Debate Vocabulary Flashcards
Negative
Rejects the resolution
Best Definitions
Refers to when debaters may argue that their definition is superior to that of another debater.
Grounds
Refers to the arguments debaters can make during the round.
Clash
The conflict with a specific argument made by the opponent; direct confrontation of ideas.
Crystallize
This involves summing up the debate; addressing the most important arguments, and offering voting issues. Debaters usually do this in their last speech.
Games-Theory
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.
Prep Time
Used to get ready and plan for their next speech. In Lincoln-Douglas, debaters get 3 minutes of this.
Topicality
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.
Status Quo
The current situation while the debate is occurring; current “norms” in society.
Spreading
When one debater makes as many arguments as possible attempting to make too many for the opponent to answer.
Fallacy
A deceptive, misleading, or false notation, belief, etc.
Evidence
Published literature introduced in the debate to provide support for an argument.
Cross-Examination
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.
Affirmative
The side that supports the resolution. It explains why the resolution is correct.
Abuse
Refers to arguments, assumptions, or definitions made by one side that prevents both sides from competing.
Observation
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.
Predictability
Refers to how predictable an argument was based on the topic, literature, or some standard of preparedness.
Card
A piece of evidence with a claim and warrant, source citation, and explanation.
Signposting
Letting the judge know where you are heading; where you are on the flow.
Flow
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.
Brief
Outline of a debate case containing arguments and evidence.
Impact
The power or force of an argument.
Value
An idea that a debater argues is paramount. The contentions in a Lincoln-Douglas case upholds this.
Framework
A weighing mechanism or tool that judges can use to determine which parts of the debate are most important.
Voting Issue
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.
Value Objection
The negative debater can offer a competing value this is upheld through their case.
Resolution
The topic of a debate. Sets forth the issues to be discussed in the debate and what sides the affirmative and negative will take.
Stock Issues
The critical elements inherent in the resolution which the affirmative must establish in order to prove the validity of the resolution.
Judging Paradigm
Preferences of a judge for a debate round.
Constructive
Speeches in which debaters introduce their position and advocacy.
Rebuttal
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.
Refutation
Arguing against the constructive arguments made by the other debater; attacking or overthrowing claims made by your opponent.
Contention
A minor argument in a debate. Affirmatives and Negatives build their cases with these.
Criterion
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
