Lesson 1 And 2

Question 1

What is an argument ?

Answer 1

An argument can be rational which means that you persuade someone through reasons or non-rational then you persuade someone with force and coercion

Question 2

The essence of debate ?

Answer 2

In debate, opponents attempts to persuade (not each other) but a third party (the adjudicator or audience) on the basis of arguments (as well as manner and method)

In general, the team with the strongest arguments should win the debate.

Question 3

What is an argument ? (2)

Answer 3

An arg is a claim or a statement that attempts to convince an audience about some idea.

However, not all arg are attempts to persuade

and not all attempts to persuade are arg.

Question 4

The A-R-E model of arguments

Answer 4

An arg is different from a simple assertion

An arg is more than just an assertion. An arg attempts to prove that an assertion is true.

A : assertion
R: reason in support of the assertion
E: evidence in support of the reason

Question 5

What is refutation ?

Answer 5

It’s what we call “clash”. It serve to answer an argument that is already in place. A complete refutation is important to win.

Question 6

4 steps refutation methods

Answer 6

Step 1 : “they say” … (need to make a reference of the arg that you are about to refute, so that the audience can follow, but you need to do it in a small sentence.

Step 2 : “but I disagree …” (the moment where you phrase your argument, and you need to do it clearly)

Step 3 : “because …” (offer a reason)

Step 4 : “therefore …” ( draw a conclusion that compares the refutation to the opponent’s argument and why it defeats theirs = need to show that your argument is better than theirs because … )

Question 7

Performance and speaking fundamentals

Answer 7

3 elements to debate :
Matter :
- Arguments
- Refutations

Manner :
- Speech
- Body language
Method :
- Rules
- Dynamics ( need to be in sync with your teammates)

Question 8

Performance and manner

Answer 8

1. Speak clearly (don’t mumble, whisper or yell)
2. Vary tones and speeds
3. Avoid body language that distracts
4. Make eye-contact

• But not with the opponent
• And don’t stare at anyone in the audience

5. Don”t speak to or touch opponent
6. Avoid all hostility
7. Do not attempt to read speech

Question 9

Body language to avoid :

Answer 9

• Crossing arms
• Touching face
• Hands in pocket
• Turning back
• Staying in same position
• Repeating gestures
• Fidgeting
• Never smiling
• Flipping papers

Question 10

Word economy

Answer 10

in a debate you need to perform in a time constraint. So you need to choose your words carefully = good word economy means that you use minimum number of words necessary to present an argument. Do not use filler words; do not use the one such as “remember” or “in fact”. To avoid this, record yourself and try to find the word and be conscience of when you are using it.

Question 11

Word choice

Answer 11

it is important to use vivid language to persuade the judge and audience. Concept of “power wording”. Your words matter, and directly affect how your argument is perceived. Strong words will make your argument more creditable. However don’t use them routinely to frame an argument that is weak because you will loose credibility. What more you can do is consider using selective repetition to emphasize critical arguments, or quote your opponent when appropriate and turn their statement to your advantages.

Question 12

General reasons why your team’s arg might be stronger than the opp

Answer 12

1. Flaws/ fallacies with opp arg
2. More evidence in support of your arg
3. Better evidence in support of your arg (ex : more recent)

Question 13

Speech structure

Answer 13

1. Introduction : should be attention-getting
2. Body : stick to assigned speaker role
3. Conclusion : should go beyond summary to crystallize with anecdotes, illustrations, or moral lessons

Question 14

Types of motions 1

Answer 14

Fact : that a certain proposition is true/false

Value : that a certain value should be endorsed

Policy : that a change in action or policy should be taken

Question 15

Types of motions 2

Answer 15

1. Closed : straight resolution. Limits the possibilities for interpretation. The motion need to be taken literally.
2. Open : also known as linkable resolution. It’s more vague and abstract.

Question 16

The teams

Answer 16

A. Proposition : argues in support of the motion

B. Opposition : argue against the motion

Question 17

The speeches (american format)

Answer 17

6 speeches:
4 constructive (7 or 5 minutes)
2 reply (4 or 3 minutes)

The order:
1. 1st proposition
2. 1st opposition
3. 2nd proposition
4. 2nd opposition
5. Opposition rebuttal
6. Proposition rebuttal

Question 18

POIs in general

Answer 18

Only taken during constructive speeches

Prohibited during protected time (first and last minute of every constructive speech)

