacy

Answer 11

A deceptive, misleading, or false notation, belief, etc.

Question 12

Evidence

Answer 12

Published literature introduced in the debate to provide support for an argument.

Question 13

Cross-Examination

Answer 13

The time one debater gets to interact with another debater by asking questions. This time can be used for clarification or to set up an argument.

Question 14

Affirmative

Answer 14

The side that supports the resolution. It explains why the resolution is correct.

Question 15

Abuse

Answer 15

Refers to arguments, assumptions, or definitions made by one side that prevents both sides from competing.

Question 16

Observation

Answer 16

A statement made at the beginning of any speech, with takes a position with regards to the totality of ones own or ones opponents analysis. While this is optional, putting it in allows you to set up more justification and explanation about your approach to your position.

Question 17

Predictability

Answer 17

Refers to how predictable an argument was based on the topic, literature, or some standard of preparedness.

Question 18

Card

Answer 18

A piece of evidence with a claim and warrant, source citation, and explanation.

Question 19

Signposting

Answer 19

Letting the judge know where you are heading; where you are on the flow.

Question 20

Flow

Answer 20

A note taking technique. Debaters and judges do this to keep track of the arguments being made. This may also refer to the notepad itself.

Question 21

Brief

Answer 21

Outline of a debate case containing arguments and evidence.

Question 22

Impact

Answer 22

The power or force of an argument.

Question 23

Value

Answer 23

An idea that a debater argues is paramount. The contentions in a Lincoln-Douglas case upholds this.

Question 24

Framework

Answer 24

A weighing mechanism or tool that judges can use to determine which parts of the debate are most important.

Question 25

Voting Issue

Answer 25

A reason to affirm or negate. Arguments that have been won by one side or another that concludes that the resolution is true or false.

Question 26

Value Objection

Answer 26

The negative debater can offer a competing value this is upheld through their case.

Question 27

Resolution

Answer 27

The topic of a debate. Sets forth the issues to be discussed in the debate and what sides the affirmative and negative will take.

Question 28

Stock Issues

Answer 28

The critical elements inherent in the resolution which the affirmative must establish in order to prove the validity of the resolution.

Question 29

Judging Paradigm

Answer 29

Preferences of a judge for a debate round.

Question 30

Constructive

Answer 30

Speeches in which debaters introduce their position and advocacy.

Question 31

Rebuttal

Answer 31

Speeches that are shorter and occur alter in a debate in which debaters argue over issues that were built during the constructive speeches; to rebuild an initial claim by indicating how it continues to stand after consideration is given to your opponents attack.

Question 32

Refutation

Answer 32

Arguing against the constructive arguments made by the other debater; attacking or overthrowing claims made by your opponent.

Question 33

Contention

Answer 33

A minor argument in a debate. Affirmatives and Negatives build their cases with these.

Question 34

Criterion

Answer 34

A necessary or sufficient standard by which to measure the competing values. It is a conceptual tool used to decide which value should be upheld