15 seconds in length

Speaker has right to accept or reject
but a big mistake to accept none

Question 19

Giving POIs

Answer 19

• Can be questions or statements
  Statements usually much more effective
  Questions are helpful in probing the definition or model for the debate
• Rule of three (or two)
  Doesn’t really exist but is a good rule of thumb
  Rule of two in a 5 minute speech

Question 20

Answering POIs

Answer 20

Responses to POIs should take no more time than the POIs themselves (15 sec)

Should not refuse to acknowledge a POI

Should not refuse a POI by saying “not at this time”

Question 21

Speaker roles – 1st speakers:Setting up the debate and the clash

Answer 21

1st Proposition Constructive
- interpret and define motion for debate
- can introduce criteria
- must provide case for proposition (a detailed
explanation of the arguments in support of motion)
- must develop at least one argument (usually best argument)

1st Opposition Constructive
- must provide clash
- may challenge definition (usually don’t)
- must refute arguments of 1st PC (direct and indirect)
- should use strategic agreement
- can introduce counterproposal

Question 22

Speaker roles – 2nd speakers:The engine of the debate

Answer 22

2nd Proposition Constructive
- last chance to advance proposition case
- must summarize 1st PC’s arguments
- must answer all objections from 1st OC
- should introduce new argument(s)
- must summarize team’s case

2nd Opposition Constructive
- usually no new arguments (but is possible)
- must respond to 2nd Prop. Con’s critiques of 1st OC
- should further develop lines of argument
introduced by 1st OC
- must summarize team’s case

Question 23

Speaker roles – 3rd speakers:Time for the bigger picture

Answer 23

Opposition Reply
- must summarize debate and explain why
opposition wins
- must compare and contrast arguments on both sides
- should not focus on every argument
- should not repeat 2nd OC’s speech

Proposition Reply
- must summarize team’s case
- must refute OR’s arguments for why they won the
debate
- should distill debate into one or two key issues
- must explain why proposition wins the debate

Question 24

Adjudicating

Answer 24

The team that wins is not always the best team.
The winning team only needs to have put on the best performance in the debate your judging

Judging must be fair.
Both teams must be held to the same standards

Judges must make every effort to distinguish between what took place in the debate and their own views of the topic.
Teams should not be awarded for being on the “right side of the debate” nor penalized for not capitalizing on being on the right side of the debate.

Question 25

Deciding who wins

Answer 25

During the debate:
Keep track of strong / weak arguments and good / bad manner
Keep track of arguments unanswered, POIs neglected, timing issues, etc.

After the debate:
Assign speaker scores on the basis of overall judgments of relative performance
Team win should correspond to speaker-point wins (but can have low-point wins)
Have a reason to explain your decision and be able to offer some constructive feedback

Question 26

Topicality arguments

Answer 26

The arg in a debate about the topic is known as topically arg. It is introduced in the debate by the opp team, usually in the opening opp constructive speech. They argue that the prop interpretation of the topic is an unreasonable one (strays too far from the obvious meaning if the topic). The opp conclude that the case offered by the proposition is non-topical (off topic and out of bound).

Question 27

Specific knowledge

Answer 27

refers to an issue that allegedly violates the principles of fair debating. Claim that the first prop speaker has made an interpretation of a topic with “specific”, or private information (information not publicly available).
It presumes that the best debates are based on shared information, that is, factual material, opinions, and other data available in the public sphere or understood by informed students. The charge of specific knowledge is hard because unable to determine if (he knowledge used in the debate is public or private.

Question 28

Truism

Answer 28

is an op arg explaining that the prop team has offered an interpretation of th motion that is an objective truth.

Question 29

Tautology

Answer 29

also known as circular logic, is an argument fallacy in which a speaker fails to engage the issues of the topic in a reasoned way.

Question 30

Reasons to use POI

Answer 30

• Seeking understanding : examine a topic’s interpretation, the details of a policy, the technical details of products and technologies, and more …
• Establishing agreement : agreement on some issues, particularly on insignificant and trivial matters, might allow you to focus the issues of the debate on more important matters.
• Evaluating facts : interesting claims about history, gov, eco, politics, and culture are often introduced in debates. You might question the truth if your opponent’s information.
• Advancing your own argument : this is best accomplished with a cooperative point, that is one that avoids the confrontational strident, skeptical or accusatory tone. A better strategy might be a “leading” statement or question, designed to encourage your opponent to speak at length on an issue. To present a POI that advance your argument, you should begin by anticipating the arg that will come up. You would like to make sure that you are able to introduce your arg with necessary legitimacy and credibility.
• Undermining your opponent’s argument : a challenge to the logical construction of an arg might undermine the point of the speaker.